Situated in the Savoie region of France, near the Swiss border, Les Arcs ski resort is divided into five sections and boasts an impressive 200kms of pisted runs, superb facilities and an extensive lift system. Les Arcs also has one of the longest expert runs in Europe.

Set amid beautiful mountain scenery, the five villages of Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Arc 2000 are purpose-built to represent a traditional resort atmosphere with modern facilities. Lodgings are also extensive, with 30,000 beds available in hotels and self-catering apartments. Childcare facilities are also available.

Les Arcs has 200kms of novice to expert terrain over 118 slopes that are divided into 10 per cent for beginners, 30 per cent for intermediates, 38 per cent for advanced and 22 per cent for expert snowboarders and skiers. The longest run here is seven kilometres. Fifty-four lift systems provide access to all slopes and cover a vertical of 2,416m. Additionally, there are 15kms of cross-country trails.

Other winter activities and facilities at Les Arcs ski resort include: ice-skating (natural), dog-sledding, hang-gliding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow-biking, paragliding, sleigh riding, a half-pipe (Arc 1800), a ski jump (Arc 1800) and speed-skiing (Arc 2000). There are also squash and fitness rooms. Après-ski is fairly lively, with cinemas, restaurants and bars and three nightclubs spread throughout the resort.

The mid-December to late April ski season at Les Arcs has its best snow in February and cheaper rates pre-Christmas holidays and in April.

Options for getting here are good, the most practical option being to fly to Geneva and taking one of the Les Arcs-bound buses. Many prefer to take the train which can be more convenient than flying.