Arc 1950 Family Holidays and Breaks

Overview

Facts at a glance
Ski area: Les Arcs (linking to neighbouring Paradiski, including La Plagne)
Altitude range of ski area: 810m to 3226m (skiing mostly over 1200m)
Km of piste: 200
Blue/green/red/black runs: 135/12/77/37
Minimum age for ski lessons: 3 years

One of the most welcoming mountain resort villages, Arc 1950 in the French Alps is a safe, car-free, ski-in-ski-out resort with access to a vast ski area with more than 425km of pistes. It sits over 1950m above sea level so is snow-sure, whether you visit over February half term or in spring. The skiing represents a full mix, with glacier skiing, forest runs for shelter, groomed runs and funparks. It also stands for the fact that each of its self-catering residences (there are no hotels) has its own outdoor heated pool and indoor Jacuzzis,

This is a lively resort in winter and summer, with a busy calendar of events that will keep all ages entertained, from night-sledding and freeride and freestyle weeks, to Carnival, film festivals, and fashion and Saint Patrick weeks.

Things to do with kids in Arc 1950

• Ski or snowboard from mid December to almost the end of April. You have the option of booking kids into the P’tit Cariboo club (nine months to three years) or Cariboo Club (three to 13 years), or signing them up for lessons at the Spirit Ski School by Evolution 2. You might also mix ski school with the Cariboo for lunch, giving you a longer ski day. Teens can take part in back-country courses, junior freeride and racing camps, and more. Note that lift-passes include a day taking the Vanoise Express over to La Plagne, which adds value.

'Arc 1950 is a lively resort that's great for children, with nightly music, fireworks and the like. Built by Canadian developer Intrawest (creator of Whistler, North America’s biggest ski resort), it’s a pleasure to look at, all wood and stone, with apartments bigger than those traditionally found in France.' Nick Dalton, family ski expert

• If you have any energy left after a day on the slopes, try tobogganing, speed-riding (a combination of freestyle skiing and paragliding), ski-joering, dog-sledding, snowmobiling or even a helicopter ride. There’s also a giant airbag to leap into, plus an ice igloo just above the village, with a bar, restaurant and ice grotto with statues.

• Enjoy some après-ski in the resort’s 1000m2 Deep Nature spa (children are allowed at specific times and can get their own treatments).

• In summer, take part in fresh-air activities for all ages including hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and archery. Every Wednesday in the summer season (mid July to the end of August) is dedicated to family entertainment: themed shows, games, workshops and even a fancy-dress ball.

• Try out the lovely selection of bars and restaurants, including the homely Wood Bear café for coffee and lunches, an Irish bar, George’s Wine Bar, and O’Chaud for cocktails. On the slopes you’ll find a full choice of alpine eateries, from funky tapas bars such as Bulle Café to more open-plan, self-service ski restaurants.

Find out more at www.arc1950.com