Les Arcs

An exclusive early morning experience allowing guests to access selected lifts and pistes before the general opening, ensuring pristine corduroy snow and breathtaking sunrise views. Accompanied by resort staff or ski instructors, it offers an unforgettable start to the day. Includes a mountain breakfast. Available on specific days during winter, typically costing around 50-70 EUR per person, depending on the Arc and inclusions.

Explore the majestic Vanoise National Park's glaciers and high peaks with certified mountain guides during the summer months. These expeditions range from accessible glacier walks (e.g., Glacier du Varet, not Aiguille Rouge Glacier Experience) suitable for adventurous hikers to more technical mountaineering ascents. Equipment rental (crampons, ice axe) and safety briefings are included. Prices start from 80-150 EUR per person for a full-day guided trip, depending on group size and route difficulty.

An adventurous summer activity similar to via ferrata but often involving more climbing and traversing with ropes and fixed anchors. The Via Cordata du Mont de L'Aigle offers stunning views and a challenging route suitable for those with good physical condition. Guided tours are highly recommended for safety and range from 50-90 EUR per person, including harness and helmet. Available from July to September.

Guided tours exploring the outer edges of the Vanoise National Park, focusing on spotting local wildlife such as chamois, ibex, marmots, and various bird species in their natural habitat. Expert naturalists lead small groups, providing insights into the alpine ecosystem. Tours typically run during summer and early autumn, lasting 3-4 hours. Prices range from 30-60 EUR per person. Binoculars and warm clothing are recommended.

Located a short distance from Les Arcs in the Peisey-Vallandry area, this high ropes course offers various levels of aerial challenges amongst the trees, including zip lines, rope bridges, and tarzan swings. Suitable for children and adults (age/height restrictions apply for different courses). Provides a fun, active day out surrounded by nature. Entry fees typically range from 20-35 EUR per person. Open summer months.

Experience breathtaking aerial views of the entire Les Arcs and Paradiski domain, the Tarentaise Valley, and even Mont Blanc, from a helicopter departing from Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Various tour durations and routes are available, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities and an unforgettable perspective of the alpine landscape. Prices start from approximately 100-200 EUR per person for shorter flights (shared basis). Operates year-round, weather permitting.

Located in the heart of the Arc 2000 sector, the Arcaboards Snowpark is a dynamic freestyle area designed for snowboarders and freeskiers of all abilities. It features a variety of kickers, rails, boxes, and a dedicated boardercross track, regularly maintained by a professional shapers' team. There's also a chill-out zone with music, perfect for relaxing between runs. Access requires a valid ski pass. Open daily during the winter season, typically from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, weather permitting.

Experience the magic of the snowy landscape on a guided husky sledding adventure. Tours typically start from the nordic area near Peisey-Vallandry, offering various durations from a 30-minute introductory 'baptême' to longer half-day expeditions. Participants learn about dog handling and enjoy picturesque trails through snow-laden forests. Pre-booking is essential, especially during peak season. Prices typically range from €80 for a short ride to €180 for a longer experience per person.

Discover a enchanting world carved from ice at the Arc 1950 Ice Grotto. This ephemeral art installation, typically rebuilt each winter, features intricate ice sculptures, tunnels, and playful characters, often with a theme. Located easily accessible within the pedestrian village of Arc 1950, it offers a magical experience for families and individuals alike. Entry fee is usually around €10-€15 per person, with free admission for young children. Open from December to April.

For thrill-seekers, the Via Ferrata du Col des Balcons offers an exhilarating mountain climbing experience with the safety of fixed cables, ladders, and bridges. Situated above Bourg-Saint-Maurice, it provides spectacular panoramic views of the Tarentaise Valley and surrounding peaks. The route has sections of varying difficulty, suitable for intermediates. Essential equipment (helmet, harness, lanyards) can be rented from local sports shops. Access is free, but guided tours are recommended for beginners. Best enjoyed from June to September.

Located in the Arc 1800 area, this outdoor range provides opportunities for both archery and biathlon introductions. Archery sessions cater to all ages and skill levels with professional instructors. For biathlon, participants learn laser rifle shooting, often combined with cross-country skiing simulation in winter or trail running in summer. It's a fun and challenging activity promoting concentration and precision. Equipment and instruction included in the session price, typically €30-€50 per person. Open selected days during winter and summer seasons.

Delve into the rich history and traditions of the Tarentaise Valley at this engaging museum in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Exhibits cover various aspects of mountain life, including agriculture, traditional crafts, local architecture, and the development of winter sports. It provides fascinating insights into the region's cultural evolution and offers a cultural respite from outdoor activities. Open year-round, with specific opening hours (e.g., Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM-12 PM, 2 PM-6 PM). Entry fees typically around €5.

An exhilarating summer activity offered on the powerful Isère river, flowing through the Tarentaise valley below Les Arcs. Guided rafting trips navigate thrilling rapids and calmer sections, providing an adventurous way to experience the alpine landscape from a different perspective. Suitable for families (ages 8+) and groups, with varying levels of intensity. Several local companies offer half-day and full-day excursions. Prices typically range from €50-€80 per person, including equipment (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket) and professional guide. Available from late spring through early autumn, depending on river conditions (May to September).

A network of stunning hiking trails accessible from the top of the Arpette lift (Arc 1800) or by car/bus to the Plagne Villages area, offering magnificent views of Mont Blanc, the Vanoise National Park, and the Tarentaise valley. Trails vary in difficulty from easy family walks (e.g., to Lac des Moutons) to more demanding routes around the Aiguille Grive. Hikers can experience diverse alpine flora and fauna, tranquil mountain lakes, and traditional pastoral landscapes. Detailed maps with elevation profiles and estimated times are available from tourist offices. Best enjoyed from June to September.

While Les Arcs is renowned for downhill skiing, the adjacent sector of Peisey-Vallandry (part of the Les Arcs ski area) offers fantastic opportunities for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. A dedicated Nordic area features several kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails suitable for both classic and skating techniques, winding through serene forests and offering stunning views. Marked snowshoeing trails allow for exploration of the pristine natural environment, from easy family-friendly loops to more challenging ascents. Equipment rental is available locally. These activities provide a peaceful alternative to the bustling pistes and a chance to immerse oneself in the silent beauty of the winter landscape. Access is typically free for marked trails, with a small fee for groomed Nordic tracks. Trails vary in length and difficulty from 3 km (easy) to 20 km (difficult).

For an exhilarating non-skiing winter activity, the luge (sledging) run in Les Arcs / Peisey-Vallandry provides fun for families and groups. This dedicated sledging track offers a safe and thrilling descent, often operating in the evenings, adding a different dimension to après-ski. Sleds are available for rental at the start of the run. Participants are usually transported back up by a lift, allowing for multiple descents. It's a fantastic activity for all ages, creating memorable moments of laughter and excitement under the starry mountain sky. Check local resort guides for specific operational times and pricing, typically from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

During the summer months, both Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 often feature outdoor adventure parks primarily aimed at children and families. These typically include bungee trampolines for thrilling jumps, inflatable structures, mini-golf, and small climbing walls. They provide safe and supervised entertainment, allowing kids to burn off energy while parents relax nearby. These facilities are usually open from late June to early September. Individual activity tickets or hourly passes are available, making it a flexible option for family fun. Specific offerings may vary by year and location, but these parks are a staple of the summer family experience.

Les Arcs is an integral part of the Paradiski domain, one of the largest ski areas in the world. It offers approximately 425 km of interconnected slopes ranging from gentle greens and blues to challenging reds and blacks, catering to all skill levels. Highlights include the 'Aiguille Rouge' run, a legendary black slope descending from 3226m down to Villaroger at 1200m, offering a breathtaking 7km descent with a 2000m vertical drop. The resort also features several snowparks and boardercross areas, such as the 'Apocalypse Park' in Arc 1800, designed for freestyle enthusiasts. The domain is accessible via 130 modern lifts, ensuring efficient circulation. A Paradiski pass allows access to both Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne.

During summer, Les Arcs transforms into a premier mountain biking destination. The Bike Park offers over 150 km of marked trails, including dedicated downhill (DH) and enduro routes, as well as cross-country (XC) and E-bike trails. With varying difficulty levels, from family-friendly flow trails to expert-only black runs, it caters to all riders. Key lifts operate to transport bikes and riders to the trailheads. Bike rental shops and guiding services are readily available. Access to trails is typically open from late June to early September.

Reach the summit of Aiguille Rouge at 3226m via a series of lifts for unparalleled panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif, the Italian Alps, and the Vanoise National Park. In winter, it's the starting point for the legendary 7km black run down to Villaroger. In summer, the peak offers stunning viewpoints and access to high-altitude hiking trails. An ice grotto is also accessible near the summit, providing an intriguing insight into the glacier's interior. A 'passerelle' (footbridge) offers a thrilling experience with views directly below your feet.

Experience the thrill of dog sledding through snowy landscapes, a memorable activity offered by local providers. Short introductions or longer excursions are available, often starting near Arc 1800 or Peisey-Vallandry. For family fun, dedicated sledging slopes and areas are found in various villages, including the Mille8 complex in Arc 1800, providing safe and exhilarating descents. These activities are typically available throughout the winter season, weather permitting.