Les Arcs Highlights Developments For Upcoming Season

A mountain territory that stretches across three massifs: the Vanoise, the Beaufortain and Mont-Blanc, from the very high altitude of the Aiguille des Glaciers, the highest point of the commune at 3,817 m, down to the banks of the Isère river.

An incomparable offer for tourists with Les Arcs, one of Europe’s largest moun- tain resorts which, together with La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry, forms the Paradiski area, but also one of the pionee- ring resorts for all forms of winter sports, white-water sports, mountain biking, etc., making it an undisputed capital of outdoor sports.

Here, in the heart of Les Arcs - Bourg Saint Maurice, there is a strong commitment to the environment. This aspiration to sustainable, environmentally-friendly tourism is the result of a close collaboration between three essential players: the local authorities, the mountain area operator and the Tourist Office. Together, they implement concrete initiatives to reduce the resort’s environmental footprint, encourage the local biodiversity and make visitors aware of the importance of protecting the mountain ecosystem. As Europe’s first mountain area to be awarded the B Corp (Benefit Corporation) certification, the philosophy is clear: “Not to be the best in the world but better for the world”.

• The first festival for the protection of glaciers, “Agir pour les Glaciers” will be held 20-22 March, an initiative by Jean-Baptiste Bosson and Air Coop, which follows on from the Agir pour le Vivant (Action for Living Things) festival organised by Actes Sud and Comuna in Arles. On the programme: 3 days of conferences, scientific workshops, debates and cultural, festive and artistic evenings during which participants can marvel at and celebrate nature and, above all, make a commitment to the glaciers. “The idea is to support the regions concerned in taking care of nature,” explained Jean-Baptiste Bosson, a glaciologist who works on the protection of glaciers, high mountains and the ecosystems that form after they retreat. “This is a first for a national public policy, as the French government has asked local authorities to protect their glaciers. It also has international resonance, since the UN has declared 2025 the International Year of Glacier Preservation, and 21 March will become World Glacier Day.”
• In December 2023, the Transarc’s metamorphosis began. The first phase of the project was designed to offer easier access to the ski area, a challenge that was met with the layout of a reception / advice / sales area and the installation of an escalator for easier access to the Transarc from Arc 1800. This winter, Les Arcs / Peisey-Vallandry will see the return of the emblematic link between Arc 1800 and the mountain tops. The new Transarc is a complete transfor- mation of the renowned gondola with more spacious 10-seat cabins that will considerably improve passenger comfort. The new lift will have 138 cabins (compared to 92 before) on a line that is 3.4 kilometres long in total. From the departure point, exactly 1,707 metres above sea level, to the arrival point at 2,544 metres, the lift’s travel speed will be 7 metres/second for a journey time of 13 minutes compared to 20 minutes before, an important element that will guarantee better fluidity at the bottom station. The new lift is also designed for lower electricity consumption to comply with the current energy standards. At the top, visitors can enjoy a 360° panoramic view and at the mid-station, a mineral gallery will exhibit beautiful specimens. This summer, visitors will also have the opportunity to discover new outdoor adventures and activities as they travel up the mountain. At the Transarc mid-station, they will be able to try Mountain Karting, a fun activity for the whole family that promises an exciting descent right back down to Arc 1800. At the top of the new gondola, access to La Tranks and Yellow Stone mountain bike routes, as well as a number of hiking trails opens up the whole Arc 2000 sector to all those who enjoy thrilling outdoor activities. These trails for all levels offer a perfect setting for discovering the region’s natural beauty. There is even a panoramic terrace where you can sit and contemplate, a place to relax and admire the views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Whether you need a rest after a hike or simply want to enjoy the scenery, the terrace is the perfect spot to recharge your batteries and make the most of the calm of the mountain in summer.
• Les Minis ski run (formerly Les Cabanes) going from top to bottom of Les Villards gondola in the Arc 1800 sector allows beginner skiers of all ages to discover the joys of skiing whilst arousing their curio- sity about the natural world around them. At the start of the run, budding skiers, adventurers and explorers are invited to step through a giant magnifying glass to explore the fascinating world of the tiny mountain creatures. This symbolic door takes them into a world peopled with giant animals that are usually almost invi- sible to the naked eye! All the way down the run, skiers of all ages can discover different insects and giant ants. There are wood cabins along the way for a recrea- tional break. A fun way to understand the challenges of protecting and preserving this precious ecosystem. 
• The Les Arcs / Peisey-Vallandry mountain area has undertaken an ambitious hydro production project using an exis- ting artificial snow network. This hydro production will start in spring 2025 and produce 13.6% of the mountain area’s annual electricity consumption. The water will flow through a pipe that is already used for the snow-making system in winter to Pré Saint Esprit where it will drive a turbine. The project is aiming for a target production of 1.4 GWh/yr, a quantity of energy equivalent to the average annual consumption of artificial snow production. In addition to providing a renewable source of energy, the heat generated by the turbine will be used to heat the chairlift garage.
• The mountain area is proposing a new ambiance at the Snow Park in Arc 1600 by creating the SPARK – SNOW AND SUMMER PARK. For the first phase of redesigning the snow park, visitors will find a new decor, including staging in the tunnel, better starting lines for a more dynamic start and a new look for the freestyle modules. With the aim of going even further, new activities will be introduced in summer, transforming the SPARK into a top summer spot! The new SPARK expe- rience, where every season will have new and exciting features to discover!
• Villaroger is getting ready to welcome a new gondola in December 2025 which will replace Replat and Plan des Violettes chairlifts. The cabins of the new gondola (TC10 Villaroger) will have 10 seats and ski holders and will go from the bottom of Replat (1200m) to the bottom of Droset (2120 m) in just 6min 45, making the journey shorter by about 10 min.
• A new play area in Bourg, designed for children aged 5-12 and created with the invaluable help of the Municipal Council for Children, this new playground that is both original and unique completes the existing offer for small children and will occupy a hitherto unused site. The railings are shaped like the funicular, the monkey bridge looks like the departure station and the cabin at the top is a nod to the Robert Blanc refuge... at 7 metres high, this is the new spot that neither children nor their parents will want to miss!
• A new high-end guesthouse, La Grange des Eulets, has opened in Bourg Saint Maurice. This old renovated building has 5 huge bedrooms, a semi-professional kitchen, a games room and a lovely 120m2 communal living area... Outside, there is a Nordic bath, as well as terraces and a garden where guests can relax and enjoy the mountain views.

With these developments 2024/25 promises to be an exciting and sustainable season.