Arc 2000

Arc 2000: the ultimate high-mountain experience at the top of Les Arcs. The highest village of Les Arcs, Arc 2000 is a car-free resort dedicated to skiing, set at the foot of the big slopes facing the Mont Blanc massif. Designed for passionate skiers and thrill-seekers, it offers an outstanding high-mountain setting and ski-in/ski-out accommodation. To get there without a car, the Les Arcs Express funicular (formerly Arc-en-Ciel) links Bourg-Saint-Maurice TGV station to Arc 1600 in 7 minutes, then free inter-village shuttles climb up to Arc 2000. Staying here means enjoying quality snow and spectacular views right from your doorstep.

At the foot of the Aiguille Rouge and in the heart of Paradiski. Set at 2,000 metres, the village is the gateway to the legendary Aiguille Rouge summit at 3,226 metres: you get there via the Varet gondola, whose panoramic terrace at 2,700 metres is the highest in the ski area, followed by the cable car. From the top begins the famous Aiguille Rouge run, 7 kilometres long with over 2,000 metres of vertical drop down to the village of Villaroger, starting on either a black or a red. The sector is also home to the Kilomètre Lancé (KL) speed skiing track and great freeride terrain. The Arcabulle and Plagnettes chairlifts climb to the Col de la Chal to head over to Arc 1800, Peisey-Vallandry and the Vanoise Express to La Plagne, while the Cabriolet links to Arc 1950 in moments.

High-altitude après-ski, thrills and something for everyone. While Arc 2000 is sporty at heart, its non-ski activities appeal to everyone: the Varet zipline, over 1.8 km long and reaching speeds above 130 km/h, the Fresques Lumineuses de l'Aiguille Rouge light show at the top of the gondola, and the Les Arcs Igloo Village with its ice bar, restaurant and rooms carved from snow. Beginners have a dedicated progression area, and families enjoy a toboggan run and the Famille Plus label. At the end of the day, the atmosphere is warm and friendly in the bars and restaurants on the snow front, under the starry skies of the Tarentaise.

History and practical information: a high-mountain fortress turned Olympic venue. Opened in 1979 with the arrival of Club Med, Arc 2000 was designed by architect Bernard Taillefer around the Varet mound as a "fortress" able to withstand storms while opening up to the sun, with roofs reminiscent of ski jumps. In 1982, the opening of the Aiguille Rouge cable car gave skiers access to the summit of the ski area, and in 1992 the Kilomètre Lancé hosted the speed skiing event of the Albertville Winter Olympics, on a 2,000-metre course. In practical terms, Arc 2000 is the Les Arcs village furthest from the valley by road: the train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice followed by the funicular and free shuttle buses remains the easiest option, and the resort even has a heliport.