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Cauterets vs Les Arcs vs Samoëns: at a glance

Side-by-side comparison of Cauterets, Les Arcs and Samoëns based on Alpe Match data: ski area, altitude, size, prices and access.

CauteretsLes ArcsSamoëns
CountryFranceFranceFrance
RegionHautes-PyrénéesSavoieHaute-Savoie
Best forFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellersFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellersFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellers
Car-free centrePartlyYesPartly
Nearest airportsLourdes-Tarbes Pyrénées Airport (LDE, ~45 km); Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF, ~90 km)Geneva Airport (GVA) - ~200 km (2h 30m drive); Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) - ~200 km (2h 30m drive)Geneva Airport (GVA) (approx. 70 km); Chambéry Airport (CMF) (approx. 100 km)
Ski area38 km200 km265 km
Blue slopes16 km104 km128 km
Red slopes14 km70 km103 km
Black slopes3 km26 km34 km
Ski lifts155262
Village altitude500 m1,200 m720 m
Maximum altitude3,300 m3,226 m2,500 m
Hiking trails200 km200 km900 km
Population8597,1602,193
Accommodation beds12,00050,00024,000

Key differences

  • Samoëns has the largest ski area: 265 km, compared with Les Arcs (200 km) and Cauterets (38 km).
  • Samoëns has the most black slopes: 34 km, compared with Les Arcs (26 km) and Cauterets (3 km).
  • Samoëns has the most ski lifts: 62, compared with Les Arcs (52) and Cauterets (15).
  • Les Arcs has the highest village: 1,200 m, compared with Samoëns (720 m) and Cauterets (500 m).
  • Cauterets has the highest top altitude: 3,300 m, compared with Les Arcs (3,226 m) and Samoëns (2,500 m).
  • Samoëns has the most hiking trails: 900 km, compared with Cauterets (200 km) and Les Arcs (200 km).
  • Les Arcs has the largest accommodation capacity: 50,000, compared with Samoëns (24,000) and Cauterets (12,000).

Cauterets

Dual-season resort combining Belle Epoque thermal heritage with high-altitude skiing in the Pyrenees National Park, known for exceptional natural snow cover.

Full guide to Cauterets JSON

Les Arcs

High-altitude snow-sure terrain part of the 425km Paradiski area, fully pedestrianized villages, and seamless rail-to-ski access via the funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

Full guide to Les Arcs JSON

Samoëns

Historic stone-mason village with authentic charm, direct access to the 265km Grand Massif ski area, and a rich year-round activity offer including the Jardin Botanique Alpin La Jaÿsinia.

Full guide to Samoëns JSON
Cauterets vs Les Arcs vs Samoëns: ski area, altitude and prices compared | Alpe Match