© SeeLesArcs.com
© Villaroger
© Neil Warren
© Neil Warren
Villaroger
The lowest and most secluded, this quiet village is at the end of the Aiguille Rouge run
At 1,200m Villaroger is the lowest of the mountainside villages in Les Arcs. It's an ideal winter destination for skiers who mostly spend all day on the pistes and appreciate a little tranquillity in the evenings. Situated on north-facing slopes, Villaroger is somewhat shaded and therefore retains snow despite its relatively low altitude. In the summer, the village is well connected to the MTB trails and is an ideal starting point for exploring the Tarentaise valley.
Local legend suggests that before Villaroger was a bona fide resort locals and ski instructors would regularly finish their day by riding down the off-piste into the village. This became such a common occurrence, that they decided to build chairlifts so people could go back up the mountain. Nowadays, the Aiguille Rouge piste dropping from 3,226m down to the village is a fairly straightforward prospect, although you do need the legs for a run that lasts for around 7km! Villaroger has largely retained its village charm, avoiding many commercial elements that exist in other resorts. This means it's quieter with only a few restaurants and definitely no nightclubs.
Sights & Attractions in Villaroger
Villaroger’s rural location might feel isolated, but it's actually very close to plenty of bustling resorts. Obviously, Les Arcs is on your metaphorical doorstep, with the chairlifts from the centre of the village taking you to just above Arc 2000. However, other well-known ski domains are also nearby: La Rosière is approximately a 25-minute drive, St Foy only 15 minutes and Tignes-Val d’Isère less than half an hour away. The main town of Bourg St Maurice, with its vast selection of shops, restaurants, bars and events is only about 10km away.
Things to do in Villaroger
In the winter, Villaroger is all about the pistes. In recent years over 60 new snow cannons were installed in this sector of Les Arcs, ensuring good snow conditions from the very start to the very end of the season. It's possible to ski off-piste through the Vanoise National Park down to the village but you must go with a qualified guide (or complete the relevant practical course) to protect the flora and fauna; there are serious penalties otherwise.
In summer, the village is populated by walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and nature lovers intent on enjoying the beautiful scenery and mountainous landscape.
Dining in Villaroger
Just a few steps from the bottom of the Replat chairlift, you will find La Ferme, a traditional Savoyard restaurant and bar serving regional specialities in a cosy Alpine farmhouse setting. In Le Pré there is the restaurant Goyet, with a slightly more contemporary feel, which regularly features a ‘fish of the day’ on the menu.
Nightlife in Villaroger
You can always enjoy a quiet drink in La Ferme, otherwise, you have to make your own fun.
Chalets in Villaroger
The village is only small and chalets predominate. There are a handful of apartments on offer and some places function as hotels, allowing for shorter stays.
