Les Arcs sells two kinds of week pass: the Classic pass for Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and Villaroger, and the Essential and Premium passes, which add La Plagne across the whole Paradiski area. For most UK families with beginners or young children, the Classic pass is enough and saves money. Paradiski is worth it for confident skiers who will cross to La Plagne, or if you value the Essential pass’s free cancellation and extras.
The short answer
- Beginners, young families and mixed groups: the Classic pass. Les Arcs on its own has around 200 km of pistes.
- Confident skiers who want to explore, or anyone going in the school holidays: the Essential pass, which covers around 425 km across Paradiski, including La Plagne, and gives you fast track lanes on 14 lifts.
- Want one day in La Plagne? A Classic pass plus a one day Paradiski extension usually costs less than a full Essential pass.
- Children under 5 ski free, and 13 year olds pay the adult price.
The three passes compared
| Pass | Area | 6 days, age 13 to 64 | 6 days, age 5 to 12 or 65 to 74 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, Villaroger | €368 | €295 |
| Essential | Paradiski: the above plus La Plagne | €412 | €330 |
| Premium | Paradiski, with activities included | €491 | €393 |
Public prices for winter 2026/27, from the official Les Arcs lift pass website, checked 28 October 2026. Classic prices apply from 19 December 2026 to 16 April 2027, and Essential and Premium from 19 December 2026 to 17 April 2027. Children under 5 ski free, and skiers aged 75 and over can buy a Senior Plus pass for €10 at a ticket office with proof of age.
What a family of four pays
For two adults and two children aged 5 to 12, buying six day passes at the public prices:
| Option | Total for six days |
|---|---|
| Four Classic passes | €1,326 |
| Four Classic passes, plus one Paradiski extension day each | €1,428 |
| Four Essential passes | €1,484 |
| Four Premium passes | €1,768 |
Our own sums from the official prices. The Paradiski extension day costs €28 for an adult and €23 for a child, and is sold only at ticket offices to Classic pass holders during their pass. Family and group packs are also sold, so check the official site before you buy.
What the Essential pass adds
Apart from La Plagne, the official site lists these extras with the Essential pass:
- Free half day of skiing from 12.30pm on your arrival day, with a pass of six days or more.
- Fast track lanes on 14 lifts, including the Transarc and Villards.
- One entry to the Arc 1800 swimming pool.
- Discounts on activities such as the zip line, First Tracks and sledging.
- Free cancellation and date changes until your first day of skiing.
From our own trip: we used the fast track lanes on our February 2026 half term trip, and they were really useful in such a busy week. We think that alone saves a huge amount of time getting up the mountain, so if you are going in the school holidays it is a big point in the Essential pass’s favour.
The Premium pass includes some of those activities rather than discounting them. It suits people who know they will use them.
Cancellation rules
- Classic: free cancellation and date changes up to 7 days before the first day. After that, cancelling costs €10 per day per pass, and changing dates costs €10 per order.
- Essential and Premium: free cancellation and date changes until the first day of skiing.
- Promotional offers: cannot be cancelled, refunded or changed.
If there is any chance your plans will change, the Essential pass’s more flexible terms are worth weighing up, alongside your travel insurance.
Which pass for your group?
First timers
You will spend the first days on gentle slopes near your village, so a Paradiski pass is money you will not use. Les Arcs also sells beginner passes, which are listed on the official site. Book ski school first, then choose the pass around it. See our ski hire and lessons guide.
Families with children in ski school
Ski school groups stay in Les Arcs, so the Classic pass usually fits. Remember that children aged 13 and over pay the adult price.
Confident skiers
Les Arcs alone is big enough for a week for most intermediates. If you want to ski La Plagne, the Vanoise Express cable car links Peisey-Vallandry with the La Plagne side. Buy the Essential pass if you expect to cross more than once, or the Classic pass with an extension day if it is just one trip.
Mixed groups
There is no rule that everyone needs the same pass. Beginners can have Classic passes while the stronger skiers buy Essential passes.
Buying your pass
- Buy online on the official site before you travel, to avoid the first morning queue.
- Have proof of age ready for any reduced price.
- Arriving by train? The official site lists funicular access with all three passes. Our guide to Les Arcs by train explains the journey.
For the rest of your trip, see our Les Arcs ski guide, where to stay in Arc 1800 and ski hire in Arc 1800.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Paradiski pass worth it for beginners?
Rarely. Beginners stay on the nursery and easy slopes in Les Arcs, so the Classic pass is better value.
Do children ski free in Les Arcs?
Children under 5 ski free. Children aged 5 to 12 pay a reduced price, and from 13 they pay the adult price.
Can I ski La Plagne for one day on a Les Arcs pass?
Yes. Classic pass holders can buy a one day Paradiski extension at a ticket office, for €28 for an adult or €23 for a child in 2026/27.
Can I cancel a Les Arcs lift pass?
The Classic pass can be cancelled free up to 7 days before, then with a fee. The Essential and Premium passes can be cancelled free until the first day of skiing. Promotional passes cannot be cancelled.
Prices and conditions are set by the lift company and can change. Always check the official site before you buy.