There are ski resorts that promise an experience, and then there are those that promise a lifestyle. Les Arcs 1950 undoubtedly belongs to the second group. It wasn’t the extremely low temperatures (12 degrees below zero - Google said it feels like -17) that struck me during my visit to the picturesque ski town. Nor was it the Paradiski - the portmanteau of “ski” and “paradise” that promises and delivers 425 km of ski slopes. It was mainly the atmosphere of this amazing place where I stayed for four days in early January - exactly during the days when Europe was freezing.
I arrived in Les Arcs with SKIDEAL, Israel’s largest ski travel company. For over 20 years, the company has been responsible for flying Israeli groups to the world’s most renowned ski resorts, but the real highlight is the community that has quietly built up, winter after winter. Almost every Israeli I spoke with said this was far from their first trip with SKIDEAL - and certainly not their last.
The biggest advantage of SKIDEAL’s packages is their comprehensive understanding of travelers’ needs. Whether it’s a week-long trip or just a weekend, for a couple or a family, whether you crave a vacation in France or Italy - SKIDEAL will create the perfect package, down to the smallest details. How much attention is paid to the little things? SKIDEAL even offers a toddler program for kids up to 3 years old, ski camps for children up to 13, and ski lessons for your teenagers - all while you enjoy quality time in the snow.
The journey to Les Arcs quickly transforms from a routine trip into a breathtaking experience. The town is located between two and three hours from Grenoble Airport, near Lyon, and once you begin ascending the Alps, you leave your phone (or any other preoccupations) behind and focus on the stunning scenery.
Les Arcs is divided into several areas, with the highlights being 1950 and 2000. The two towns are connected by a cable car that runs daily until 11:00 PM, providing easy access from the apartments to the entertainment areas. The 1950 apartment hotel where we stayed is a full five-star residence, and each apartment is fully equipped down to the smallest details.
We met Itay immediately as I got out of the car that brought me to 1950. A young, charming, energetic guy who is on-site 24/7, responsible for taking care of all SKIDEAL clients’ needs. I admit: Most of the information Itay gave me I forgot a minute later. My ears heard every word, but my mind was busy processing the insane views in front of me. The town is picturesque, like something straight out of a movie - no roads, no cars - just snowy paths leading from place to place. Occasionally, a group of skiers would pass by, making their way down the trail.
Once I recovered from the initial shock, I started to understand where I was and what was around me. Restaurants, thankfully, are not lacking - ranging from meat-focused eateries to Italian cuisine, local specialties, and even fast food for a quick bite. Those less interested in dining out can buy whatever they need at Carrefour - the apartments, as mentioned, are also equipped for this. In any case, the small bakery that looks as if it came straight out of a tourist guide is not to be missed - even if you’re on a strict diet.
The following days were an unforgettable experience. The slopes in Les Arcs include, as mentioned, 425 km of runs combining beginner-friendly areas with challenging zones for experts, three peaks above 3,000 meters, off-piste terrain everywhere, two snowparks, two glaciers, 144 ski lifts, and 755 snow cannons. There’s something for everyone - even if you’ve never put on ski boots before. SKIDEAL will even take you on an après-ski outing to La Folie Douce, France’s leading après-ski club network - definitely worth it.
The clear weather that welcomed us on arrival quickly changed, and the next three days were marked by heavy snowfall. Here the culture and lifestyle aspect comes in: It turned out we were the only ones fussing over temperatures or the falling snow. Throughout that time, people continued skiing joyfully around us, and the cold and wind certainly didn’t stop the celebration. At one point, we preferred to leave the snow for the luxurious Deep Nature spa, where - when the storm isn’t raging outside - you can gaze at Mont Blanc. We settled for a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi and hot pools, sweated it out in the sauna, and finished with a challenging visit to the Nordic outdoor pools - warm water in the open air while snow falls directly on your head. Truly an unforgettable experience.
We left Les Arcs with the weather still gray and the bus slowly descending the mountainside. From the faces of the Israeli tourists around me, also making their way back to Grenoble Airport, I learned I wasn’t the only one disappointed to leave - and certainly not the only one planning to return next year.