Les Arcs has a bit of a reputation for being “serious skier” territory — big mountains, huge lift systems, and miles of pistes disappearing off into the distance. What people don’t always realise is that it’s also one of the most family-friendly winter resorts in the French Alps, especially if you’re travelling with children of different ages, confidence levels and energy reserves.
Spread across several purpose-built villages at different altitudes, Les Arcs makes it surprisingly easy to mix proper skiing with snow play, gentle days, cosy lunches and the kind of little adventures that make winter holidays memorable for kids.
I loved it as a child, a teen and with children of my own. It’s a wonderful resort for families.
Whether you’re coming for your first family ski trip or you’re travelling with teens who want more than ski school, here is how Les Arcs really works for families in winter.
Understanding Les Arcs: where everything is
Les Arcs isn’t one town — it’s a collection of villages linked by lifts and shuttle buses:
- Arc 1600 – quieter, more traditional and easy to reach by funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- Arc 1800 – the biggest hub with shops, activities and ski schools
- Arc 1950 – a beautiful, car-free village that feels safe and compact for families
- Arc 2000 – higher, snow-sure and great for wide, open beginner slopes
For families, Arc 1800 and Arc 1950 are usually the easiest bases because everything is walkable and there is always something happening in the evenings.
Skiing in Les Arcs with children
This is where Les Arcs quietly excels.
The slopes here are wide, confidence-boosting and brilliantly groomed, which makes them ideal for kids who are learning, nervous, or simply still finding their ski legs.
Best areas for family skiing
- Arc 2000 has some of the gentlest beginner zones, perfect for first-timers
- Arc 1800’s Mille 8 area is designed specifically for families and learners
- Arc 1600 offers long, forgiving blue runs that are ideal for building confidence
What makes Les Arcs special is that even beginners get to ski on proper mountains rather than tiny nursery slopes tucked away at the bottom.
Ski schools
The ski schools here are excellent, especially for children. You will find:
- Traditional French ski school (ESF) in every village
- Smaller, more personalised schools like Evolution 2, which many families prefer for nervous or younger skiers
Most schools offer half-day or full-day options, and some include lunch clubs so parents can ski while children are looked after.
Sledging and snow play (the bits kids remember most)
Skiing is not the only thing that matters to kids — often it’s the moments off the skis that become the holiday highlights.
Les Arcs has proper toboggan runs, not just hills you have to climb up yourself. Some are lit at night and stretch for kilometres, which makes them feel like proper adventures rather than five-minute rides.
You will also find:
- Snow play areas near Arc 1800 and Arc 2000
- Open spaces for snowmen, snowball fights and just running around in boots
- Flat areas in Arc 1950 where younger children can play safely
It is one of the few big ski resorts where kids can genuinely roam without you constantly worrying about traffic.
Things to do when you are not skiing
Not every day is a full ski day — especially with very young children — and Les Arcs is brilliant at filling in the gaps.
Snowshoe walks
Guided snowshoe walks take you through forests and across open mountain views, often spotting animal tracks along the way. They are slow-paced, peaceful and suitable for most ages.
Ice skating, pools and bowling
On tired-leg days you will find:
- Ice rinks
- Swimming pools
- Bowling alleys
- Soft play and indoor activity centres
These are lifesavers when someone is cold, fed up or just needs a break from boots and helmets.
Adventures for older kids and teens
For teenagers especially, Les Arcs has:
- A snowpark for jumps and tricks
- Zip lines and high-speed mountain rides
- Mountain rail-style experiences from the peaks
It gives older children independence and excitement without leaving the resort.
Where to eat in Les Arcs as a family
Food matters on a ski holiday — you burn a lot of energy and children get hungry fast.
Les Arcs is packed with casual, family-friendly places as well as nicer restaurants for evenings when you want something a bit more relaxed.
You will find:
- Pizza, pasta and burgers for easy wins
- Traditional Savoyard food like fondue and raclette for cosy evenings
- Bakeries, cafés and crêpe stands for mid-day snacks
Arc 1950 and Arc 1800 are particularly good for wandering out in the evening and letting everyone choose something they like.
And yes, there are plenty of places for parents to grab a vin chaud or a cold beer while kids demolish hot chocolate and waffles.
Why Les Arcs works so well for families
What makes Les Arcs different is not one big attraction — it is how everything fits together.
You can:
- Walk out of your accommodation straight onto snow
- Let children move around safely in traffic-free villages
- Mix intense ski days with gentle, fun snow days
- Give teenagers independence without losing them
It is a resort that understands that family holidays are not about doing one thing all day, every day. They are about balance — excitement, rest, adventure, warmth, food, laughter and those small moments that stick.
Les Arcs gives you all of that, wrapped in proper mountain scenery and snow-sure slopes, which is exactly what a winter family holiday should feel like.
