The cabins will be large enough for 200 people and will cross the Ponthurin Vally in just 4 minutes. When completed (scheduled to be in 2008), the village at Arc 1950 will be fully self-contained – with its own shops, restaurants, bars, ski school, equipment shops, thermal spa, swimming pools and underground parking. Found in the Tarentaise, Les Arcs sits directly above the town of Bourg St Maurice. Although 15km by road the resort can also be reached by funicular from Bourg St Maurice. It was created by the visionary Robert Blanc in 1968, who was responsible for the revolutionary teaching method 'Ski Evolutif'. This system - where you get longer skis as you improve - is still used there today. The resort is made up of three modern 'villages', with Arc 1800 the biggest and most popular.

Most visitors self-cater and benefit from traffic-free streets; non-ski activities are thin on the ground. 1800 has most of the shops, restaurants and clubs, although these are perhaps not amongst the Alps' greatest hotspots. There are really only two bars of any stature. Families will particularly like Les Arcs, with the resort gaining the highest grade from the Board of Tourism for its children's facilities. 1950 as stated above will be fully self-contained – with its own shops, restaurants, bars, ski school, equipment shops, thermal spa, swimming pools and underground parking.

On the skiing front, things are much better. The lift system is one of the best, with few queues except at rush hour. Beginners and intermediates are spoilt for choice, with well over 50% of the 120 pistes graded as blue or red. Advanced skiers don't miss out, with lots of off-piste and challenging black runs. Boarders have much to thank Les Arcs for, as it was one of the first European resorts to pick up on the sport in the '80s. They have a specialist park, with a half-pipe, jumps and boardercross course. If you're really up for it, have a go at the speed skiing course… Overall, an all round skier's resort - ideal for those not fussed about hectic nightlife and excessive Alpine charm.