The Alpine resort of Les Arcs is already a popular spring and summer time destination for mountain bikers and families who like to stay active and this year there are even more attractions including a a high-altitude zip wire, a new children’s bushwhack walk and a slackline course with UCPA.
Plus, every Saturday between 2 July to 28 August 2022, mountain bikers, hikers and mountain lovers can get a day pass for €15 instead of the usual €26.
The new zipwire can be found at the top of Varet gondola, from where you can ‘fly’ down the 1.8km long line at 130kmh. This experience can be enjoyed solo or with a friend, sitting or lying down in ‘bird-like’ mode. Prices from €42.
Also new for this summer is a unique altitude experience in the cabin at the top of the Varet gondola where the ski lifts are normally stored. The cabin undergoes a transformation every morning, so that visitors can wander through a special area of sound and light experiences. Price €4.
There are new panoramas to be enjoyed at the Carreley and Vallandry mountain animal museum. Rocker deckchairs and the swing will entertain people of all ages.
At the top of the new Vallandry gondola there is a terrace with a 360-degree view and a new altitude museum devoted to the animals living in the mountains.
Selected lifts will be open from 11 June, with the all the summer lifts open from 2 July until 27 August. La Cachette chairlift will stay open until 10 September.
Family fun
Families and children can take advantage of the multi-activity HERO pass which gives access to a multitude of activities – from trail running to circus skills and from mountain biking to archery and mini golf. The HERO pass costs from €39 euro a week.
A new HERO activity site in Arc 2000 includes fitness classes, trampolining, hiking, bouncy structures for small children and mini-golf. Also new this year, Arc 1800’s kids’ adventure course will include a series of zip lines for children aged six to 14.
There is also a new Hero Bushcraft walk where you can test techniques for living in the great outdoors with minimal impact.
Biking for all
No matter what type of two-wheeled activity you prefer, Les Arcs claims to have some of the Alps’ best mountain biking and quirky road cycling events. Biking highlights include:
Les Arcs Bike Park: One of the biggest MTB areas in the Alps, with 149km of trails.
E-Mountain Biking: This year e-bikers can enjoy the high altitude ‘Lake District’ cross country trail with 360-degree views and alpine lakes.
La Nocture des Ruelles: This event returns to Bourg Saint Maurice this summer. A relay race in teams of two, this urban MTB race takes riders through the winding streets of Bourg Saint Maurice on a course strewn with surprises. The teams do a maximum number of circuits on a 1km loop for one hour. A fun event for friends or family members.
Mountain sports and something a bit different
Trail Running: With many trail running options, Les Arcs also hosts several big trail running races, including the Trail des Arcs which takes place on 22 July 2022. The race leaves from Arc 1600, taking runners along walking paths for 14.8km and 1000m of elevation gain.
White water activities: White water rafting, kayaking and hydrospeed continue to be some of the most popular sports in the Tarentaise with Bourg Saint Maurice basin a world-renowned site for the sport.
New Slackline & Highline course: The UCPA in Arc 1600 offers teenagers (15-17 years old) a new week-long slackline and highline introduction course. Price from €680 which includes accommodation, catering, sports supervision and equipment.
Nordic walking: This accelerated form of walking with poles claims to stimulate the cardiovascular system and breathing while preserving your joints and relieving your back. The ‘Balades des Colporteurs’ offers this activity weekly in Les Arcs. €18 for a 2.5 hour session.
Tree hugging: Marie-Odile Dion, a therapist and mountain leader specialising in botany, introduces holidaymakers to sylvotherapy, a therapy based on a physical link with trees. Price €32 per person or €85 for a family.
More details about all the summer activities and events for 2022 are available on: lesarcs.com
Categories: France