Best pistes in Les Arcs

If you want to try the longest run, then get to the top of the Aiguille Rouge cable car at Arc 2000. From here you can travel 7km non-stop (whilst descending over 2km) into Villaroger, on the Aiguille Rouge black run. At about a third of the way down it changes into a red, but it can still be demanding. The main problem with this piste is the queue to get on the cable car in the first place. Also, due to the height, it can be one of the first runs to close when the weather becomes adverse. Have this on your list for one of the first runs of the day, as you may avoid the crowds and should still have plenty of energy in your legs.If you love moguls, then head to the top of the Comborciere or the Muguet black runs. Both of these runs are very demanding, steep and, as the sign states at the bottom of the Comborciere lift, “for expert skiers only.” Even with a dump of fresh snow you’ll need your legs to be full of “bounce” and ready for the challenge.

From the top of the Comborciere chair lift take you can also take Malgovert “natur” run into Arc 1600. It is unpisted, meaning it’s never flattened out by the piste-bashers, and has a good number of rocks, trees and other natural obstacles to navigate.

If you’re looking for a long, blue cruise through the trees, then consider the aptly named Forêt run which starts atop the Grizzly lift above Peisey-Vallandry. It winds a serious distance all the way down to Vallandry, although some of the sections through the woods can be quite tight and, beginner snowboarders beware, a little flat.

If your group contains people of different abilities, head over to the Derby lift, where three great runs (one blue, one red and one black) all head back to the bottom of the chairlift. Renard (blue) is wide and sweeping, great for beginners looking to take the next step. Belette (red) is also wide, steep at the top but flattening out to invite real speed tests. Bosses (black) is French for “bumps” and it forms thin, heavily-moguled track between the other two pistes. Towards the bottom it even forms a kind of natural half-pipe, if you want to throw in a bit of freestyle. All of these run have access to some fun just-off-piste too.

On the other side of Paradiski, there are many runs in La Plagne worth mentioning. Over in Plagne Centre there is Arnica, a blue run accessed by the Colorado chair. It is a not an exceptional piste in itself but there are loads of little jumps and banks to mess about with, making it very playful. A similar run over towards Montchavin is the Pierres Blanches piste.

For a blast, try the wide, rolling Laines and Arpette from the Dos Rond to Plagne Bellecôte. They can both be really fast.

When you get a big dump of fresh snow, you should try Java or Mont St Sauveur from the top of the Becoin lift. They are wide and fast, ensuring you can be smashing the powder long after other pistes have been ridden into extinction.