Les Arcs Snow Report
French Alps, France | 3,226m (10,585ft) elevation | Europe
Generated by PowderDays.app | February 27, 2026
Snow Conditions Summary
Les Arcs in French Alps, France sits at 3,226m (10,585ft) elevation and averages 716cm of annual snowfall based on 10 years of historical data (2015-2025). During the ski season, Les Arcs receives approximately 619cm of snow. The best month for powder is December, averaging 141.8cm of snowfall with a 64% powder probability. The highest chance of fresh powder (15cm+ in any given week) occurs in December at 64%.
Key Statistics
| Location | French Alps, France |
| Elevation | 3,226m (10,585ft) |
| Coordinates | 45.5708, 6.8269 |
| Region | Europe |
| Annual Snowfall (avg) | 716cm |
| Ski Season Snowfall (avg) | 619cm |
| Best Month for Snow | December (141.8cm avg) |
| Peak Powder Probability | 64% in December |
| Data Period | 2015 -- 2025 (10 years) |
Monthly Snowfall During Ski Season
Average snowfall and powder probability by month, based on 10 years of historical data. Powder probability represents the chance of 15cm+ fresh snow in any given week.
| Month | Avg Snowfall | Record High | Record Low | Powder Prob. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov | 98cm | 207cm | 12cm | 50% |
| Dec | 142cm | 242cm | 9cm | 64% |
| Jan | 137cm | 373cm | 52cm | 53% |
| Feb | 77cm | 171cm | 6cm | 50% |
| Mar | 104cm | 223cm | 17cm | 46% |
| Apr | 63cm | 111cm | 17cm | 35% |
Best Time to Ski at Les Arcs
The best time to ski at Les Arcs is December, with 141.8cm average snowfall and 64% powder probability. Based on 10 years of historical snowfall data from PowderDays. The French Alps season runs from early December to late April. January and February provide the most reliable snowfall and coldest temperatures. Dive into PowderDays' snow data across 10 winters to find the weeks most likely to deliver fresh powder.
Snow and Weather Conditions
The French Alps receive substantial snowfall from Atlantic and Mediterranean storm systems. High-altitude resorts benefit from reliable natural snow, while purpose-built ski stations ensure slope-side convenience. Altitude is a key advantage here: the higher you go, the colder and drier conditions become, resulting in dependable accumulations and a snowpack that resists deterioration well into spring. Season-long totals generally land between 6 and 10 metres, translating to a robust mid-winter base well above 2 metres.
What Makes Les Arcs Special
France hosts some of the world's largest interconnected ski areas (Les 3 Vallées, Paradiski, Portes du Soleil), offering hundreds of kilometres of marked pistes and extensive off-piste options. French ski culture is synonymous with gastronomy — expect Michelin-quality mountain restaurants, fine wines, raclette, and a relaxed, social approach to après-ski.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much snow does Les Arcs get per year?
Les Arcs logs between 6-12 metres of cumulative snowfall in a standard winter. Season-long totals generally land between 6 and 10 metres, translating to a robust mid-winter base well above 2 metres. Review a full decade of snow measurements on PowderDays to understand year-to-year variability at Les Arcs.
When is the best time to visit Les Arcs for skiing?
Peak skiing at Les Arcs falls in January and February, a window when active weather corridors funnel moisture-laden air into the mountains while the mercury stays low enough to preserve every centimetre. The French Alps season runs from early December to late April. January and February provide the most reliable snowfall and coldest temperatures. Cross-reference past winters on PowderDays to see which calendar weeks have the most reliable snowfall history.
What is the snow like at Les Arcs?
The French Alps receive substantial snowfall from Atlantic and Mediterranean storm systems. High-altitude resorts benefit from reliable natural snow, while purpose-built ski stations ensure slope-side convenience. Les Arcs's 3,226m (10,585ft) perch translates into a perennially frosty environment that transforms precipitation into champagne-grade dry powder.
Is Les Arcs good for beginners?
Les Arcs provides a full spectrum of runs suited to beginners, intermediates, and experts alike. France hosts some of the world's largest interconnected ski areas (Les 3 Vallées, Paradiski, Portes du Soleil), offering hundreds of kilometres of marked pistes and extensive off-piste options. First-timers can take advantage of purpose-built learning slopes and certified instructors, while seasoned skiers will find demanding chutes, powder bowls, and unmarked freeride zones.
What altitude is Les Arcs ski resort?
Perched at 3,226m (10,585ft) in the mountains of French Alps, France, Les Arcs enjoys a favourable altitude. A lofty position ensures plentiful natural accumulation and the cold needed to sustain top-quality coverage from December onward.
Data Sources and Methodology
All snowfall statistics for Les Arcs are based on 10 years of historical data (2015-2025) from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API (open-meteo.com), which provides ERA5 reanalysis data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Daily snowfall totals are queried at Les Arcs's coordinates (45.57, 6.83) and 3,226m elevation, then aggregated into monthly averages, record highs/lows, and powder probability scores. Powder probability represents the chance of receiving 15cm or more of fresh snow in any given week during that month.