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More than 15 years ago, the Canadian developer Intrawest began its march across North America, transforming ski resorts so that they might better serve the skier and the second-home buyer. Its new 'village' developments, notably at Whistler Blackcomb and Tremblant in Canada, proved highly successful; and when Intrawest announced in November 2001 that it was to build such a village at Les Arcs, there was considerable excitement and - at its showpiece property-sale events soon afterwards - a massive, unison opening of wallets.
Now that the first two phases have been built for this winter's debut of Arc 1950 Le Village, the development seems slightly less exciting: the 'authentic alpine village combined with the comfort and convenience of modern-day living' promised by one Intrawest executive delivers only the latter. The apartments closely resemble those at Tremblant - which means a lot of very generous and comfortable furniture and an overstimulating range of furnishing fabrics (Madras weaves, wood-block prints, tartan) all squeezed into slightly too small a space.
Although the immoral-sounding 'one-bed, four-person' apartments are best-suited for one couple (ie without another on the sitting-room sofa-bed), the accommodation is actually generous by French-resort standards. And for the price, the specification is notably high. Each apartment has a balcony, those to the south with a clear-day view of Mont Blanc; all have a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, many an open fireplace (plus a supply of wood). There's also the convenience of doorstep skiing, a heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi, sauna and hammam. Apartments range in size from two-person studios up to three-bedroom, eight-person units (with two sleeping in the sitting room).
CONTACT
Arc 1950 Le Village apartments are bookable through Erna Low (0870 750 6820; www.ernalow.co.uk). Weekly rates from £275 for two-person studios and from £885 for the biggest, eight/nine-person apartments
THE SKIING
See 'Les Alpages du Chantel', opposite page. Arc 1950 Le Village is in
the Vallée de l'Arc, connected by a 'cabriolet' lift to Arc 2000
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