Mille 8, Arc 1800: Family Ski Holidays Just Got Better

February 2015

Les Arcs is one of France’s largest and most popular ski areas. Located in the Savoie region and part of the Tarentaise Valley, Les Arcs links with nearby La Plagne to form the huge Paradiski area boasting over 425km of ski terrain. This vast ski paradise, linked by the spectacular Vanoise Express (a slightly scary double-decker cable car) is a firm favourite with British skiers and boarders.

Image by: Manu Reyboz

Les Arcs is a generic name for what are actually four distinct ski villages, each at different heights and all offering a unique style and character. The largest of the four Les Arcs villages is Arc 1800, a purpose built resort at a height of 1800 metres and a central hub between the other three villages - Arc 1600, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. Arc 1800 offers stunning views over the valley and is the perfect base for exploring the Paradiski area. It has the biggest choice of accommodation of all of the Les Arcs villages and as a result has the widest choice of bars, restaurants, shops and activities. It’s not surprising then that Arc 1800 was chosen as the village to benefit from one of the most exciting developments in the Alps for years. This latest project, Mille 8, offers a revolution in the facilities available at Arc 1800 and will be hugely appealing to holidaymakers who want to do more than just ski during their time in resort. Mille 8 has created a brand new leisure area in the centre of Arc 1800 with a host of new facilities, especially suited to families.

Overview, Mille 8

Skiing at Mille 8

The beginner areas at Mille 8 play a central role in the project and offer flood lit skiing until 7.30pm every evening ensuring maximum time on the mountain. The beginner slopes offer differing terrain starting with the entry level ‘Cube’ which provides a very safe enclosed area with a magic carpet so complete beginners can get familiar with the sport before tackling the lift system!

There’s also a ‘discovery’ piste which is a themed track through trees aiming to create a fun and educational environment for kids to practice. This is the perfect area for families to ski together, where you can stop to engage with the features as well as give children some guidance without having to worry about others on the mountain. For older children the area is also a great opportunity to practice new skills and gain some independence without having to navigate the piste map or main lift system.

While the kids are working off some of their energy, there’s a chance for grown ups to relax after a long days skiing at the on-site restaurant. Advancing in skill level slightly and sure to provide a thrill for all abilities is the freestyle fun run, ‘Les Bosses’. This area features plenty of opportunities to try some jumps, maybe even a trick or two and even boasts some snow sculptures.

Discovery and Sledge Runs, Mille 8

Children's Play Area, Mille 8

Sledge Run & Children’s Play Area at Mille 8

Kids of all ages will love the sledging run which cuts through the centre of Mille 8 and is certain to provide lots of thrills, spills and family fun.  There’s also a dedicated outdoor kid’s play area ‘Les Pingouins’ which completes the list of outdoor facilities. All of which can be accessed in under three minutes by the brand new eight man cable car the ‘Dahu’.

New 'Dahu' cable car, Mille 8

Aqua Centre at Mille 8

Last but by no means least, Mille 8 offers a 3800m2 swimming pool and aquatic centre. Sure to be a favourite with children, there are large indoor and outdoor fun pools, caves, waterfalls and a water games area. There are no shortage of adult facilities either, with bubble massage beds, Jacuzzis, hammams, saunas and fitness area – all with stunning views of Mont Blanc.

Aqua Centre, Mille 8

The Ski Independence team will be following the development and success of Mille 8 - it's sure to make an already great family resort even better. For more information about Les Arcs, or any of our other ski destinations speak to one of our expert reservations consultants on 0131 243 8097 or get a quick and easy tailor-made quotation online.