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Les Arcs Events
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There are loads of events organised year-round throughout Les Arcs and the surrounding area. From quirky local events to large scale sporting spectacles there is always something worth a gander. In this section, we bring you information about the major annual events in resort, and don't forget to check out our weekly What's On calender for the latest updates. |
| French Ski Joering Championships - January |
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Every year, the speed and slalom ski Joëring championships take place in Les Arcs. If you don’t know what it is, picture a water skier and a horse….now put the two together on the snow and you have Ski Joëring! There are generally three parts to the competition: The Giant Slalom, The Slalom and the Speed test. All types of horses can compete in the event, and competitors are judged on a combination of horsemanship, the power of their horse and their precision and speed around the course. |
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last updated 8-Feb-2008 |
| Robert Blanc Derby - February |
In honour of the man who co-founded the resort of Les Arcs, locals and visitors join forces in this fun and friendly ski race held in Arc 2000. The Robert Blanc Derby takes place when the pistes have closed, starting from the top of the Transarc gondola lift at 2600m, and finishing in Pré St Esprit (1822m). The aim is to complete the 1000m descent as quickly as possible by your preferred mountain discipline (ski, board, telemark, mono…..)
Over 500 well-wishers come to pay their tributes to Robert (who was sadly killed in an avalanche in 1980) every year by participating in the Derby and the subsequent ceremony. The event ends in the small village of Pré St Esprit with a buffet of Savoyard specialities. The area is known for its fine sausages (diots), small pasta-like shapes known as crozets and the famous tartiflette, a calorie-laden combo of onions, bacon, potato, cream and reblochon cheese; ideal after a day's exertion in the cold. |
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last updated 8-Feb-2008 |
| The Flying Kilometre (Kilomètre Lancé) - April |
Arguably the most spectacular event in the winter sports calendar, the grand final of the speed skiing season returns to its spiritual home in Les Arcs.
Speed skiing is also known as Kilomètre Lancé (“Flying Kilometre”), and consists of travelling as fast as possible along a one kilometre stretch of piste, with the benefit of several hundred metres of near-vertical run-up. Timing is automatic, beginning and ending when the skier is still in motion.
A kamikaze nightmare to some, a heroic pursuit to others, the discipline has been a specialty at Les Arcs since the resort was assigned the event during the Albertville Olympics in 1992. Helmets, poles and suits are designed with minimal air-resistance in mind, and the high-tech equipment enables skiers to reach speeds of up to 250 kilometres an hour. |
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last updated 8-Feb-2008 |
| Sprint Avalanche MTB Competition - June / July |
More that 400 top international mountain bikers descend on Les Arcs 1600 each year for the “Sprint Avalanche” international downhill competition. Held on a specially prepared downhill track on the Cachette piste, the route descends 600 vertical metres over 3km of super technical and challenging terrain.
One of the most spectacular MTB events of the season, the competition itself counts towards the Rhones Alpes Regional Downhill Cup and attracts many of the best riders on the international circuit. |
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last updated 8-Feb-2008 |
| Les Arcs Music Academy Festival - July |
Since 1973, Les Arcs has been the host of a unique mountain music festival. Every year the event attracts in the region of 15 000 spectators who flock to enjoy the soothing sounds of the 140 international music students that come to perfect their talent.
Under the watchful eye of world famous music teachers, the musicians spend the day practicing and then perform free concerts throughout the resort each evening. The event runs for two weeks and is a great opportunity to enjoy the music of Mozart, Strauss and Cavanna in a wonderful mountain setting. |
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last updated 8-Feb-2008 |
| North Face Ultra Trail - July |
The North Face Ultra Trail Tour du Mont Blanc is a true test of endurance, a combination of pleasure, pain, highs and lows. Over the course of three days, participants cover a total of 155kms, 3 countries, 7 valleys, 71 glaciers and 400 summits, experiencing a difference in altitude of 8500m. The race has a time limit of 45 hours but the current record is a staggering 21 hours and 6 minutes!
The trail begins and ends in Chamonix but you can catch sight of the runners as they pass through Les Houches, Les Contamines, Les Chapieux, Courmayeur, La Fouly, Champex, Trient, Vallorcine and Argentiere. |
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last updated 8-Feb-2008 |
| Cyclocoeur Cycle Race - August |
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Every summer Les Arcs hosts the Cyclocoeur - a MTB and cycle competition open to all. With uphill, dowhill, and cross country routes available, there is something for everyone enabling you to explore Les Arcs extensive biking trails whilst raising money for disabled people in the area. |
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last updated 8-Feb-2008 |
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