Arc 1950 was designed with families in mind. Built just 13 years ago, it is the newest ‘village’ in the French Alps.
All accommodation is ski in-ski out making it so easy for a family ski holiday, as I discovered on my visit there with my family before Christmas. Here are 10 not to miss family ideas well worth exploring when you get there:
- The Village – this little village of Arc 1950 has its own charm and is small enough to wander safely around in the evening. There are no cars – they all park underground. The village is lit up with all you need, two children’s toy shops, various ski stores, lovely bakery, a little supermarket , and a selection of bars and restaurants if you want an après ski apero en- famille or a meal out.
- The Crèche – with different sections for 9 months to 3 years and 3 years to teens the ‘Cariboo’ is ideal if your little ones are too young to ski or if they just want a bit more looking after than the Ski School itself. Or combine with ski school for lunch so you can have a longer ski day ‘sans kids’! Again right in the middle of the village taking your little ones there is as easy as it can get. www.cariboo1950.com
- Ride the Rodeo Park – for over 12s – this 400m sledging ride runs beside the Cabriolet chair just above Arc 2000. Helmet and toboggan are provided, just turn up and enjoy the long and fast ride down.
- Fireworks – every week Arc 1950 has an activity programme – from Russian week to Frozen week, Spring week to fashion week! One night of the week watch the firework display either from your apartment balcony or watch from the village centre.
- Night skiing – The Marmottes chair is open every Tuesday and Thursday evening. If you have any energy left and your children can ski without an instructor, this is great fun and included on your lift pass. Take the fast chair lift up and you have a long flood lit ski down past Arc 2000 and the entrance to Arc 1950 back down to the chairlift base again. We managed four runs in 40 minutes
- Jump off the giant air bag. Just above Arc 1950 is a giant inflatable bouncy castle type set up. With a lower level for younger children and a higher level for teens and over this is a great adrenaline buzz to add to your ski day – four euros per jump
- Breakfast at La Brasserie – yes you will have all the facilities in your apartment to cater with; but give yourself a break and visit La Brasserie for breakfast. Fresh fruit and pastries, cooked breakfast and coffee on tap! It’s open from 7am so plenty of time to get in and back to your ski locker room to be kitted up for ski school: 17 euros per adult and 8 euros per child.
- Explore the Village Igloo – just above Arc 1950 take a tour around the ice caves in the village igloo, 350m2 with carvings of dragons and werewolves! Or just have a drink from the ice bar and hang out while your children jump off the airbag next door (see no 6!)
- Go swimming! Every residence has an outside pool and the Princes des Cimes Residence also has an indoor pool – for a small additional fee you can guarantee an apartment in this building if your kids love swimming. Otherwise the small outdoor pools are great fun, if a tad on the chilly side.
- Ok so this isn’t for families – but for parents. Leave your children in the crèche, or sneak off while they are at ski school and spend an hour or two in the Deep Nature Spa. Book a massage in advance with incredible window views looking out to the snowy peak of Mont Blanc.
Essential Facts
Save up to 40% off apartment bookings in Arc 1950 with Erna Low. Save up to £998 on a two-bedroom apartment in the Prince des Cimes Residence for dates 7/14/21 January and 15% off for half-term weeks 11 and 18 February – call 0207 590 1720.
