Ski hire Arc 1950

Arc 1950

Introduction

In the heart of the Tarentaise, nestled beneath the peaks of the Aiguille Rouge, Arc 1950 is a premium, pedestrian-only village at the foot of the slopes, designed for a smooth, comfortable week in the mountains. Built on a human scale, it offers direct immersion in the Les Arcs ski area and, beyond, into the wider Paradiski domain. You’ll find lively streets, timber-and-stone facades, little squares for après-ski meet-ups, and ski-in/ski-out departures just a few steps away. Want to alternate atmospheres on your next trip? It’s very easy to explore La Plagne via the Vanoise Express, head to Peisey-Vallandry on the balcony side, or set course for Tignes and its high plateaus.

Resort identity

Set around 1,950 m, Arc 1950 opens like a contemporary chalet village, 100% pedestrian. The architecture blends wood, stone, and commanding roofs, with ground floors brought to life by cafés, restaurants, and mountain concept stores. The mood is both elegant and relaxed: step out of your residence with skis on your shoulder, cross a small square, and you’re already sliding toward the chairlifts. Views of the Aiguille Rouge and the valley are constant, and the immediate proximity of Arc 2000 guarantees a generous choice of routes from the first lift ride.

Built more recently than the historic villages, Arc 1950 was conceived as a “turnkey” base for families, groups of friends, and skiers who value simple logistics: nearby lockers, short walks, and services gathered in one place. In the evening the lanes light up, and you can move effortlessly from the last run to a comforting table—or to the spa to revive your legs for tomorrow.

Detailed ski area

Arc 1950 is a prime gateway to Les Arcs (around two hundred kilometres of marked runs) and, via the Vanoise Express, to Paradiski (over four hundred kilometres). The terrain alternates broad carving boulevards, high-altitude bowls, and clear routes back to the village. With a range of aspects (north-facing under the Aiguille Rouge, sunnier slopes toward Peisey-Vallandry), you can “chase” the day’s best snow. Snowmaking strengthens key axes and secures returns in milder spells.

From the village, major lifts are only minutes away. The cabriolet to Arc 2000 smooths transfers, and the links to Peisey-Vallandry open panoramic balcony-style itineraries. On crisp, cold days, the high slopes serve up taut grooming that’s perfect for big turns; in lower visibility, the nearby forest lines are invaluable. Fancy a wider roaming week another time? You can discover Val d’Isère for pure altitude or head to La Rosière to play with the Italian border.

Unmissable runs

Easy / first tracks: the learning areas and wide blue runs around Arc 1950 are ideal for laying the foundations—steady gradients, clear markers, and gentle lifts. Aim for the first two days: link a short green + panoramic blue, take frequent breaks, look ahead, and control your speed. Links to more sheltered sectors let you extend without surprises.

Intermediates: this is Les Arcs’ signature playground. Long blues and “teaching” reds alternate short walls with flatter sections—perfect for setting the edge and refining your line. A proven plan: warm up on a flowing blue, take two firmly groomed reds to lock in technique, pause in the sun, then return via a softer forest line.

Advanced: start early toward the Aiguille Rouge for serious vertical and, if conditions allow, a long plunge to Villaroger that will test your legs. Other reds take on a black feel depending on time and snow: tackle them in short sets to stay sharp, then loosen the tempo on fast blues.

Guided freeride: altitude, bowls, and edge-of-area terrain offer fine options—with caution. Off-piste, never go without a transceiver, shovel, and probe, without reading the avalanche report, and ideally without a professional who’ll choose the right aspect and timing. In whiteout conditions, fall back on secured “nature” runs or forest edges to keep contrast and reference points. As an alternative on another trip, staying in Tignes gives access to very instructive guided bowls.

Off-slope activities

Arc 1950 is known for its après-ski pauses. Spas and wellness areas help you recover (hot baths, saunas, targeted treatments). Pedestrian strolls and snowshoe outings offer easy loops with views over the Arc 2000 valley. A pop-up ice rink, seasonal sledding, tempting shop windows, and sheltered terraces set the late-afternoon rhythm. Evenings lend themselves to village events, torchlit descents, and wooden dining rooms serving comforting cuisine.

Family stays

The village was designed to simplify family life: short distances, ski school meeting points near accommodation, clear signage. Typical progression: carpets and games in the morning, hot chocolate break, a long blue after lunch, and a wide, readable run home. Clubs and nurseries (depending on periods and availability) welcome the youngest, while teens love the “long run” feel of the high descents.

Access & transport

By road: A43/A430 then N90 to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, climb via the Arcs road (winter equipment as conditions require). By train: TGV/INTERCITÉS to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then funicular to Arc 1600 and shuttles to the higher villages, or direct transfer. Airports: Chambéry, Geneva, Lyon–Saint-Exupéry, and Grenoble. Once there, internal shuttles and the pedestrian village mean you can do without a car.

Ski hire with Snowrental

Booking your equipment online before arrival saves time and sets a calm tone. Choose your range (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert) and style (on-piste, all-mountain, guided freeride, snowboard, junior), then enter height, weight, shoe size, and level for precise setup. On collection, the team adjusts length, flex, edge tune, and binding settings to your plan: morning carving, long balcony itinerary, or soft-snow session in the afternoon.

If the weather shifts, a change of category or length may be offered (subject to availability) to keep you comfortable all week. And if the idea of alternating horizons appeals in future, you’ll find the same smooth process to rent in La Plagne or stay in Peisey-Vallandry without losing a minute.

Snowrental advantages

With Snowrental, you benefit from a well-maintained equipment fleet (cared-for bases, sharp edges, hygienic boots), locations close to the snow front, and streamlined pickup. Online booking secures your categories in peak weeks while leaving room for on-site adjustments. The teams, familiar with high-altitude conditions (cold mornings, wind, spring grains), guide you toward coherent gear: grippy skis for a firm red, more forgiving models for extended cruising, supportive boots to save your legs.

Key asset: flexibility. Torn between two lengths? Want to try a different turn radius before returning to a more comfortable model? Exchanges—when possible—are part of the experience. And for a future “big-format” trip, the platform also makes it easy to plan a stay in Val d’Isère or a discovery day in La Rosière.

List of shops in the resort

• Skishop 1950 — in the heart of the pedestrian village, swift pickup and ski-in/ski-out start
• Hameau Glacier — close to the residences, convenient for kitting out the whole family and reaching the slopes quickly

Events & local gastronomy

The season is paced by friendly occasions: torchlight descents, village animations, themed evenings depending on the period. On the table, Savoie comforts: beaufort, tomme, gratinéed crozets, diots in white wine, creamy polenta, blueberry tarts. At lunchtime, enjoy a sunny terrace; in the evening, debrief the day in a wooden dining room while the Aiguille Rouge blushes at dusk.

FAQ

When is the best time for snow?
From January to March, altitude and varied aspects generally mean firm snow in the morning and softer conditions in the afternoon. In spring, aim for the Aiguille Rouge early, then the sunny balconies. For a change of scene on a future stay, you can explore Val d’Isère.

Where should beginners ski?
Around Arc 1950 and nearby sectors, the blue runs are wide and consistent. Keep rotations short and choose quieter slots. For a “balcony” progression, consider Peisey-Vallandry on another week.

Which runs help you improve?
Link a long blue with a “teaching” red to work on line and speed, then return via a forest line to spare the legs. For different terrain later, head for La Plagne.

Can you go off-piste?
Yes, but only fully equipped (transceiver, shovel, probe), after reading the bulletin and ideally with a professional. In flat light, favour secured “nature” runs and forest edges.

Do you need a car there?
No: train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then funicular and shuttles. The village is compact and pedestrian.

Any nearby excursion idea?
Depending on the weather, you can head to La Rosière to sample the Italian side or stay in Tignes for a very high-altitude style.

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