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Bourg-Saint-Maurice Ski Holidays
At first glance, it’s a charming valley town - more bustling French community than glossy resort village - but for skiers in the know, it’s the beating heart of one of the largest ski areas in the world.
Rather than being a purpose-built resort, Bourg-Saint-Maurice is a genuine year-round town. You’ll find locals doing their weekly shop, bakers selling croissants at dawn, and skiers fresh off the train heading for the slopes. It’s a proper French Alpine hub that hums with life beyond the ski season. This authenticity gives it a very different energy from the high-altitude resorts: more relaxed, more lived-in, and, frankly, a bit more interesting.
Its biggest trump card? The Arc-en-Ciel funicular railway, a sleek, seven-minute link that whisks you directly up to Les Arcs 1600. From there, the whole Paradiski domain unfolds in front of you - Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, La Plagne - all connected by one of the world’s most efficient lift systems. Bourg-Saint-Maurice might not sit on the slopes, but it’s the gateway to some of the best skiing in Europe.
Your perfect base for a multi-resort adventure, offering easy train access and a 7-minute funicular ride straight up to Les Arcs and the huge Paradiski area!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
The town itself sits at around 813m, or 2,667ft, with the funicular shooting up to Les Arcs 1600. From there, you’re plugged into the Paradiski network - an enormous ski area linking Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, and La Plagne, offering over 425km of pistes. The sheer scale is staggering, with terrain ranging from gentle forest runs to the epic 3,226m summit of Aiguille Rouge, which marks the highest point in Les Arcs.
Snow conditions in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
813m doesn’t precisely scream ‘snowy wonderland’, but that’s the beauty of Bourg-Saint-Maurice. While the town itself might not see much snow, the funicular gives you instant access to the high-altitude slopes of Les Arcs, where conditions are typically excellent all winter long.
Most of Les Arcs sits well above 1,800m, with extensive north-facing terrain and access to glacier skiing, which means great snow reliability and the chance to ski late into the season. Even the lower runs are supported by powerful snow-making systems, ensuring the pistes remain in good condition all the way back to resort level. In short, you get all the benefits of a high-altitude resort, without having to sleep in one.
Skiing in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
If you’re skiing from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, your adventure starts with that 7-minute hop on the funicular up to Les Arcs 1600. From there, the entire Les Arcs area is your playground: 1600, 1800, 1950, and 2000 - each with its own vibe, scenery, and style of skiing.
Beginners and cruisers can meander down wide, confidence-building blue runs between 1600 and 1800, while more advanced skiers will find plenty to chew on at the higher altitudes. The Aiguille Rouge is the headline act - a thrilling, sweeping descent from 3,226m down to the hamlet of Villaroger. That’s over 2,000m of vertical drop in one go, through glaciers, forests, and open bowls - one of the longest continuous descents in Europe.
The beauty of staying in Bourg-Saint-Maurice is its sheer convenience. You don’t have to wrestle with mountain parking or long transfers - just step on the funicular, skis in hand, and you’re on the slopes before you’ve even finished your coffee. It’s one of the most seamless ski access points in the Alps.
Snowboarding in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
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Boarders are just as well catered for. Les Arcs has long been a favourite among snowboarders, offering a mix of accessible freeride terrain, dedicated parks, and well-connected lifts. Near Les Arcs 1800, you’ll find Apocalypse Parc, a long-standing freestyle hotspot with a solid range of features - rails, boxes, kickers, and a beginner-friendly zone to help you build confidence before hitting the big stuff.
If you prefer powder to park laps, the off-piste options are endless. The terrain around Arc 2000 and the Grand Col is perfect for freeriding, with huge expanses of open snowfields and plenty of natural features. The modern lift system across the Paradiski area also means fewer dreaded flat sections, keeping things flowy and fun for snowboarders who just want to keep riding.
Accommodation in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
With great accommodation options, local, down-to-earth atmosphere, and easy access to everything you could want, you’ve got a stay that feels more French market town than tourist enclave.
What's available at Bourg-Saint-Maurice ski resort?
Après-ski in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Après in Bourg-Saint-Maurice is less about thumping bass and more about good company, good food, and the occasional well-earned glass of wine. It’s perfect if you prefer a relaxed, local vibe after a day on the mountain rather than the full après-ski circus.
- La Ruelle is a favourite among visitors and locals alike - a snug bar with friendly faces, a great drinks list, and a distinctly unpretentious feel.
- Le Refuge offers that classic mountain-pub atmosphere, with hearty food, local spirits, and a log-fire sort of charm.
- For something a bit livelier, Cherry Garden draws a younger crowd with music and cocktails.
- Restaurant Le Bel Face provides a more refined option if you’re in the mood for fine dining - perfect for celebrating a perfect ski day.
- Iseran Kfé, close to the funicular, makes an easy stop for a quick après drink before heading back to your accommodation.
Facilities in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
As a proper town rather than a purpose-built resort, Bourg-Saint-Maurice has all the practicalities you could possibly want. There’s a major TGV station with direct links to Paris and other European cities, meaning you can step off the train and be on the slopes within minutes. The funicular is fast, reliable, and built for skiers, so the whole experience feels effortless.
You also have a full range of amenities, including large supermarkets, mountain sports shops, pharmacies, and banks, which makes self-catering a breeze. Dining options range from classic Savoyard fare (think fondue, raclette, and tartiflette) to international cuisine, all at valley-level prices rather than resort mark-ups. Bourg-Saint-Maurice isn’t just ski-holiday practical; it’s downright convenient.
Facilities for children in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Families will find that Bourg-Saint-Maurice works beautifully as a base. Through the funicular, you’ve got direct access to the ESF (École du Ski Français) and other major ski schools in Les Arcs, complete with dedicated children’s zones and gentle beginner slopes.
Off the mountain, there’s plenty to keep younger ones entertained. There’s a local cinema, an indoor swimming pool and leisure centre (a short walk or drive from the centre), and several parks and play areas. For parents of little ones, private childcare services and nurseries are available either in town or in the resorts above. It’s a destination that genuinely strikes a balance between practicality and play.
Why choose Erna Low for Bourg-Saint-Maurice skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
This charming, authentic valley town has quick access not only to Les Arcs but also to Tignes, Val d'Isère, and La Rosière.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
