Your questions about ski lessons and activities in Les Arcs
Ages, prices, levels, meeting points, rafting or paragliding: answers from the Arc Aventures team in Arc 1800 and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, in winter and summer.
Last updated 29 September 2026. Prices shown are starting prices, lift pass not included.
About Arc Aventures in Les Arcs
What is Arc Aventures in Les Arcs?
Arc Aventures by Evolution 2 is a ski school and outdoor activity centre operating in Les Arcs (Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Savoie, French Alps) since the late 1980s. In winter, the ski school is based in Arc 1800 (Les Tournavelles snow front, Villards village) and offers skiing, snowboarding, off-piste, ski touring, snowshoeing, yooner and adaptive skiing. In summer, Arc Aventures runs rafting, hydrospeed, canyoning, a treetop adventure course and paragliding from Arc 1800 and its white-water base in Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Where is the Arc Aventures ski school in Les Arcs?
The Arc Aventures ski school is located in Arc 1800, on Les Tournavelles snow front in Villards village, in the heart of the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry ski area (Paradiski). Adult group lessons, snowboard lessons and private lessons meet in front of the illuminated piste map at the Transarc gondola departure, while young children meet at the Charmettoger ski kindergarten. The exact meeting point for each lesson is shown on your invoice.
Which ski school should I choose in Arc 1800?
Arc 1800 has several ski schools, so the right choice depends on group size, specialities and lesson formats. Arc Aventures by Evolution 2 stands out for its small groups, specialist instructors (skiing, snowboarding, off-piste, ski touring, snowshoeing, adaptive skiing), free end-of-week test and medal, and a range that goes from ski kindergarten at age 3 to guided freeride. Book early for French school holidays.
When is the Arc Aventures ski school open for winter 2026-2027?
For winter 2026-2027, the Arc Aventures ski school in Arc 1800 is open from Saturday 12 December 2026 to Friday 24 April 2027, 7 days a week, from 8:45am to 6:30pm (longer hours on some weekends). Online booking is open. The sales team can be reached all year round on +33 (0)4 79 07 60 00, and the ski school on +33 (0)4 79 07 60 02.
Do I need to book ski lessons in advance in Les Arcs?
Yes. Arc Aventures strongly recommends booking ski and snowboard lessons in advance, especially during French school holidays (Christmas, February and Easter). Bookings open in June, online at arc-aventures.com or by phone on +33 (0)4 79 07 60 02. Places are allocated according to availability in each level and time slot.
Do Arc Aventures ski instructors speak English?
Yes. Arc Aventures instructors hold French qualifications and most of them speak English, some also Spanish or German. Group lessons are taught in French and adapted to the language of international students. For a lesson fully in English, a private lesson or a private instructor is the best option.
Kids ski lessons
From what age can children take ski lessons in Les Arcs?
At Arc Aventures in Arc 1800, group ski lessons start at age 3 (completed on the first day of lessons) in the Panda level, with a maximum of 6 children per group (proof of age required). Private ski lessons are recommended from age 3. Group snowboard lessons start at age 10, and private snowboard lessons as soon as the child has a board and boots in the right size.
How much are kids ski lessons in Arc 1800?
Starting prices listed by Arc Aventures (September 2026): kids group ski lessons for ages 4 to 14 in half-days from €235, special 3-year-old group from €235, "lunchtime" group lessons for ages 4 to 14 from €245, mornings and afternoons for ages 5 to 14 from €460, and private lessons for ages 3 to 5 from €66. For teenagers: Junior Academy 1 All Mountain (ages 11 to 14) from €235 and Junior Academy 2 Freeride (ages 15 to 17) from €350. Lift passes are not included.
Which level should I book for my child's ski lessons?
Book the level your child is working towards, meaning the one after the last level validated by a ski school. A child who has never skied goes into Yetison whatever their age, and 3-year-olds go into Panda. Technical levels are the same in every French ski school (only the names and medals differ), and the Arc Aventures team knows the equivalences, including Swiss levels.
Is the end-of-week medal free at Arc Aventures?
Yes. At Arc Aventures, both the test and the medal are free. In kids group ski and snowboard lessons, the medal is awarded at the end of the week according to the level validated by the instructor. A snack is also given to children taking lessons in the ski kindergarten (please mention any food allergy).
Does my child need a lift pass for ski lessons in Les Arcs?
Not while they ski in the kindergarten area: children in Panda and Yetison do not need a lift pass, and the instructor tells you on site when one becomes necessary. Lift passes are free for children under 5 with proof of age. After that, the minimum pass is the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry Classic Pass. Arc Aventures lessons never include the lift pass.
What should my child wear for ski lessons?
A helmet is compulsory for children. Bring a warm waterproof ski suit, thermal base layers, good socks, mittens or gloves with a leash, goggles or sunglasses, a neck warmer (no scarves) and sun cream. Poles are not used in Panda, Yetison and Petit Yeti, are introduced during the week in Yeti 1, and are needed from the first lesson from Yeti 2 upwards.
Adults, snowboarding and private lessons
How much are adult ski lessons in Les Arcs?
At Arc Aventures in Arc 1800: adult beginner group lessons over 6 half-days from €235, adult group lessons for classes 1 to 3 over 6 half-days from €235, a short 3 half-day format from €195, private lessons from €99 and a private instructor from €250. Adults who have skied before book the level after the one they have already achieved.
Where can I take snowboard lessons in Les Arcs?
Arc Aventures offers snowboard lessons in Arc 1800 for every level: group lessons over 3 half-days from €195, over 6 half-days from €235 (beginner and improver groups), private lessons from €99, a private instructor from €250, an All Mountain course for ages 15+ from €380 and private off-piste guiding from €250. Group lessons are open from age 10 and beginners book the "Snow" level.
What is My Alpine Week at Arc Aventures?
My Alpine Week is Arc Aventures' premium package: a full week of private ski or snowboard coaching, tailor-made to help you progress quickly in Les Arcs, from €1,645. It is designed for skiers and snowboarders who want a dedicated instructor, a personalised programme and progress tracking throughout the week.
Off-piste, touring and non-ski activities
Can I do guided off-piste skiing in Les Arcs?
Yes. Arc Aventures offers guided off-piste in Les Arcs for both skiers and snowboarders: private guiding from €250, an adult off-piste ski course from €380, and for teenagers the Junior Academy 2 Freeride (ages 15 to 17) from €350. A good on-piste level is required. Skiing off-piste without a professional exposes you to avalanche risk, so going with a specialist instructor is the safest way to discover freeride in Les Arcs.
Can beginners try ski touring in Les Arcs?
Yes. Arc Aventures runs a group ski touring introduction every Wednesday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm in Arc 1800 (minimum 4 participants), from €20: about 200 metres of climbing followed by a descent on a groomed piste. Private ski touring outings are also available from €250. You need good fitness and an on-piste level of Classe III. Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are provided.
Where can I go snowshoeing in Les Arcs?
Arc Aventures offers guided snowshoe hikes from Arc 1800: discovery outing from €29, all-level hike from €34, evening hike with an aperitif from €38, 6 half-day package from €178 and private guide from €200. Snowshoes and poles are provided. Suitable boots can be rented at Intersport Les Villards. Sunday hikes are particularly suited to beginners.
What can non-skiers do in Les Arcs in winter?
In Les Arcs, Arc Aventures offers several activities that require no skiing experience: guided snowshoe hikes (daytime or evening with an aperitif) and yooner sessions, a hybrid between a sledge and a ski, from €20 at the end of the day from 5:30pm. These activities can be booked online or at the Arc 1800 office (Les Tournavelles snow front).
Are adaptive skiing (handiski) lessons available in Les Arcs?
Yes. Arc Aventures offers instructor-led adaptive skiing (handiski) sessions in Les Arcs, from €110. Contact the ski school on +33 (0)4 79 07 60 02 or hello@arc-aventures.com to discuss the skier's needs, the adapted equipment and available slots.
Practical winter information
Where can I rent ski equipment in Arc 1800?
Arc Aventures partners with Intersport Arc 1800. You can book your ski or snowboard rental together with your lessons and collect it from the shop closest to your accommodation (Galerie des Villards, Charvet shopping centre or Le Chantel Edenarc). Customers also receive a discount code for online rental. Helmets and equipment insurance can be added in store.
Do I need insurance for ski lessons in Les Arcs?
It is strongly recommended, as participants are not insured by Arc Aventures. The school advises a dedicated policy such as Carré Neige, which depending on the option covers rescue, repatriation, missed lessons, equipment and cancellation. It can be bought online with the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry lift pass or at the lift ticket offices.
Are there benefits for guests staying at Edenarc Odalys in Arc 1800?
Arc Aventures partners with Odalys Les Arcs, Edenarc residence in Arc 1800, in both winter and summer. Guests get practical and price benefits depending on dates and lesson types. These offers are not available online, so call the school directly on +33 (0)4 79 07 60 02, ideally in advance.
Summer activities in Les Arcs and Bourg-Saint-Maurice
What is there to do in Les Arcs and Bourg-Saint-Maurice in summer?
In summer (20 June to 6 September in 2026), Arc Aventures offers in Les Arcs and Bourg-Saint-Maurice: rafting and hydrospeed on the Isère river, canyoning, the Mont-Blanc Adventure Course (treetop course) in Arc 1800 and tandem paragliding above the valley. The Pass Aventure, from €220, combines several activities. Visitors are welcomed at the Tournavelles office in Arc 1800 and at the white-water base chalet in Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Where can I go rafting near Les Arcs?
Rafting takes place on the Isère river, from the Arc Aventures white-water base in Bourg-Saint-Maurice (route d'Hauteville-Gondon), at the top of the rapids just below Les Arcs. Three routes are available: Grande Descente from €82 (age 12+), Rafting Découverte from €62 (age 8+) and Baby Raft from €48 (age 6+, departing from the Landry River Camp). Private boat from €355. A bus brings you back to the starting point.
Do I need to be able to swim to go rafting on the Isère?
Yes. At Arc Aventures you must be able to swim at least 25 metres and be comfortable going underwater (a swim test takes place during the trip), and have personal liability insurance. Neoprene wetsuit and booties, helmet and life jacket are provided. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and a closed bag for your belongings, which the bus brings to the finish.
Where can I try hydrospeed (river swimming) near Les Arcs?
Arc Aventures offers hydrospeed (white-water swimming) on the Isère from Bourg-Saint-Maurice: Découverte from €75 (age 14+) and Perfectionnement from €89 for experienced swimmers (age 16+). Participants must be at least 1.50 m tall, weigh at least 40 kg and be able to swim 25 metres. Wetsuit, neoprene jacket and socks, fins, helmet and life jacket are provided.
Where can I go canyoning near Les Arcs?
Arc Aventures guides two canyoning levels in the Tarentaise valley: the Eau-Rousse canyon (level 1) from €65, from age 10 and 30 kg with an adult for under-14s, and the Bénétant or Pussy canyon (level 2) from €79, from age 14 and 45 kg. Expect jumps, natural slides and abseils. Wetsuit, helmet and harness are provided; bring grippy shoes that will get wet.
How much is a paragliding flight in Les Arcs?
At Arc Aventures, the Discovery tandem flight starts at €130 (from age 5 and 25 kg, adults up to 100 kg), the Performance flight at €180 (from age 12, afternoons only) and pilot courses at €590. The photo and video package filmed by your pilot costs €30. Take-offs are from Arc 1600 in the morning or between Arc 1800 and Vallandry in the afternoon. Book early in your stay so the flight can be rescheduled if the weather is unsuitable.
Where is the treetop adventure course in Les Arcs?
The Mont-Blanc Adventure Course (Parcours Aventure du Mont-Blanc), run by Arc Aventures, is in Arc 1800: zip lines and acrobatic challenges high in the trees with increasing difficulty, from €29. Children must be at least 1.30 m tall, and those between 1.30 m and 1.45 m must be accompanied by an adult taking part. It is a supervised (not guided) activity and is not recommended for people with vertigo.
How do I get to rafting from Les Arcs without a car?
From Les Arcs, take the free shuttle buses to Arc 1600 and then the funicular down to Bourg-Saint-Maurice: Arc Aventures provides a free return transfer between the funicular station and its white-water base. On Tuesdays and some Wednesday mornings, a free Arc Aventures bus also leaves from Les Villards in Arc 1800. Mention it when booking.
Does the Hero Les Arcs pass give discounts at Arc Aventures?
Yes. As a Hero Les Arcs partner, Arc Aventures gives 15% off rafting on the Isère (excluding private boats), hydrospeed and the Mont-Blanc Adventure Course to holders of a valid Hero pass (7-day MultiPass, 7-day Camp Junior, 7-day Hero Extrême, MultiPass Belambra Hôtel du Golf). The discount applies on presentation of the pass, for phone bookings only, not online.
Groups and corporate events
Does Arc Aventures organise corporate events and group activities in Les Arcs?
Yes. Arc Aventures designs tailor-made programmes for corporate events, incentives and groups in Les Arcs and Bourg-Saint-Maurice: organisation, instructors, daytime and evening activities, in winter (skiing, snowshoeing, yooner, ski touring) and summer (rafting, canyoning, paragliding, treetop course). Programme and quote on request on +33 (0)4 79 07 60 00 or contact@arc-aventures.com.
No question matches this search. Try another word, or ask the team directly on +33 4 79 07 60 02.