Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Downhill MTB Trails in Les Arcs
Dedicated downhill trails to choose from
Take your pick of green trails, blue, red and black, graded in order of difficulty.
Green Trails
La Trank's and Kid Rock trails both start from the top of the Col de Chal which you can reach from the top of the Transarc gondola. (Route 66 enduro trail also starts from here - find enduro trail in the next trail section). These two trails split off just under the Arcabulle chair lift, La Trank's to the right and Kid Rock to the left. They both meet again at the bottom of the chair which you can take back up again to do some more laps.
Blue Trails
At the top of the Vallandry lift you'll find the 'Woodstock' DH trail. This takes you down through the forest and back to the bottom of the Vallandry chair lift. It's got lots of flowy, banked turns in the trees that will leave you with a big smile on your face. The 'Marsupilami' trail, which starts at the mid-station of the Transarc gondola and takes you down yet more flowy banked turns in the woods. 'Legend' starts from the top of the Cachette chair in 1600, and after a small uphill to start, you'll spin down through the trees to reach the bottom of the Transarc again in 1800. From here you can pedal back across to 1600 or head up the Transarc for a bit of variety. Please note the Transarc gondola isn't open on weekends.
Red Trails
'Rock n'Arolles' from the top of the Cachette lift is one you'll happily lap, taking you on a bit of open singletrack at the start, then off into the woods with a few features to play on. This is accessible mid week and at weekends. Head up the Transarc gondola from 1800 to find the other red trail ' Yellow Stone'. This one starts part way down the green trail Kid Rock and follows the line of the lift past the lake to the bottom of the Arcabulle chair. You start at 2,545m and the views are pretty amazing.
Black Trails
'La Cachette' as the name suggests, starts from the top of the Cachette chair and is used on occasion for downhill racing, and yes it's a technical track with table tops, a wall ride and techy sections in the woods. 'Black 8' is our favourite DH track in Les Arcs. Riding behind the lift station in 1600 you'll pick up the start of the trail into the woods. It's pretty steep in places and has a few big drop offs (chicken lines are available) and takes you down 800 back to the funicular on the valley floor. It's a great one to end the day on, or just lap it, picking better and better lines each time.
What to see
Sights in Les Arcs
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Grotte de Glace Ice Caves
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.
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Maison de la Pomme
Exhibits and short films about pressing apples in the Savoie region which includes information about experiments conducted to see how to preserve the juice.
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Minerals and Fauna of the Alps Museum
Alpine collection of minerals from around Bourg St Maurice and Mont Blanc and slideshows on the wildlife of the Alps.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Les Arcs
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La Folie Douce - La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.
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Aiguille Grive Restaurant
This chic piste-side restaurant is situated just above Les Arc 1800, close to the Chamettoger chairlift and accessible via road or on foot from the resort centre.
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La Folie Douce - Le Butcher Restaurant
Le Butcher at La Folie Douce in Les Arcs serves up quick, tasty burgers, sandwiches and snacks right on the slopes. Ideal for a speedy lunch before heading back to the ski runs or joining the lively party on the terrace, it caters to both eat-in and takeaway guests. With its energetic atmosphere and prime location, Le Butcher is a favourite spot to enjoy good food while soaking up the buzz of one of Les Arcs’ most vibrant après-ski destinations.
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La Folie Douce - La Fruitière Restaurant
Located at the top of the Villards gondola in Arc 1800, within the celebrated La Folie Douce après-ski and gourmet hotspot, La Fruitière serves delicious modern dishes based on traditional flavours.
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Chalet de la Grande Rochette Restaurant
Easy to get to on skis, snowboard, or on foot.
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Le Montagnole Restaurant
This restaurant has the 'Asiette Michelin' which is given to restaurants with a great food and wine experience who didn't quite make the grade of a Michelin star.
What to do
Things To Do in Les Arcs
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Village Igloo Aperitif & Dinner
A dining experience like no other! A spectacular and unique 180m2 ice grotto, bar, restaurant and mini hotel in Les Arcs, where you'll enjoy a typical Savoyard cheese fondue or aperitif in a unique setting.
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Snowshoeing
This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
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Mille8 aquatic and fitness centre
This huge 3800m² centre incorporates an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, water jets, bubble beds, massage jets, fitness room with gym and cardio equipment, spa with two steam rooms and two saunas, relaxation room and showers.
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Rafting In The Alps
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
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Hydrospeeding
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
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Helicopter tours
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
More inspiration...
Find where to hire a bike in Les Arcs.
