About Les Arcs 1950/2000

Les Arc’s is a series of resort towns consisting primarily of hotels and chalets located above the village of Bourg St. Maurice (population 7600). These resorts serve the ski area of the Aiguille Rouge in the French Alps. They are named according to the altitude at which they are built: Arc 1600, 1800, 1950 and Arc 2000, and were constructed between 1968 and 2003. Ski hire Arc 2000 is a major commercial business. Aiguille Rouge, with a height of 3226 m, is opposite Mont-Blanc. Bourg St-Maurice is connected with Arc 1600 by a funicular railway known as Arc en Ciel'. All lie within the Department of Savoie in the Region of the Rhône-Alpes. Les Arc’s are connected by the Vanoise Express to La Plagne by a double cable car, the only one in the world with a capacity over 200 people. The ski area is collectively known as Paradiski with over 200 km of ski runs. Ski hire is possible at all Les Arc’s.

Arc 2000 itself offers little besides the services of the ski runs, lodging and restaurants. Les Arcs 2000 ski hire shops offer ski and snowboard equipment. There are a number of small shops, one cinema and a meeting room.

Show sights

The historic town of Bourg St. Maurice, on the other hand, offers many opportunities. Guided tours are available to neighboring locations. By visiting several Baroque churches one can see polychrome paintings, frescoes, and carvings in local wood and stone. The woolen mill at Seez may be toured to watch production of Bonneval cloth, prized by decorators. Local museums include a mineral museum and La Petite Maison de la Pomme where one may learn the local importance of apple growing and production.

For those who desire more active pursuits there is a bowling alley at Arc 1800. In the summer months, hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking in the region are becoming increasingly popular, and the cable cars are even being operated during July and August to accommodate summer tourism. Stage 16 of the Tour de France ends at Bourg St. Maurice. The Isere river has been used for the international canoe and kayak competition whitewater slalom course. Ski hire in Bourg St. Maurice is possible for summer skiing on the glacier in Tignes. A campground at Le Versoyen is conveniently located near several stores.

Show destinations

The Villaroger Natural Reserve in the vicinity shelters several rare animals, but is closed to bikers, and hikers. Guided off-piste skiing is possible.

Each year, in Bourg St. Maurice artists from around Europe carve the Ice Groto. The caves are constructed of 10,000 m3 of snow creating nooks filled with ice sculptures and lighted to enhance their beauty.

Skiing is the primary tourist attraction of the region and throughout Arcs 2000 ski hire is available year round.