Off-Piste, Ski Touring and Snowshoeing in Les Arcs : A Guide to Leaving the Pistes with an Instructor

By Samy Blanc, Director of Arc Aventures
Information checked on 29 September 2026.

Les Arcs, a high-mountain playground

The Les Arcs resort sits on the northern slopes of the Vanoise massif, in the Tarentaise valley. It is part of the Paradiski ski area, which claims 425 km of pistes between 1,200 and 3,250 m. The highest point of the Les Arcs ski area is the Aiguille Rouge, at 3,226 m.

Arc Aventures instructors and guides specialise in skiing, snowboarding, off-piste and ski touring. On the school’s home page, a client describes a mid-March 2024 off-piste outing on the north faces of the Aiguille Rouge, in fresh snow.

Guided off-piste and freeride

Options

Starting prices shown on arc-aventures.com on 29 September 2026.

The required level, the route and the safety equipment are confirmed directly with the school when booking, on +33 4 79 07 60 02.

Avalanche risk: what you need to know

In the mountains, avalanche risk is assessed every day by Météo-France in the avalanche risk bulletin (BERA), published in season at 4pm for the following day, on a European scale from 1 (low) to 5. The State services in Savoie stress that checking it is essential before any mountain outing, and advise also asking ski patrollers and local professionals. Météo-France also points out that it is impossible to predict with certainty when an avalanche will occur.

That is why off-piste is best done with a professional, such as Arc Aventures instructors, who are experts of the Haute Tarentaise area.

Ski touring

How it works

Ski touring takes place on snow-covered terrain without ski lifts. It gives access to wild, unspoiled areas away from the pistes, alternating uphill and downhill. To climb, you attach skins under your skis, with lighter boots and bindings that free the heel. To ski down, you remove the skins, tighten your boots and lock the bindings.

The Wednesday evening introduction

Arc Aventures runs a group ski touring introduction every Wednesday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm (minimum 4 participants), from €20. You climb about 200 metres, then ski back down on a groomed piste. The instructor explains how to use the specific equipment and the uphill technique.

Good to know: with the Essentiel or Premium pass, this outing is 15% off (conditions on the website).

Private outings

Private outings (from €250) are tailored to your level and wishes. Some routes use a ski lift at the start of the day to reach wild areas more easily: the school tells you when booking. Bookings are accepted depending on availability, required level and current snow conditions.

Requirements and preparation

• Level: good fitness and a good on-piste level, Classe III (see adult levels).
• Who for: mainly adults, teenagers subject to the instructor’s approval.
• Altitude: the school advises booking your outing two to three days after arriving, to adapt better.
• Clothing: 3-layer system (long-sleeved base layer, fleece or light down jacket, Gore-Tex type jacket), enough water, food, sun cream and sunglasses.
• Safety equipment provided: an avalanche transceiver and a backpack containing a shovel and probe for each participant.
• Equipment to rent: touring skis, boots, poles and skins, to book in advance at Intersport Galerie des Villards, Arc 1800.

Snowshoe hikes

Who is it for?

Snowshoeing means walking in a snowy environment: snowshoes stop you sinking into the snow and poles help with balance. Good health and good fitness are needed, as effort feels harder at altitude. If in doubt, Sunday hikes suit all levels, and beginners in particular.

Options

Hikes run as half-days, full days or early evenings for the snowshoe-and-aperitif outings. The programme is adapted every week to the weather, snow cover and bookings (see the typical programme). Pick-up is at the ski school office in Arc 1800.

Equipment

• Provided: snowshoes and poles, included in all hikes.
• Bring: waterproof, semi-rigid boots with good ankle support, like hiking boots. Intersport Les Villards is the only shop renting suitable boots, on site only.
• Clothing: 3 layers, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sun cream, water bottle, snack and small backpack.
• Ski lifts: some hikes use one. The guide then sells tickets on site at a reduced price of €7.50. If you already have a lift pass, bring it.

Yooner, no skiing needed

The yooner is a hybrid machine, halfway between a sledge and a ski, a modern version of the “paret” used at the beginning of the last century. No need to know how to ski. Arc Aventures offers introductions at the end of the day from 5:30pm, from €20. A helmet is strongly recommended, along with waterproof, semi-rigid footwear.

Summary

Insurance

Participants are not insured by Arc Aventures by Evolution 2. The school strongly recommends a dedicated policy such as Carré Neige, checking the offers and cover: personal injury, rescue and repatriation, non-participation, equipment, cancellation.

Frequently asked questions