PARKING
Still much grumping from the locals about the new(ish) parking regime at 1800. You can still park free at 1600, and also at the tennis courts on the way up to 1800 on the left hand side – assuming you’re early on changeover day.
It's also still free to park at the Funiculaire in BSM. If you’re skiing on the day of arrival, buy your ticket there – it will then include your journey up the hill.
LIFTS
New lift for 2011/12 at 1600. This new fast lift will now go to Deux Tetes. In a way it's a shame as it will make the area served by the old Mont Blanc lift rather less tranquille, but it's a logical development. Over the last 8 years just about all the key lifts on what is (in my view) the most interesting side of the ski area will have been replaced – ie from 1600 right across to Peisey.
HIGH SEASON
.....there can be 15 min queues. To avoid these, take the remaining slow lifts (eg Charmettoger, Villards, Renard, Comborciere, anywhere on the Villaroger side). It gives you a slowcoach, B-road kind of alternative. Queues for the Cable Car remain hairy for much of the time, high season or not.
PRICES
Ski resorts are never cheap, but Les Arcs seems to be able to serve the full range of customers; from Russians who can’t quite get to Courchevel through middle class French families to Brit university trips. At the expensive end, Chalets de l’Arc in 2000 is 16-20E for main course. At the cheaper end, there is the Arcabulle cafe just above which is 4E for a good slice of pizza; it’s 6.5E for a panini at the un-atmospheric but well-located cafe at the top of Col de la Chal. Down in 1800, Chez Boubou is 9.80E for a plat du jour and, although not technically piste-side, you can ski down to the place Miravidi quite easily. Hotel de la Vanoise is about 12-13 for plat du jour and very well recommended (just above Peisey lift). Blanche Muree is still my favourite. A proper, non-chain, place!
GET UP EARLY
One day a week there is a trip to start the day with the pisteurs at 0745 (from the Transarc). 10E, coffee and croissants at their hut at 2600m, and first tracks with just the pisteurs for company.
WEB ETC
Les Arcs’ website is OK but a bit flash and lacking in substance. Les Arcs TV (the one you watch when staying in resort) is shocking. Really. Radio Les Arcs provides the soundtrack and isn’t bad at all as the DJ likes 80s stuff. You can listen on-line from Britain if you are sad enough....
HOTEL DU GOLF
Hotel du Golf now has a pool and fitness place, so probably the best option for non-skiers who can afford it. It’s not too expensive out of high season. They are opening again in summer, so are to be commended.
Thanks for the insights - we are out the week of March 17 and will be bearing all the info in mind. Happy to take slower lifts if we avoid queues -Heres to great snow all season!
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