Les Arcs for Skiing & Snowboarding

Les Arcs comprises a number of small village resorts, all linked by a network of pistes and lifts allowing you to experience the area at your own pace and enjoy the varied terrain and scenery. By linking through to the rest of the Paradiski domain the Vanois Express cablecar opens up an enormous ski area just waiting to be explored! ... see "Les Arcs Skiing Revealed" for more

With such a big ski area to explore, it's sometimes good to have a little bit of inside information… For your pleasure we’ve compiled a list of our favourite places for challenging and steep runs, the places to go on bad weather days, and the nicest and sunniest spots for lunch. For those wanting to check out the off-piste, the Paradiski also has vast areas which are easily accessible from the lifts. ... see "Where to go in the Paradiski for..." for more

'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:

Have you literally got 'all the gear' but have no idea what to do with it?? Unless you want to look like Posh Spice on the slopes, knowing a bit about your skis/snowboards/bikes/transceivers etc will help you avoid being any old Wannabe... Having the right equipment for your chosen activity will help ensure that you get the best possible introduction to your sport (if you are a beginner), or speed along your learning curve if you are looking to improve. The easier and quicker you learn, the more pleasurable your experience will be! In this section, you will find guides to help you select the most appropriate gear for your sport and ability, as well as some insider knowledge on the "must have" kit for this coming season. ... see "All the Gear But No Idea...?" for more

We have teamed up with one of our top ski school instuctors to produce guides on ski technique. The articles featured here include learning how to carve and how to conquer moguls. To ensure you get the most out of your time on the piste, check out our Ski & Snowboard School Listings and perfect your skills! ... see "Tips and Techniques - Skiing" for more

Improve your snowboarding style with our helpful techniques tips section, brought to you courtesy of Keith McIntosh at Alpinelines. It's often the smallest thing that makes all the difference to your riding! ... see "Tips & Technique - Snowboarding" for more

With such an extensive lift network in operation both summer and winter, it makes sense that there are a wide range of lift pass options available for the skier or boarder, mountain biker and pedestrian. ... see "Les Arcs Lift System & Passes" for more