Les Arcs Season Thread. (Where you can ask questions on Les Arcs , La Plagne or chat)

Hi,

Glad to have found this post as we're heading off to Le Plagne (staying in 1800) at the end of the month. We're a group of 8, 6 skiers and 2 boarders. The two boarders have quite a bit of experience under their belts (although I've not been with them before) in the skiers we have one qualified instructor, myself and other half with about 12 weeks experience behind us, a couple who have a week or two and a complete beginner.

Basically looking for hints and tips for getting around, we'll most likely ski together in the morning then break more into smaller groups based on ability in the afternoon. We're staying in a catered chalet so will have to eat out one evening any suggestions? I know there isn't allot in 1800 but we're likely just to buy our own beer etc in to make our own après-is there a supermarket/shop in 1800?

I have all my own gear but some don't, they haven't took the tour operators pre-paid for rental deal as my mate says they'll get a better deal and gear if they wait until in resort, is there a good hire shop in 1800 or will they have to go the Le Plagne Centre?

Any other hints and tips for out on the slopes or in resort would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

Just had two great days in the powder. We have found that all the pistes are in much better condition now across the whole Les Arcs and La Plagne ski areas than they were a few days ago. The off piste is also much better with loads of places to put fresh tracks as long as you know where to go. If anyone wants to explore the off piste and they do not know the area well. Take a guide and stay safe. Some slopes are very unstable right now whereas others with a different aspect are good to ski. The forests are also starting to get better snow and loads of fun when the light is poor.

As I look out the window right now it is still snowing a little lower down the valley and also up at resort level. The bad news is French meteo say the snow / rain limit might be at 1800m tomorrow at first, but then maybe sunshine later. We will just have to wait and see. For anyone driving up to resort, main roads are ok tonight, but as you get near the stations you will need winter tyres or chains.

Grizwald, most of your questiobns are very specific to La Plagne 1800. Someone might be along to help you out shortly or you could have a look at the La Plagne web site as they have a lot of info there.

For getting around on the slopes, you now have some good lifts out of 1800 on both sides so you can get into the main ski area without any trouble. After that, head hi and you will find plenty of good snow and getting back is easy now with the new piste from Plagne centre. Hope you have a good trip.

Hi you will find plagne1800 a great base to ski to and from there is a 4 man chair opposite chalet rose (which you can ski down to once you have crossed the road) and that will take you straight up into the main ski area.

There is a spar supermarket in 1800 and a take away pizza place, we never ate out we just grabbed pizzas.The only pub in 1800 is called Le pub and usually has live music après ski which was awesome ( good old sing along to American pie) and this coincides with happy hour. There is an intersport ski hire shop in 1800 and it's pretty decent and in my opinion I would get them there cos if not you will need to take your skis back to plague centre via ski bus and collect them just the same which means carrying outdoor shoes with you after collecting your skis/boots because its a fair walk from bus to ski shop in plagne centre. If hired in 1800 just ski down and drop off on way back to accommodation.

Some great skiing to be had out there especially round belle plagne. Your pals may be better with lessons in morning cos they will get free lift to plagne centre from ski school. My son used oxygen ski school and they are very good indeed if I was you I would give esf a miss if at all possible
Have a great time. Russco

Heading to La Plagne weekend after next and staying in Les Coches. Any recommendations for off-piste guides in the area to show us a bit of the backcountry?

Snowing again in la plagne. Third day running, plenty of powder up top.
The bubble up to Roche De Mio was late opening whilst they dealt with the white stuff with some loud booms!!!

Thanks to all who've replied, all very helpful information so I' think we're about set! Nice to be in the single figure countdown now with 9 days to go!

It's been so long since I hired any gear abroad but know that Intersport have a good rep so it's good to hear that there's a hire shop in 1800. Final question is that Intersport offer pay before you arrive hire deals, are these worth going for to save some Euro's or just wait? I expect the Crystal reps will try to flog hire packages on the bus, if nothing else being able to look on the Intersport website gives an idea of how much they might try and rip us off by!

Grizwald, keep your fingers crossed for more snow. It was +8c at 2000m yesterday in La Plagne....
The pistes are holding up fine high up but low down they are suffering.
The warm sun is gorgeous but it must change soon or they are going to have serious problems.