On your way down the mountain be sure to stop at L’Arpette Restaurant, they have a great deck to sit out on and enjoy the stunning views over the valley. Later on their DJs get the music going and the party is in full swing.
If you want to take it to the next level then book ahead to enjoy one of their legendary mountain meals. Not for the faint hearted (being able to dance on the tables with your ski boots on is a pre-requisite) you take the last lift up to the restaurant and enjoy the sunset on the deck before moving inside to take on an abundance of cheese and wine.
The raclette is a highlight, but L’Arpette is just getting started when they clear the dishes away! The lights go out as the music goes on and everybody gets up on the tables to dance the evening away. The party winds down at about 9pm and you'll get the planks back on for one final run home with the stars and some torchlight as your guide in the dark.
Once you are down off the mountain the après scene differs in the four resort bases. Here is our guide to our favourite spots in each:
If you are looking for a party then Les Arcs 1800 is the focus of après-ski activity. There's a selection of bars and clubs to accommodate everyone's preferences, from the quiet drink after last lifts crowd to the still partying at 4am wild things.
Most of the action centres around the main square at Villards although there are also a few bars and one of the resort’s two clubs at the Charvet end. It’s hard to pick favourites in Les Arcs but if we had to then Chez Boubou is definitely up there, its friendly bar with plenty going on at the Charvet end of the resort, perfect if you are staying at Le Belmont, you can then move on to Club 73... just a short stumble away.
Over at Place des Villards (close enough to walk from Charvet) you’ll find Bar King Mad which has a great atmosphere, regular DJs and live music, as well as great food served throughout the day. Jungle Café is also a great shout for a few beers as you come off the hill, as the name would suggest it has a pretty wild interior but luckily very conservative drinks prices!
Our final après recommendation is for something to soak up all those beverages and prep you for the next day on the mountain – Le Kebab. Kebabs might not be your cup of tea, but this place is worth a try. Just down the stairs from Bar King Mad at Villards, Le Kebab does exactly what is says on the tin and is hailed as the best kebab in the alps and we certainly agree, open all the way to 5am it is our favourite spot for a late night snack!
Les Arcs 1600 is a quiet, family-centred base with little in the way of busy après-ski bars although there are 10 or so bars to choose from.
Les Arcs 1950 and Les Arcs 2000 are both also pretty quiet and family orientated but they both have a couple of fun bars to choose from. In Arc 1950, try Les Belles Pintes which is a great pub serving food or for a more sophisticated atmosphere try O’Chaud, the resort’s cocktail bar situated at Le Village Arc 1950. The Crazy Fox at Chalet Altitude Arc 2000 is our favourite place to grab a drink at Arc 2000, it’s not wild but cosy and warm, the perfect spot to warm up after a big day on the mountain.
