Skiing in Les Arcs

Les Arcs is a top choice for skiing and snowboarding, with a huge variety of pistes to suit all levels and styles. From wide, gentle runs that are perfect for beginners to challenging reds and blacks for confident skiers and snowboarders, there's something for everyone. The resort is part of the Paradiski area, so you’ll have access to an enormous network of slopes, snowparks and off-piste terrain. Whether you're cruising tree-lined runs, learning your first turns or hunting powder, the snow conditions and lift system make it easy to get the most out of your time on the mountain.

Modern winter biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting that tests not only fitness but also patience and control. In Les Arcs you can try your hand at this Olympic sport. If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge, then biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural, quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff. Bit of a contradiction this one, but it's fun all the same.

Get back to nature and explore the lovely tranquil cross-country ski trails. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel grooves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum. You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. A number of adventure companies also offer cross-country skiing guiding, tours and lessons too. Find your way around with the cross-country skiing maps.

Enjoying the thrill of being on the pistes need not escape you if you're less mobile or have special physical needs. Resorts all over the Alps offer equipment and fully qualified guides to help you get the most out of your experience. Sit-ski, taxi ski, Vertiski, Handiski... whichever method you're used to, or would like to try there will be at least one ski school or activity company in Les Arcs that offers this service.

Heli-skiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in Les Arcs offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing. They pick you up in resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route, ski touring and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around or, if you've got all the necessary knowledge, you can head out in your own group. 

There are two snowparks in Les Arcs

Apocalypse

Between Arc 1600 and Arc 1800, next to the Snowpark lift. There's lots on offer here from blue level jumps and features to black kickers, rails and a quarter pipe. You'll also be able to enjoy rail slides, a spine and a gap jump for the adventurous. There's also a boardercross up here for those looking to test their speed and an airbag that's free to use.

Mille 8

The features include something for everyone, so if this is your first time in the park don't worry, just stick to the green lines. There are lights and a sound system, plus you can tag your photos to appear on the big screens around the zone.

Télémarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached to the binding at the toe so, to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to télémark and take you out on excursions using this technique.

If this whets your appetite for more ski talk, check out our recommendations of the best pistes in Les Arcs. Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or, if you're not sure which pass to buy.