Beginner ski areas in Les Arcs

Even if there are several equipment options to choose from, we recommend you go for the most basic. 

Beginner skis are short, flexible skis that are easy to turn or, if you're snowboarding, you'll have a shorter stiffer snowboard that's easier to control and generally cheaper too. 

You won't need to know about the technical aspects of any of the equipment as ski hire shops will advise you to get the best model for your ability and size once you've booked. 

If you're learning to ski for the first time, Les Arcs has plenty of choice of ski schools who teach children and adults.  

Children's lessons are determined by their age and ability, whilst adult lessons are determined by ability and interests.

If you're joining a ski school as a complete beginner, you will probably start off in the nursery areas where a ski pass isn't needed, making use of the free beginner ski lifts mentioned below, or just practising on the slopes without using any lifts at all.

Depending on where you're located will depend on the beginners pass you will buy.

Beginners passes are only sold in the sales offices.

Each village of Les Arcs ski area has a number of gentle blue runs and nursery areas, designed specifically for beginners, so you will be able to learn pretty much anywhere in Les Arcs. 

Arc 1600

No green pistes, but plenty of blue pistes. With lots of nice rolling blue pistes in the trees, Arc 1600 is a good place to learn to ski or snowboard and also to progress from skiing blues to reds. There are a couple of short ski lifts here you can lap - Cachettes and Vezaille. Build up your confidence on these before heading further up the mountain onto some of the longer runs. 

Arc 1800

A couple of green pistes, some blue pistes. The green pistes can be found at the Mille 8 complex. You'll find wide tree-lined runs here that lead back to resort and which are a great learning environment for beginner skiers. They have plenty room to practice turns and a gentle gradient to build confidence. The wide open "front des neiges" area right in the centre of resort is home to the Jardin des Enfants, the nursery slopes and the ski school meeting points. 

Arc 2000

No green pistes, lots of blue pistes. Generally considered more suitable for intermediate to expert skiers there are some fantastic rolling blues which are shallow enough for beginners to learn on. For some nice quiet rolling blue runs which will ease you into your holiday try either the Plan Vert piste or the Cascades run. 

Peisey-Vallandry

A range of gentle, cruisy blue runs that are perfect for beginners and in tree-lined serenity for that perfect first ski holiday experience. In Peisey use the Peisey chairlift and the Cabri J bar lift, or in Vallandry use the Vallandry chair lift and the Flocon J bar lift.

Villaroger

No green pistes, a few blue pistes. The lowest village in Les Arcs ski area, Villaroger, offers a small selection of blue pistes which are all relatively short and can be lapped easily via the Replat chairlift. When you're ready to move onto longer, more challenging runs, the Plan des Violettes lift gives you access to two more runs through the trees. 

Espace Ludique

You'll also find some fun zones "Espace Ludiques" in the Mille 8 complex.

Buying all the gear before you go can be daunting if you’ve never set foot in a ski resort before. The key items to bring with you, along with the obvious ski jacket, ski trousers and goggles, are as follows:

• Layers - thermal tops and leggings, fleeces, hoodies, hats and a good pair of ski gloves and a helmet. Weather on the mountain can change pretty quickly, and you are much better off wearing layers of thinner items as opposed to a big, bulky jumper.
• Socks - a variety of socks ranging in thickness, it may sound weird but in our experience hire boots can be quite painful with the wrong socks.
• Sun cream - even when it’s cloudy the sun here can (and will) still get you, and don't forget the underneath of your chin as the sun reflects off the snow too. Don't forget a lip salve with an SPF.
• Piste map - make sure to always have one in your pocket while you're out on the mountain. You can pick up paper copies from the lift pass or tourist office once you've arrived in resort.