Areches-Beaufort Ski Resort
What sets this resort apart is its unpretentious, laid-back atmosphere. Forget the glitz and glam of the bigger and louder ski destinations - Arêches-Beaufort is all about keeping it real. It’s the kind of place where kids build snowmen in the village square, locals greet you with a warm “Bonjour” and the pace of life slows to match the rhythm of the mountains. In other words, it’s a resort that could be lifted straight from a picture postcard. Even better – with its family-friendly atmosphere, “pinch-me” scenery and welcoming spirit, this resort is the antidote to the hustle and bustle of the more commercial ski areas.
Whether you’re here to explore the entire ski area, spend the entire day mastering the moves in the snowpark or simply want to soak up the ever-lasting Alpine vibes, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable adventure. So re-waterproof your jacket, pack your skis (and maybe get some stretchy trousers for all that cheese fondue), and get prepared to fall in love with Arêches-Beaufort.
Areches-Beaufort has modern amenities to guarantee the comfort of its guests. Modern ski lifts offer quick access to the slopes, and shops that rent or sell high-quality equipment are a good place to start. There are also ski schools with certified instructors available for those in need of guidance or instruction.
Areches-Beaufort has modern amenities to guarantee the comfort of its guests. Modern ski lifts offer quick access to the slopes, and shops that rent or sell high-quality equipment are a good place to start. There are also ski schools with certified instructors available for those in need of guidance or instruction.
The ski area of Areches-Beaufort boasts exceptional snowfall, covering slopes that provide an excellent playground for winter sports enthusiasts. With a variety of slopes and terrains, visitors can enjoy both leisurely rides and challenging descents, making it suitable for families and seasoned skiers alike. The resort also has essential facilities for a comfortable and enjoyable stay with accommodations ( for example La Cle des Cimes ) that range from charming alpine chalets to modern hotels. While the nightlife is not as bustling as in some larger resorts, the apres ski scene in Areches-Beaufort reflects the resort's tranquil ambience; with holiday-makers unwinding cosy mountain lodges, savouring local cuisine and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Don’t let its modest size fool you - Arêches-Beaufort packs a punch when it comes to mountain stats. Sitting at 1,100m with the highest point reaching 2,100m at the Grand Mont, there’s more than enough vertical drop to keep things exciting. Its 45km of marked runs, which includes a decent mix of greens, blues, reds and blacks, suit all levels and abilities looking for a fun challenge. There are 14 lifts to guide you around the mountain, too, and, as it’s part of the Espace Diamant, Arêches-Beaufort conveniently connects to its neighbouring resorts, giving you an impressive total of 192km of pistes to play on.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the proverbial ropes or a more experienced skier looking to pit your pits and skills against an epic challenge, Arêches-Beaufort has a fantastic selection of slopes to suit absolutely anyone who’s a fan of riding two planks. Here are some of Erna Low’s top reasons why you should book a ski trip to Arêches-Beaufort:
- The gentle green runs near the village are the perfect place to start your ski journey. Here you’ll find plenty of wide and forgiving runs that are more than ideal for building confidence. Even better, you can enjoy the ease of the magic carpets so all your energy can go into performing your snowplough turns... Amazing news to the ears of any first-timer wanting to focus on learning the basics instead of panicking about how to get on a chairlift!
- Once you’ve built up your confidence, the resort’s rolling blue and red runs provide a logical next step to hone your skills. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Beaufortin Valley scenery as you make your way down the hill.
- If you’re an advanced skier, head to the Grand Mont for some steep, thrilling descents that’ll get your heart racing in literal seconds.
- Arêches-Beaufort is an absolute hidden gem for freeriders looking for an incredible backcountry experience. The resort is surrounded by untouched powder fields, couloirs and hidden stashes that’ll make you feel like the ultimate backcountry explorer.
Arêches-Beaufort might be small, but it rewards snowboarders with playful natural features, varied terrain and a refreshingly low-key atmosphere. Here are some top snowboarding highlights:
- Arêches-Beaufort boasts a dedicated snow park complete with jumps, rails and boxes perfect for jibbing, side-slipping, grinding, grabbing and any other mountain manoeuvre you can think of.
- The wide and spacious pistes are a carver’s dream, offering smooth, sweeping runs that let you really dig into those edges.
- For those who live for the thrill of fresh powder, the off-piste opportunities are endless. From untouched powder fields to natural hits and hidden couloirs, Arêches-Beaufort is an absolute playground for backcountry boarders.
Thanks to its north-facing slopes and high-altitude peaks, Arêches-Beaufort enjoys excellent snow conditions throughout the season. The resort typically sees snowfall from December to April, with January and February being the most sure-sure months.
The resort also benefits from a state-of-the-art snow-making network, which pretty much guarantees epic snow, even in unseasonably warm weather. And with relatively low visitor numbers compared to bigger resorts, you’ll often find fresh tracks days after snowfall. It’s almost like having access to your own private backcountry routes. Win-win!
While a lot more low-key than some of its rowdier neighbours, après-ski in Arêches-Beaufort is all about laid-back fun. From cosy bars with a great selection of drinks to lively bars serving up awesome live music, Arêches-Beaufort has a bit of everything. Here are some apres-ski highlights:
- Welcome in the evening at Le Yeti, a cosy bar with a friendly atmosphere and an unbeatable drinks menu. You’ll be particularly thankful for the delicious burgers and pizzas after an exhausting day on the hill.
- Fondue, raclette and tartiflette, anyone? If you’re after a taste of traditional Savoyard cuisine, head to Le Bistrot d’Antan for some of the best chest-based food in the region. No exaggeration!
- If you’re after a more lively night out, check out the occasional live music events at Le Pub. But don’t expect wild parties here... Arêches-Beaufort is more about good food, good wine and good company –not necessarily in that order!
- Arêches-Beaufort is also famous for its Beaufort cheese, which is expertly made from the milk of the Tarine cows that graze on the alpine pastures. Don’t go home without trying it first!
This little slice of Alpine paradise won’t just wow you with its postcard-perfect views; it’s got the goods to deliver a fun-filled winter getaway, too. For starters, the efficient ski lift network is both functional and your golden ticket to powdery bliss, with minimal queues giving you plenty of time to get your ski fix. And don’t worry if you have all the idea but no gear - there are plenty of rental shops where you can snag skis, snowboards and even sledges if you’re feeling nostalgic after a rewarding day strapped into two planks.
There are plenty of fun facilities and activities to do in the village, including saunas, hot tubs, a swimming pool, buzzing après bars and plenty of local restaurants that serve up Beaufort cheese like it’s their job (because it is).
Parking is ample and (mostly) free, which is a rare find in most ski towns, and there’s a tourist office ready to give you all the details on how to make the most of your stay here. So yeah, Arêches-Beaufort has got the facilities to make your stay as smooth as butter on warm crusty bread (which you can have every day in one of the town’s many restaurants).
If you’re holidaying with the kids, you can be sure they’ll be treated like royalty, minus the crowns (unless they make one out of pipe cleaners at the kids’ club). This place is a wonderland for the little ones, where fun and safety go firmly hand in hand.
The ski school is pretty legendary, where children as young as three can strap on skis and learn to glide like mini-pros thanks to instructors who are part magicians, part cheerleaders. There’s even a dedicated beginner area, so their first wipeout (which is, let’s face it, inevitable) happens in a soft, forgiving zone. And no problem if skiing isn’t really their thing... Sledging hills and snow playgrounds are everywhere, turning every day into a snowy adventure.
Off the slopes, the fun doesn’t stop. Many holiday properties have family-friendly amenities like games rooms, kid-sized pools and even babysitting services. Plus, restaurants are well setup to cater to little ones and picky eaters with high chairs and special kids’ menus featuring - you guessed it - cheesy delights.
