La Plagne and Les Arcs form the Paradiski area, offering a combined 425 km (264 mi) of pistes linked by the Vanoise Express. Despite sharing this vast terrain, they cater to different tastes: La Plagne’s ten villages each bring their own character, perfect for families and explorers, while Les Arcs’ four car-free, ski-in/ski-out villages focus on ease, variety, and lively hubs. Read on to discover which Paradiski gem suits your skiing style, group type, and holiday goals.
Read on to discover which Paradiski gem suits your skiing style, group type, and holiday goals.
La Plagne or Les Arcs?
- Quick comparison table
- Ski area & terrain
- Snow fall history
- Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Après-ski & dining
- Families & beginners
- Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Activities beyond skiing
- Accessibility & transfers
- Cost and value for money
- Which one should you choose?
Quick comparison table
| Feature | La Plagne | Les Arcs |
|---|
| Base elevation | 1,250 m (4,101 ft) | 1,650 m (5,413 ft) |
| Highest lift | 3,250 m (10,663 ft) | 3,249 m (10,662 ft) |
| Individual piste km | 225 km (139 mi) | 200 km (124 mi) |
| Best for | Families, varied villages, beginners | Convenient ski-in/ski-out, freeskiers, families |
| Village atmosphere | Ten unique villages, mixed architecture | Four purpose-built, car-free resorts |
| Accommodation | Ski-in/ski-out in some villages, chalets | 100% ski-in/ski-out apartments & hotels |
| Après-ski scene | Moderate (La Mine, Scotty’s) | Vibrant (Red Hot Saloon, Bar King Mad) |
note: Each resort offers its own share of the linked Paradiski domain.
Ski area & terrain
- La Plagne’s ten villages stretch from 1,250 m to over 3,400 m via glacier lifts, creating a playground for all levels. Beginners start at Plagne Centre and Plagne Aime 2000, intermediates cruise long blue runs around Montchavin, and advanced skiers tackle black runs like Émile Allais and the Bellecôte north face.
- Les Arcs’ four villages (Arc 1600–2000) are fully ski-in/ski-out. Novices enjoy mellow greens at each village, intermediates lap rolling blues and the 7 km Aiguille Rouge red, while experts descend steep blacks off the glacier or explore tree couloirs.
Check out La Plagne piste map and Les Arcs piste map
Snow fall history
| Month | La Plagne (cm/in) | Les Arcs (cm/in) |
|---|
| December | 35 cm/13.8 in | 39 cm/15.3 in |
| January | 33 cm/13.0 in | 39 cm/15.3 in |
| February | 26 cm/10.2 in | 31 cm/12.2 in |
| March | 50 cm/19.7 in | 54 cm/21.2 in |
| April | 19 cm/7.4 in | 24 cm/9.4 in |
(ref: snow-forecast.com)
Accommodation & village atmosphere
- La Plagne blends historic and modern villages: Plagne Centre feels retro 1960s, while Plagne 1800 and 1950 offer chic, pedestrianised streets. Accommodation spans self-catered apartments to upscale chalets, though ski-in/ski-out is limited to a few villages.
- Les Arcs is entirely ski-in/ski-out across its four car-free resorts. Arc 1950 recreates an Alpine village with high-end hotels, Arc 2000 sits near the glacier, Arc 1800 buzzes with shops and restaurants, and Arc 1600 provides a quieter, family-friendly base.
Explore some accommodation options in La Plagne and in Les Arcs
Après-ski & dining
- La Plagne’s après-ski is relaxed but lively in Plagne Centre and 1800, with bars like La Mine and Scotty’s. Dining ranges from hearty mountain fare at Au Coin du Feu to gourmet experiences at Le 360.
- Les Arcs delivers more intensity, especially in Arc 1800 with Red Hot Saloon and O’Chaud. Arc 1950 offers refined wine bars, while slope-side eateries like L’Ambiente and Le Savoy serve up Savoyard classics and modern cuisine..
Families & beginners
- La Plagne is renowned for family focus: multiple beginner zones, English speaking ski schools, and toboggan runs. Kids love the bobsleigh track and ice karting, while parents appreciate safe, pedestrianised village centres.
- Les Arcs equally caters to families with doorstep slopes, dedicated children’s areas (e.g., igloo snow and leisure zones), and well-organised ski schools. Arc 1600 is especially cosy for young families.
Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- La Plagne’s advanced skiers head for the north face of Bellecôte glacier and couloirs off the Aiguille Rouge section. Off-piste requires a guide but rewards with untracked powder.
- Les Arcs’ freeskiers and snowboarders rave about the Mille8 park zone, natural kickers off Bois de l’Ours, and challenging blacks on Aiguille Rouge. The Paradiski linkage ensures endless exploration.
Activities beyond skiing
- La Plagne offers bobsleigh, ice climbing, heated outdoor pool, and glacier walking. Indoor options include bowling and cinema, while scenic mountain restaurants and walking trails enrich non ski days.
- Les Arcs adds igloo dining, horse-drawn skiing, speed riding, and a modern indoor sports centre. Kids can try snakegliss sledges or explorer treasure hunts in each village.
Accessibility & transfers
- La Plagne tends to be quicker: roughly 1 hr 30 min from Chambéry or Lyon, 2 hr 30 min from Grenoble, and 3 hr from Geneva.
- Les Arcs is about 3 hr from Chambéry, 3 hr 30 min from Grenoble or Lyon, and 4 hr from Geneva, due to its valley approach.
Cost and value for money
- La Plagne offers broad budget options thanks to its many villages and self-catered apartments. Dining can be affordable in local eateries, with premium choices for special occasions.
- Les Arcs’ ski-in/ski-out convenience often commands a premium, but village roles vary: Arc 1600 can be surprisingly good value, while Arc 1950 and 2000 rank higher in price.
Explore our La Plagne deals and Les Arcs deals
Which one should you choose?
- Choose La Plagne if you want varied villages, family-friendly fun, and a mix of modern and traditional charm.
- Choose Les Arcs if you value ski-in/ski-out ease, lively hubs, and a freestyle paradise in the heart of Paradiski.
