Arêches Beaufort

Arêches Beaufort is a ski resort located in the Northern Alps (Savoie), accessible from the village of Arêches, which is part of the municipality of Beaufort-sur-Doron. In the heart of a preserved environment, with a rich human history where agriculture and tourism coexist harmoniously, Arêches-Beaufort welcomes visitors in search of sporting, heritage and gourmet experiences.

The Arêches Beaufort ski area

The Arêches-Beaufort ski area offers an authentic and diverse experience for winter sports enthusiasts. Stretching between 1,050 and 2,320 metres above sea level, it offers 50 kilometres of slopes spread over 30 trails, suitable for all levels of skiers. The area is divided into two main sectors: Grand-Mont and Le Planay, connected by slopes and ski lifts, allowing for easy exploration of the entire area.

This area is nicknamed ‘Little Tyrol’ or ‘Little Switzerland’ because of its large number of wooden alpine chalets and the many herds of Tarine and Abondance cows that can be seen. Unlike many French ski resorts, Arêches Beaufort has developed its tourism industry without losing its farmers.

Among the iconic slopes, the ‘Wood Cross’ stands out for its fun route through the forest, offering an immersive experience in the heart of nature. The ‘Perches Noires’ slope is renowned for its technical slopes and varied passages.

The Pas des Vaches area, located on the Planay side, offers a remarkable route through the woods with a challenging descent of over 1,000 metres, popular with thrill seekers. This diversity of terrain has made Arêches-Beaufort a favourite training spot, particularly for ski touring, and has helped to create one of the highest concentrations of top athletes in France.

Some iconic figures

Among the iconic figures trained here are François D’Haene, world-renowned ultra-trail runner, and Marie Bochet, multi-medal-winning Paralympic skier. From an early age, the village’s children enjoy an environment conducive to excellence: they start their schooling in the smallest secondary school in Savoie, before continuing their education in Albertville, in close contact with regional sports centres. This reflects a region where sport, mountains and local life form a deeply rooted ecosystem.

The resort also emphasises comfort and conviviality. A new picnic area equipped with hammocks has been created, offering skiers a place to relax in the heart of nature. When it comes to dining, establishments such as Les Arolles and L’Alpage offer delicious local cuisine, allowing you to discover regional specialities in a warm and welcoming setting.

For freeriders, the secret spots offer thrills and spills across a variety of landscapes.

Arêches-Beaufort, the mecca of ski touring

Arêches-Beaufort has a long-standing relationship with ski touring, embodied by the Pierra Menta, an international ski mountaineering competition that has been held every year since 1986. This race, considered one of the most demanding in the world, takes place over four days and covers around 10,000 metres of elevation gain, testing the endurance and technical skills of the participants. Teams of two athletes tackle vertiginous ridges, steep couloirs and around fifteen peaks ranging from 2,000 to 2,687 metres, notably on the slopes of the Grand Mont.

Over the years, the Pierra Menta has become a true symbol of local mountain culture, attracting thousands of spectators who climb the slopes at dawn to cheer on the runners with bells, trumpets and other instruments, creating a unique and festive atmosphere.

The race has also helped to make Arêches-Beaufort a mecca for ski touring, renowned for its varied itineraries.

The Arêches Beaufort ski resort is committed to sustainable development

Arêches-Beaufort’s identity is deeply rooted in its agricultural traditions. The Abondance and Tarine cows, emblems of the region, are essential to the production of the famous Beaufort cheese. This cheese-making activity generates four times more revenue than the ski lifts, highlighting the importance of agriculture in the local economy. The Arêches-Beaufort ski area embodies a successful harmony between tourism, sport and the preservation of mountain traditions.

The Arêches-Beaufort ski resort stands out for its deep-rooted and long-standing commitment to sustainable development, embodying a harmonious approach to tourism, agriculture and environmental preservation. In 2007, it was the first resort in France to sign the national charter for sustainable development in mountain resorts, demonstrating its early commitment to integrating environmental issues into its development strategy.

The Flocon Vert label

This approach was recognised in June 2024 with the award of the Flocon Vert label, level 2 flakes, in recognition of its exemplary governance, responsible resource management and strong social and cultural dynamics. The resort voluntarily limits the use of artificial snow to only 15% of its area, well below the national average of 35%, and favours 100% renewable electricity for its ski lifts.

Arêches-Beaufort encourages soft mobility by offering free shuttles and encouraging carpooling. The resort also raises awareness among visitors about waste management, encouraging them to take their rubbish away with them for efficient sorting. The coexistence of tourism and agriculture is at the heart of its strategy, with close collaboration between the resort and local farmers to preserve the mountain pastures and maintain biodiversity.

Unforgettable experiences in Arêches Beaufort

If you love winter sports, you’ll love sledging! For young and old alike, grab your sledge and slide down the slopes for a unique thrill!

Snowshoeing is also a popular activity in the mountains during the winter season! It’s very physical but well worth the effort! You’ll pass through beautiful trails and be amazed by the views!

Cameras at the Arêches Beaufort ski resort

If you want to see the current conditions at the ski resort and its natural surroundings, you can check out the Arêches Beaufort webcams in real time.

Bonnet Rouge webcam

Le Cuvy webcam

The Arêches Beaufort mountain resort in summer

The Roc du Vent via ferrata, suitable for most people, provides an incredible opportunity to experience breathtaking panoramic views. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the Roselend and Gittaz dams, the majestic Vanoise range, the towering Grand Paradis, and the iconic Mont Blanc. This accessible yet thrilling adventure allows visitors to connect with nature while enjoying some of the most impressive landscapes of the Alps.

The resort’s mountain biking area is well known to enthusiasts. Explore the mountain trails, which are maintained and secured by the Bikes Patrol. Suitable for all levels, with gentle slopes, challenging descents and physically demanding climbs, these routes pass through alpine pastures and forests.

Where to stay in the resort of Arêches Beaufort?

Hôtel les Ancolies ***

Located in the heart of the village of Arêches Beaufort, the Hotel Les Ancolies embodies the authenticity and charm of the Savoyard mountains. A family-run establishment for five generations, it offers 12 comfortable rooms and one suite, decorated in a refined mountain style, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Just 200 metres from the slopes, the hotel is ideally located for skiing enthusiasts in winter and hikers in summer. Guests particularly appreciate the warm welcome, the cleanliness of the premises and the quality of the services, as evidenced by the rave reviews on review platforms.

The restaurant ‘La Table de Joséphine’ offers delicious cuisine featuring local produce, while the ‘Cristal des Alpes’ spa offers a relaxation area with sauna, hammam and jacuzzi. The hotel also has a wine bar, a hairdressing salon, secure ski storage and free private parking.

Hôtel du Doron **

Located in the heart of the village of Beaufort, the Hôtel du Doron (also known as Maison Doron) is a warm and friendly establishment, ideal for stays with family, friends or on your own.

The hotel has 20 cosy and family-friendly rooms, ideal for a comfortable stay with family or friends. For those looking for budget accommodation, two stylish dormitories are also available, accommodating up to 12 people, with a friendly hostel atmosphere, combining comfort and attractive rates.

Located just 5 km from the ski slopes of Arêches Beaufort, the hotel is an ideal base for winter sports enthusiasts. In summer, it also offers excellent access to hiking trails, allowing guests to enjoy the alpine landscapes all year round.

The hotel has a restaurant where the bistro cuisine showcases local and seasonal produce. Visitors can enjoy tasty dishes in a friendly atmosphere. There is also a café-bar, offering a family atmosphere that is ideal for relaxing after a day of activities.

Among the establishment’s little extras is a games room for children, allowing the youngest guests to have fun in complete safety. A bicycle and motorbike workshop is also available for enthusiasts, offering a practical space to maintain their equipment.

The ski room allows skiers to store their equipment safely, while the large secure garage ensures optimal protection for vehicles. Finally, a private car park is available, offering additional convenience for a hassle-free stay.

Hôtel le Christiana **

Just 50 metres from the ski slopes, the Hotel Le Christiania is a typical Savoyard establishment offering a warm and friendly atmosphere. Its 20 rooms, tastefully decorated in a mountain style, are equipped with all the comforts you need for a pleasant stay, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains or the picturesque village.

The hotel’s restaurant, ‘Le 1947’, offers delicious cuisine showcasing local specialities, prepared with fresh, seasonal produce. The hotel also has a bar, a sunny terrace, a ski room with boot dryers and an on-site ski equipment hire service.

Skiing in Arêches Beaufort: the resort’s highlights

• Environment and landscapes: Surrounded by mountains and unspoilt nature, Arêches-Beaufort offers spectacular panoramic views.
• Slopes for all levels: 50 km of slopes, including 14 green and blue slopes for beginners and 15 red and black slopes for experienced skiers.
• Ski touring and freeriding: A popular destination for ski touring, particularly at Pierra Menta, which is ideal for freeriding enthusiasts.
• Charm of an alpine village: An authentic village with shops, restaurants and bakeries, immersing visitors in the local culture.
• Local cuisine: Discover Beaufort cheese in Savoyard restaurants, an unmissable delicacy of the region.
• Activities for non-skiers: Snowshoeing and sledging for fun for the whole family.
• Commitment to sustainability: Arêches-Beaufort, awarded the ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ and ‘Qualité Tourisme’ labels, stands out for its eco-responsibility.
• Accessibility: 23 km from Albertville, the resort is easily accessible.