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Top adventure sports to do in Les Arcs

Thrills and adrenaline highs in Les Arcs

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By Tracy Wise, Updated

Les Arcs has earned its reputation as one of the Alps' premier adventure destinations.

From its high-altitude peaks and vast forests to its dramatic alpine landscapes, Les Arcs offers endless ways to get outside and explore. Whether you’re looking for heart-racing descents, mountain challenges or unforgettable views from above, the resort delivers experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast, from first-timers to seasoned thrill-seekers. Here are a few of our favourites.

Guides & Tours in Les Arcs

Off-piste skiing and freeride

Head into the backcountry to discover powder fields, hidden bowls and famous descents such as the Aiguille Rouge, Aiguille Grive and Comborcière.

Ski touring and backcountry adventures

For those wanting to escape the busy pistes, guided ski touring offers a chance to climb through quieter mountain landscapes before enjoying rewarding descents.

Snowshoeing

Guided walks lead through snowy forests and peaceful alpine scenery, with options ranging from family-friendly nature walks to longer routes exploring the surrounding valleys.

Speed riding

For a real adrenaline rush, speed riding combines skiing with paragliding, allowing participants to glide and ski through areas that are difficult to reach by conventional routes.

Ice climbing

From frozen waterfalls to dedicated climbing structures, guided sessions allow beginners to learn the basics and experienced climbers can take on more challenging routes.

Summer mountain adventures

In warmer months, mountain guides offer a range of guided experiences including hiking, canyoning, climbing and Via Ferrata. These activities provide a different way to explore the landscapes around Les Arcs, from rocky mountain routes to refreshing descents through alpine gorges

Watersports in Les Arcs

The Haute-Isère river is one of the main draws for watersports around Les Arcs, with glacier-fed rapids creating ideal conditions from spring through summer. 

White water rafting

Guided rafting trips range from shorter family-friendly descents to more adrenaline-filled routes.

Canyoning

A refreshing way to explore the mountain environment, combining swimming, scrambling, abseiling, jumps and natural water slides as you follow streams and gorges. 

Hydrospeeding

Ride the rapids using a specialist float and fins, getting closer to the river than traditional rafting.

Kayaking and canoeing 

A calmer way to enjoy the scenery, from gentle sections suitable for beginners to more exciting river routes.

Mountain Biking in Les Arcs

Les Arcs caters to downhill riders, enduro enthusiasts and those looking to explore the mountains on two wheels. The resort’s bike area offers purpose-built trails with berms, jumps and technical sections, and the surrounding Tarentaise landscape provides endless natural routes through forests, alpine meadows and high mountain terrain. One of the highlights is the descent from the Aiguille Rouge, where riders can experience the dramatic transition from high-altitude landscapes down into the valley. With lift access, bike hire, coaching and local guides available, by staying in Les Arcs it's easy to discover some of the Alps’ most rewarding trails.

Things to do in Les Arcs

Other top choices for your adventures in Les Arcs would include Via Ferrata, where you can traverse cliffs using fixed cables, ladders and bridges. Also climbing, with routes suitable for different abilities. For less of an adrenaline hit you could try horse riding the mountain trails leading through forests and alpine scenery, some archery or even the nearby golf course. 

Things To Do in Les Arcs

See all Things To Do in Les Arcs

Walking in Les Arcs

Walking, hiking and trail running in Les Arcs are anything but ordinary, with the resort’s varied terrain offering everything from peaceful forest paths to exposed high-altitude ridgelines. Les Arcs is surrounded by some of the Tarentaise Valley’s most spectacular landscapes, including routes through alpine meadows, past mountain lakes and towards viewpoints overlooking Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. The famous Aiguille Rouge area offers some of the most impressive scenery, while the extensive network of marked trails makes it easy to find routes for every level. With summer lifts opening up access to higher ground and local guides available for more challenging outings, Les Arcs is a fantastic destination for discovering the mountains on foot.

Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Les Arcs and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.

See allLatest News & Reviews
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Upcoming Events

Each of the Les Arcs resorts holds a number of events throughout the year. International freestyle and freeride ski competitions, film festivals and snow & music parties take place in the ski area in the winter months, in addition to the usual après-ski parties featuring live bands and DJs. The summer, on the other hand, attracts a number of trail running and cycling competitions, as well as live concerts.

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What's on in Les Arcs summer 2019
Thursdays in Bourg Saint Maurice
Trail-des-Arcs-2023
Agricultural & Mountain Fair
Traces des Ducs de Savoie 2019, Bourg St Maurice
the main market square in sarlat la caneda