Activities in Les Arcs

Below are our three favourite activities in Les Arcs but there are plenty more to choose from. 

Winter sports, skiing and snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are probably the most popular activities in the Paradiski. But we're not talking about lift-assisted, downhill skiing and snowboarding only – there's a whole host of activities that involve boards strapped onto your feet including ski touring and split boarding, cross-country skiing or télémarking. There's much more than just skiing and snowboarding in Les Arcs in the winter. The Paradiski mountains are the perfect setting to go snowshoeing and husky dog sledging, whilst the ice skating rinks in Les Arcs town centre will keep the whole family entertained.

Mountain biking

The Paradiski trails and bike parks attract hundreds of enduro and downhill biking aficionados every summer. Almost 180km of trails meander through lush forests to reach stunning mountaintops with breathtaking views. 

Walking, hiking and running

In the summer, the Paradiski pistes turn into meadows and deep-forested trails to explore on foot. From easy valley strolls to gruelling trail running ascents and descents, everyone can explore the Les Arcs valley's beautiful sunny landscapes.

Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration – you'll see that there are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding in Les Arcs.

Les Arcs is a firm favourite with skiers and snowboarders thanks to its huge variety of terrain and reliable snow conditions. Whether you're taking your first turns or heading off-piste in search of powder, there’s something here for every level. As part of the vast Paradiski area, you’ll have access to everything from wide gentle blues to steeper reds and blacks, all served by a modern lift system. If you're keen to try something new, you could explore the cross-country trails, head out on a ski tour or even have a go at télémarking or biathlon. However you like to enjoy the snow, Les Arcs has plenty to offer.

Climbing in Les Arcs is a good way to enjoy the mountains, whether you're trying it for the first time or have plenty of experience. You can book a session with a local guide to get started or set off independently if you know what you're doing and have the right kit. Give traditional rock climbing a go, or try Via Ferrata – a supported route with ladders and ropes that adds a bit of security. In the colder months, ice climbing takes over, with frozen waterfalls and a purpose-built ice tower in nearby Champagny le Haut offering exciting winter challenges. Guided climbs are available year-round for all levels.

Discover a different side to Les Arcs with a range of cultural visits and guided tours that give you a taste of local life in the Tarentaise. Spend a peaceful afternoon at a traditional mountain pasture, or alpage and see how local cheeses like Beaufort are made. Wander the weekly market in Bourg St Maurice for fresh produce and artisan goods, or pop into one of the local museums to learn about everything from crystal hunting to apple farming. You can even visit a working coffee roastery or tour a Gruyère dairy to round off your day with something tasty.

Cycling

Riding in the Alps is much more demanding than your favourite local route back in the UK. To gain the most from your riding in the area, it goes without saying you need to have a reasonable level of fitness. You do not need to be a superman or woman but the ability to ride comfortably for up to three to four hours in the UK should see you enjoy the mountain routes.

Soar above Les Arcs and see the mountains from a whole new angle with one of the resort’s flying experiences. You can take a panoramic helicopter tour for unbeatable views over the peaks, glaciers and forests, or try paragliding for a more hands-on thrill. Tandem flights with qualified instructors let you glide gently down from the mountaintops, with no experience needed – just sit back and enjoy the ride.

If you’re looking for things to do away from the slopes or out of the weather, there are plenty of indoor options in Les Arcs. Go bowling in Arc 1800 or 2000, swim and unwind at the aquatic and fitness centre or spend some time in the shops and spas. There are gyms and an indoor climbing wall too, as well as cinemas in both Les Arcs and Bourg Saint Maurice. Most films are shown in the evenings and some cinemas open early when the weather’s bad. Look out for VOST screenings for English language films.

Les Arcs is a Mecca for mountain biking, with varying terrain and fantastic views it is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you enjoy a leisurely cycle around some of the lower level trails, or a day's hardcore downhill mountain is more your ‘thang’, Les Arcs definitely has something to suit all tastes. Note that, in French, mountain biking is called VTT (Vélo Tout-Terrain!).

Fat Biking

Fat bikes are a fairly recent craze, but with its super-wide wheels, it's at home on the snow as much as on the beach. If you fancy the ride but not the effort, there are now electric fat bikes with built-in motors which make the experience a whole lot easier.

There’s plenty of fun to be had on the snow and ice in Les Arcs, whether you’re on skis or not. Explore peaceful forest trails on snowshoes, go glacier hiking with a guide or try a ride with a team of huskies. You can skate outdoors in Arc 2000, whizz down toboggan runs at Rodeo Park or Mille 8, or just soak up the scenery from a new perspective. These winter activities are a brilliant way to experience the mountains in a different light.

If it is calm and relaxation you are after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments. A day spa is also the perfect activity when the weather turns. You can keep warm and revive aching muscles in saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis or take a refreshing dip in a swimming pool.

Tennis, badminton and squash are a great way to stay active in Les Arcs, whether you're here with friends or family. In summer, you can enjoy a game of tennis on one of the outdoor courts, join a lesson or just rally against a training wall. There’s also a badminton court at the sports centre and three squash courts in Arc 1800 if you fancy something indoors. Equipment hire and refreshments are usually available nearby, making it easy to make a day of it.

Walking and hiking are a brilliant way to explore the mountains around Les Arcs in both summer and winter. Once the snow melts, you’ll find a wide range of trails to suit all ages and abilities, from gentle family walks to longer full-day hikes with rewarding views. In winter, around 20km of marked trails are maintained for walkers, with or without snowshoes, and local guides are available year round if you’d like a bit of extra support or insight. Just make sure you’re prepared with suitable footwear, walking poles or boot grippers, and always check the forecast before heading out.

Les Arcs is a brilliant base for water-based adventures during the warmer months. You can go white water rafting on the fast-flowing Dranse river, kayak solo or as a group, or cool off with some canyoning down mountain streams. Hydrospeeding offers a more hands-on way to ride the rapids using a float and flippers, while stand up paddleboarding is a gentler option that’s ideal for enjoying the views. Most activities are open to beginners and guided by local professionals, with equipment provided and safety always a priority.