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Les Arcs Activities - Winter
| Winter Activities in Les Arcs |
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Not everyone comes to Les Arcs to ski, and when there are such beautiful panoramas to take in and mountain restaurants to enjoy, we can understand why! Les Arcs has got a multitude of non-skiing activities to enjoy including; winter walking and snowshoeing, paragliding, hot air ballooning, sleigh rides, dog sledding and there are even ice caves to visit! It is also possible for pedestrians to take a number of the ski lifts in the area so you can meet up with the rest of your party for lunch on the mountain. |
| Cross Country Skiing (Ski de Fond) |
 | | 'Classic' Style |
Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.
You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable.
The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.
 | | 'Skating' Style |
Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for one of the many tranquil cross country trails that criss cross the Paradiski.
In Arc 1600 – there is a loop starting at Courbaton, the top of the funicular; Arc 1800 – another starts from the top of the Jardin Alpin chairlift; and Arc 2000 – the trail begins near the ESF 2000 office. Each trail is about 5km long and is free to use. There is also a longer trail of 15kms available down in Bourg St Maurice which can be accessed via the funicular from Arc 1600.
For some truly spectacular cross country skiing though, you need to head down the valley to the Nordic area of Peisey-Nancroix, where there are 44kms of well kept trails. Situated on a vast plateau at the entrance of the Vanoise National Park, this beautiful setting also has paths for walkers, snowshoe trails and toboggan routes. In order to use the trails here, you must first purchase a pass from the centre office before setting out, the profit from which goes towards the daily trail upkeep. Prices are as follows:
Half Day - €4.90 (€3.40 child)
Full Day - €5.90 (€4.20 child)
2 Days - €9.20
6 Days - €23.00 (€10.50 child) |
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last updated 2-Jul-2008 |
| Glacier Walking |
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For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the many nearby glaciers; the Aiguille Rouge glacier and the Glacier du Geay to name but two. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure. There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. Most mountain guiding companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible. To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article. |
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last updated 11-Apr-2008 |
| Grotte de Glace (Ice Caves) |
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Situated at the top of the Transarc gondola in Arc 2000, the “Grotte de Glace” is quite an extraordinary place to visit. Dozens of sculptors from all over Europe spend a week here at the start of each season, carving wonderfully exotic figures out of the snow and ice. The theme of the caves changes each year but has included the Terracotta Army, Attila the Hun and Chinese dragons, all expertly fashioned by hand. Although still cold inside, the caves tend to hold a fairly constant temperature and can provide welcome relief from the wind and snow outside. Even if you’ve been before, they are definitely worth the €4 entrance fee (€3 for children). See here for further details. |
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last updated 6-Jun-2008 |
| Helicopter Tours & Heli-Skiing |
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Paradiski.
Unfortunately, heli-skiing is not permitted in France, however some of the ski schools and mountain guide companies will offer a pick-up/drop-off heli skiing service for you where you will be taken over the border into Italy or Switzerland. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience! |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Husky Sledding (traineaux a chiens) |
At Peisey Nancroix you can be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start (you shout "mush!"), and strict instructions not to let go of the sled if it turns over (the dogs would disappear for hours...), you set off following the guide’s team. Your huskies want to keep up with their doggy mates, so the next hour is a breathless scramble to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on for dear life when you tear around corners. Going uphill you have to help push the sled, so this is hard physical work. 2 – 12 year olds can spend a morning discovering the Rousel Valley in a cart pulled by 4 husky dogs.
If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! Either way it is an exhilarating experience – you can call +33 (0) 4 79 07 87 52 for information and reservations.
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Climbing |
For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. There are many stunning locations in and around the Vanoise National Park and Peisey where you can try your hand at ice climbing.
Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch. The ice climbing season peaks between December and March.
Safety is important, so it is advisable to take an experienced mountain guide to instruct you on the use of crampons, ropes and ice picks. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Skating |
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Les Arcs has two outdoor ice rinks, one in Fôret du Beauchet 1800 and the other in Place Haute 2000. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Kilometre Lance (The Flying Kilometre) |
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Dare you take your chances on the slope which is the home of speed skiing (le ski vitesse)? This incredibly steep run, with a gradient of 77%, is usually fenced off to ensure that it is straight and smooth for the safety of the professional vitesse skiers. The Flying Kilometre is far too dangerous for mere mortals to ski on and if you do venture onto it, you are very likely to be ushered off pretty quickly by the local pisteurs. Every now and then you will see the experts in their specialist clothing and with their specialist equipment clock up speeds of up to 142.5 mph – currently the record speed which was recorded in 1992. |
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last updated 8-Feb-2008 |
| La Fer a Cheval (Horse Drawn Sled) |
If the idea of seeing beautiful Alpine scenery without exerting yourself appeals to you, then this is definitely the way to do it. You can ride for an hour at a sedate pace through the heart of the Nordic Ski area sitting comfortably in a sled drawn by a strapping horse, snuggled under a warm hairy blanket. This gentle pastime is not for the speed demons, but will suit those who have not necessarily come to the Les Arcs area to ski. Wear something warm and bring someone to snuggle with!
Tel +33 (0) 479 07 90 88 |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Paragliding ('Parapente') |
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Catch Le Grizzly lift from Vallandry and you will find your take-off point just to the right of the top of the chairlift, or from the top of the Cachette or the Ours run you take-off and land in the valley in of Bourg Saint Maurice or Ilette. Once you have been equipped with a helmet and strapped to the instructor behind you in a rather intimate way, both of you simply run (in summer) or point your skis/snowboard (in winter) downhill and carry on getting faster and faster until the parachute lifts you into the air. Taking off can seem a bit scary, but once you are in the air the sights and the peaceful flying is a truly amazing feeling. The instructor will control where you go, aiming to catch thermals, which will keep you up for longer. As you glide through the air, take the time to absorb the spectacular scenery on display from a different perspective, sit back and relax if on a tandem paraglider, letting the instructor control your moves. A usual tandem ride will last about 20-30 minutes, depending on the thermals keeping you up for longer. Landing is very gentle, and no more of an impact than jumping off a step - but as you touch terra firma you could discover your legs have turned to jelly! ... see "Les Arcs for Paragliding" for more |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Ski Joering |
At first glance, ski joering could be considered a somewhat unusual pastime, but once you discover the thrill of it, you will understand why it has a growing number of fans.
Originating in the farming communities of Scandinavia, ski joering literally means "towed" or "pulled skis" and in the beginning, it was simply a means of getting from one place to another. A bit like waterskiing, the skier lets himself be dragged along whilst holding on to a rudder bar and steering the horse with the reins and a whip. There are many ways of ski-joring, from gentle walking to speed racing and slaloming. You can even do it in the summer with wheels on grass! Ideal for skiers and horse lovers alike.
See Action, Fun & Sports for contact details. |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Snowshoe Walking |
Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. If you haven't tried it before and don't want to go it alone the majority of ski schools and some independent instructors offer a range of snow shoe or ‘raquette a neige’ outings. Join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. The must-do expedition for keen walkers is the ‘Hors Trace en Tarentaise’ (Off the Beaten Track in Tarentaise). This is a three-day accompanied trek through the untracked snow and untouched corners of the Tarentaise backcountry. Along the way the guides will share their knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the mountains.
For a less extreme experience there are also a number of themed 2 hour or half-day outings on which you will leave the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley.
Further down the valley in Peisey-Nancroix, you will find the Nordic Centre, situated on the vast plateau at the entrance of the Vanoise National Park. This beautiful setting also has paths for walkers, snowshoe trails and toboggan routes or you could try your hand at cross country skiing. The countryside here is totally unspoilt and home to plenty exciting wildlife such as ibex, chamois, golden eagles and bearded vultures!
This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided on most guided outings; if you are heading out independently you can hire the equipment from most sport shops. |
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last updated 8-Feb-2008 |
| Winter Walking Trails |
The Les Arcs valley offers many specially prepared walking trails linking the various villages; these beautiful trails are a wonderful way of exploring the valley in peace and quiet.
Pick up a free map from the Tourist Office and head into the mountains on foot. Some of the walks are circular, for others you will need to return via bus or ski lift. Many of the ski lifts are also open to pedestrians at a discounted rate, so why not break up the walk with lunch at a high-altitude restaurant?
Further down the valley in Peisey-Nancroix, you will find the Nordic Centre, situated on the vast plateau at the entrance of the Vanoise National Park. This beautiful setting also has paths for walkers, snowshoe trails and toboggan routes or you could try your hand at cross country skiing. The countryside here is totally unspoilt and home to plenty exciting wildlife such as ibex, chamois, golden eagles and bearded vultures!
Top tip: buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping. |
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last updated 9-May-2008 |
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