In 2003, at the heart of the ski area of Les Arcs in Haute Tarentaise, an ambitious vision took shape at nearly 2000 meters altitude: Arc 1950 Le Village.
Innovative, pioneering, and almost idealistic... these are just a few adjectives that characterized the village concept envisioned by the Canadian developer Intrawest in the early 2000s, aiming to establish a next-generation village within the highly sought-after ski resort of Les Arcs. Unique and bold, its vision was decidedly avant-garde for an alpine resort… and even for Europe. It aimed to create a one-of-a-kind vacation experience with the ambition of transforming mountain tourism. Named Arc 1950, this village positioned just below Arc 2000 aspires to be a fully integrated, pedestrian-only resort with a vibrant village life. Approximately thirty shops and nearly 4,000 apartments distributed across 8 five-star tourist residences will provide holidaymakers with the luxury of a serene stay in an exceptional natural environment that is deeply refreshing and revitalizing. With its breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks, this gem will be a pioneer, a five-star showcase of alpine beauty.
Arc 1950 is on the verge of being born.
Laying of the first stone
Opening of the first residence, the "Hameau du Glacier"
Construction of 7 other residences
Inauguration of Arc 1950 Le Village
The concept of Arc 1950 Village is designed to create a place fully integrated into its natural environment, with a constant focus on enhancing the customer experience to make it even more beautiful, emphasizing pleasure and tranquility. Everything has been thoughtfully planned in this direction.
The arrangement of shops, the ski-in, ski-out access from residences… The designs of the resort, envisioned by Eldon Beck, one of the best architects and designers of tourist resorts across the Atlantic, model a coherent architectural vision aimed at allowing visitors to experience their vacations in a radically different way. The buildings, human-scale and resembling chalets, are constructed from mountain stone and adorned with stained or colored wooden cladding, topped with slate roofs to respect traditional alpine architecture… The style is distinctly different from the constructions found in other villages of Les Arcs.
Among all the prestigious destinations in the Alps, in France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, why did the Intrawest Group choose Les Arcs? Perhaps it was the breathtaking landscapes of our region that reminded the Canadian executives of the vast North American wilderness. Additionally, the dynamic development and potential attractiveness of this resort likely reinforced their decision: the ski area is set to double in size with the upcoming construction of the Vanoise Express, a cable car that will connect Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry to La Plagne, propelling it to the second largest ski area in the world.
What is certain is that the stunning panoramas captured their hearts and convinced them, in 2002, to select this Savoyard resort to realize their unique integrated resort project. The exact location was then carefully chosen to preserve the natural ecosystem as much as possible, and all that was left was to entrust architect Eldon Beck with the task of designing the plans for a village-resort that would evolve in perfect harmony with its surroundings.
With its 8 residences, 698 apartments, and 3,900 beds, the resort is committed to a reasonable development approach. Since December 2007, no new constructions have been added to the project. At a time when others yield to the over-exploitation of the mountains, this ski resort takes this remarkable commitment in favor of its preservation.
The Arc 1950 Le Village Resort is managed by the Free Syndicate Association. Composed of the village's shopkeepers and owners, they are the ones who decide, vote, and finance all decisions regarding the management and maintenance of the streets and green spaces, renovations, security, events, public relations, and marketing...
Managed by the association of shopkeepers and property owners in the village, the streets and green spaces are maintained sustainably: selection of cold-resistant trees that consume little water in the summer, use of natural fertilizers, and snow removal using calcium flakes that are less harmful than salt...
At Arc 1950 Le Village, all infrastructure and common areas have always been accessible and adapted for people with reduced mobility. They can move freely throughout the village and enjoy all its facilities at their leisure, including within the residences, at our children's club the Yéti Camp, and in the wellness areas...