Bourg St Maurice to Col du Petit Saint Bernard
Also known as Little St Bernard Pass, this col is one of the more accessible routes at under 30km
The area around Bourg St Maurice has the largest number of cols in the Tarentaise Valley.
Col du Petit Saint Bernard
With <1,400m of climbing, it has an average gradient of less than 5%. One of the most popular routes, it's ideal for riders looking for a steady, long climb without a brutal gradient.
A beautiful alpine climb, it links Bourg-Saint-Maurice to La Thuile in Italy via gentle gradients, sweeping bends and panoramic views.
From Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Distance: ~26.5 km
Elevation gain: ~1,955m
Average gradient: ~5% (but steeper in sections)
Key features:
- starting from Bourg-St-Maurice, the climb follows the D1090, beginning gently and winding through alpine pastures and forests
- the route goes through numerous small hamlets and ski resorts, including La Rosière, a great stop off spot
- after La Rosière the route has long, sweeping switchbacks and views of Mont Blanc and the Tarentaise Valley
- at the summit you'll find a large stone column, a food truck or café in summer months
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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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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.
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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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Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Arc 1950
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Le 2134 Rooftop Restaurant
Traditional French and Savoyarde cuisine in Les Arcs 2000 resort.
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Wood Bear café
Divided into two levels, this small café is a great place to enjoy a hot drink with a snack or a larger lunch.
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Le Savoy Restaurant
Enjoy some culinary delights such as traditional Savoyard dishes for lunch and dinner, and a non-stop service during the weekends.
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Au Refuge Gourmand Restaurant
This restaurant specialises in traditional Alpine food such as fondue and tartiflette, as well as burgers, soups and salads.
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Les Chalets de L'Arc Restaurant
This large chalet mountain restaurant is the perfect spot for a long leisurely mountain lunch in the sunshine. It also open for dinner on Wednesday and Friday evenings (contact them for more details).
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Red Rock Café Restaurant & Bar
Lively bar and street food in Les Arcs 2000 serving generous helpings from morning to late. You’ll find pizzas, pasta and huge burgers alongside grilled meats and salads. Ideal for a quick bite or to keep the après going into the night.
What to do
Things To Do in Arc 1950
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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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Dinner in a Mongolian Yurt
After a day on the slopes take a relaxing break in a rather unusual place!
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Speed Riding School
Les Arcs is the perfect spot to learn and practice speed riding. This company is recognised by the French free flight federation.
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Patinoire Naturelle (Ice Rink)
In Place de la Patinoire you will find the natural outdoor ice skating rink.
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Bowling Arc 2000
In the heart of Les Arcs 2000 you will find the bowling alley and games room.
