Our Top 5 Après-Ski Bars In Les Arcs
After sliding around a mountain all day, there’s nothing quite like finding somewhere to finish your day in style. The perfect après-ski bar needs to cater to your needs, whether you are tired with shaky legs, need a rest, or want to continue the fun with a party atmosphere. Les Arcs, particularly Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, has no shortage of establishments with varying approaches to après-ski. Here are our top five après-ski bars in Les Arcs, each with a unique atmosphere to satisfy your cravings at the end of a great day of skiing or snowboarding.
Wherever you go in the world there seems to be an Irish bar, and Les Arcs is no exception. Right in the centre of the village, Les Belles Pintes has everything you need for your après-ski session. Here, you can expect a welcoming atmosphere, great drinks, and an easygoing atmosphere.
The interior is a classic Irish pub, with dark wood and snug booths that make it perfect for groups. The beer selection is top-notch—Guinness, of course, flows freely, along with some local brews that provide a taste of the Savoie. What really sets it apart is the live music. Bands regularly entertain the crowds with classic rock covers, singalongs, and even the occasional French twist. There are also regular parties and events throughout the winter to mix things up a bit. Les Belles Pints also has a pool table if you want to challenge your friends over a few beers.
Les Belles Pintes has a solid pub menu if you’re craving food alongside your drinks. Expect burgers, fish and chips, and cheesy nachos to stop your stomach from rumbling. Sometimes, a simple pint and a burger are all you need to close out a perfect day in the mountains.
Tip: Arrive early to snag one of the snug booths, especially if you’re with a group. They fill up fast!
The village igloo gives you a very different après-ski experience and really makes you feel like you are in the French Alps. This unique venue is located a 15min walk from Arc 2000 and is an actual igloo made entirely of snow and ice. This spectacular creation has a bar, restaurant, dance floor, and even a small hotel built into it.
One of the great things about the village igloo is that it is a family-friendly après-ski activity that is also suitable for non-skiers. For the full experience, you can begin your evening with a snowshoe trek under the stars from the Cabriolet cable car to the igloo itself. Once you enter the impressive 180 m² ice grotto, you are greeted with a welcome drink and a charcuterie board before sitting down for dinner.
Visiting the Village Igloo is an excellent way to enjoy a traditional Savoyard cheese fondue and aperitif in a unique setting. While eating, you sit on fur blankets to make this slightly surreal experience cosy and comfortable. However, we recommend that you keep your gloves on, as the temperature inside is around 2 degrees.
You can also enjoy the meticulously crafted ice sculptures and get a feel for how the igloo comes together each season. It’s not every day you get to drink in a place that melts away by summer.
Tip: Dress warmly and keep gloves on! It may be cozy, but the ice bar stays cold.
3. Le Chalet de Luigi
Le Chalet de Luigi is easily accessible from the centre of Arc 1950 and the Marmots piste and entertains visitors in several ways. It is an incredibly popular lunch spot thanks to its magnificent south-facing terrace. But the terrace is also home to many deck chairs ideal for coffee or hot chocolate in the sun while having a break from skiing. Inside, it has a traditional alpine feel with wooden beams and Savoyard decor, where you can warm up by the fireplace on a cold day.
The menu continues with the Savoyard theme, featuring traditional mountain dishes and regional specialties. But there is also a more lively side to this quaint establishment. In the late afternoons and evenings, Le Chalet de Luigi becomes one of the liveliest après-ski bars in Arc 1950. The atmosphere goes up a notch with live music and DJs entertaining skiers and snowboarders straight off the slopes.
The popularity of Le Chalet de Luigi comes from its versatility, catering to pretty much everyone. You can expect happy hours, a billiard room, concerts, and sports broadcasts on big screens. Therefore, you can relax with a glass of wine by the fireplace or dance on the tables until late at night with a mix of locals and tourists.
Tip: Head to Le Chalet de Luigi around 5 p.m. to catch the live music or DJ sets before it gets packed.
4. La Folie Douce
A list of après-ski spots wouldn’t be complete without mentioning La Folie Douce, which is famous for its epic mountain parties. The Les Arcs branch is right above Arc 1800 which is accessible by foot or on skis via the Gondola des Villards. This venue is designed to include everyone, whether it is family, friends, or older generations.
When visiting La Folie Douce, you can enjoy one of its famous shows, which are accompanied by DJs, musicians, dancers, and entertainers. It truly has an incredible team of in-house performers. The experience here is bold and quintessentially après-ski, which makes it perfect for those who want to après before dinner and then wind down (or move to another spot) for the night.
La Folie Douce also has three restaurants in the same building: La Fruitière, La Petite Cuisine, and Le Butcher. Each one has a menu put together by executive chef Franck Mischler specific to its individual themes. The whole building can accommodate up to 1100 people every day, and the service is always great. You can also hire La Folie Douce for private events during the day or at night, with or without performers, if you choose.
Tip: Make sure to check the show schedule beforehand so you don’t miss the main performance.
5. O’Chaud – Bar Club
O’Chaud is located between La Vache Rouge and Chez Léontine in Arc 1950 and opens its doors from 3 p.m. until 3 a.m. It is a small bar with a much more contemporary atmosphere than the rustic nature of other après-ski spots in Les Arcs.
During the day, O’Chaud provides a cosy lounge bar experience with a refined feel. Here, you can enjoy finger food and drinks all afternoon, preparing you for when the bar transforms into something a lot more lively. The vibe changes considerably later on, with thumping electro music played by renowned DJs accompanied by musicians. It is popular with younger crowds, but it’s still welcoming for anyone who just wants a good time.
The drinks menu includes a wide range of cocktails, including classics and more experimental drinks created by entertaining bartenders. It is also an excellent spot for downing shots to lose your inhibitions before moving onto the dance floor.
Tip: If you’re in a group, consider reserving a table. It makes the night much more comfortable
Final Thoughts On Après-Ski Bars In Les Arcs
Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 offer a superb range of après-ski experiences designed to cater to different tastes, preferences, and moods. Whether you enjoy the comfort of a classic pub, the novelty of an igloo, or the energy of a vibrant mountain party, you will find a venue that suits your mood. Start your afternoon with the unforgettable performances at La Folie Douce, enjoy a relaxed drink at Les Belles Pintes, or head to O’Chaud for a lively night out.
Après-ski in Les Arcs isn’t just about drinking as much as you can before dinner; it’s about enjoying the atmosphere and each other’s company after a fantastic day on the slopes.
If you’re thinking about visiting Les Arcs next winter, it’s best to go with as much information as possible. Therefore, you may want to check out our Ultimate Guide To Les Arcs, as it is loaded with important things to know and tips that will help you enjoy your stay.
Alternatively, contact our travel experts for the best advice on your next winter holiday to the French Alps. They can help you pick the perfect resort and accommodation to suit your preferences. Also, they can organise transfers, activities, lessons, equipment rental, and anything else you want or need to make your holiday perfect.
