© Tom Humpage
Enduro MTB Trails in Les Arcs
Enduro and Cross-Country trails to choose from
Les Arcs offers some pretty amazing enduro riding, in the main resort and the surrounding areas. If you want to explore further than the lifts will allow, it's best to go with one of the local MTB guiding companies.
There are a few red graded cross-country circuits and enduro trails - green, blue, red and black.
'Route 66' (graded blue) has to be one of the longest trails in the area at 33km long, starting from the top of the Transarc gondola at 2,545m. It passes through Arc 1950, down into the trees and across to Villaroger and then back down the valley to the bottom of the funicular.
'Hot wheels' is a red XC trail that involves a lot more pedalling. Starting from close to the top of the Vanoise Express cable car, head across to Vallandry and turn right above Plan Peisey. This loop takes you up the valley, with some pretty spectacular views and back round to rejoin the Vanoise Express to bring you back across the valley. From here do the same section at the start, but turn left and traverse the mountain heading towards 1800, on to 1600 where you can finish, or if you'd prefer split left before getting to 1600 and head back down to the valley floor on the 'Dre dans l'Pentu' trail. You'll pedal out at the bottom across to the funicular to bring you back up the mountain.
At the very top of the resort look out for the 'Lake District' loop which takes you out into the more open bowls with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Climb up from the top of the Transarc gondola where you'll pick up the loop around the three lakes.
From the top of the Vallandry chairlift you'll find 'Elle Chablatte' black graded trail, a great route through the trees crossing over the Woodstock DH (switch over if you fancy a change) and back to the bottom of the lift. You can pick up the Hot Wheels red trail here if you want to head over to other parts of the resort.
For slightly less daunting trails, there are a couple of green graded routes starting from the top of the Cachette chair lift. Head right at the top and climb uphill slightly where you'll see the trail dipping off down towards the trees on your right. (If you reach the start of the downhill track you've gone too far). Once in the trees you've got two options - left taking you back to 1800 or right to head towards 1600 and the bottom of the Cachette chair again.
