Summer Activities

Mountain Biking

Most mountain bikes never see a mountain, like most 4 x 4s never leave the comfort of tarmac. But there are few things more exhilarating than hurtling down a track which in winter is a ski run. The Les Arcs area has a network of designated tracks covering 200 kilometres of terrain. One ends a few yards form the chalet itself. Many of the ski lifts are open in the summer specifically to take bikes up to as high as 2700m (so no pedalling uphill!) The ride down to our village at 1200m is quite something. We have a large terrace where bikes can be safely stored.>> more

Walking/Hiking

From the chalet there is direct access to the famous Les Hauts de Villaroger, one of the 5 nature parks bordering the spectacular Vanoise National Park, Europe’s first and biggest protected area. Ideal for walking in complete peace and quiet. There are detailed walking maps and guides of the area showing the numerous trails that criss-cross the local countryside (one starts 20 m from the door of the chalet.) You can opt for a tough all day hike, perhaps with an overnight stay in one of the refuges scattered high in the mountains; or you may prefer a gentle 2 hour walk through the forest or following the course of one of the valley streams. Somehow there is nothing more peaceful than hearing the sound of cowbells echoing as you stroll along your chosen path.

Cycling

Fancy yourself in the polka dot jersey of the King of the Mountains? Well, the Tarentaise region will provide just the challenge you are seeking. The Tour de France might be blighted with drug scandals, but, standing by the roadside near the chalet in 2007, there was no more impressive sight than watching the riders steel themselves for one more climb up to the stage finish at Val d’Isère. But if bursting lung and limb is not your idea of a good time there are many gentle (flat) roads through pretty, carnation bedecked villages at the bottom of the Isere valley.

White Water

The river Isère is famous as a white water paradise. The melting snows from the surrounding mountains provide a sensational volume of water throughout the summer. A number of canoeing and kayaking championships- from National to World- have been held at Bourg St Maurice, a mere 20 minutes drive away. Whatever your chosen sport: canoeing, kayaking, rafting or hydrospeed, the facilities are second to none. You can rent equipment from wetsuits to inflatables, hire instructors or simply paddle your own canoe.

Skiing/Boarding

Yes, skiing. You don’t have to wait until winter to get those planks on. Less than 30 minutes from the chalet is Tignes with its amazing glacier up to 3400m, open 365 days a year, offering a variety of runs from the wide open and easy to steep blacks.The best time to go is in the morning because the snow softens up a lot in the afternoon (no problem if you’re a boarder of course). And believe it or not it often snows on the glacier in August. After you’ve finished on the mountain you can swap your boots for tennis shoes because there a literally dozens of courts in the Tignes complex.

Tennis

With over 20 players ranked in the world’s top 100 you would expect there to be plenty opportunities to play tennis. And you won’t be disappointed: Les Arcs alone has over 30 courts. You also have the chance to improve your game at the local Nastase Tennis Academy where you can reserve lessons on line or by phone There is also a court very close to the chalet at Ste. Foy which is easy to book and relatively little used, despite being in mint condition

Golf

If you are aching to hit your drives a lot further, then give yourself a treat by playing a round at 2000m. Make good contact off the tee and you could nearly send the ball into orbit at nearby Les Arcs 1800. Under local rules you even get a free ‘reload’ if you chance to hit a chairlift. And of course you’ll be surrounded by the most wonderful mountain scenery. But we would recommend a buggy or at least a trolley. Lugging a heavy bag of clubs at this altitude is like playing 36 holes in the morning back home.

Fishing

Not only does the river Isère offer great water sports, but it is fed by a host of tributaries and lakes where locals and visitors alike catch a variety of fish: lively trout, perch, char. In a lot of places you are you do not need a permit so you can fish wherever and whenever you fancy. As they like to say in this part of the world:” the mountains are for everybody, not just the few”. And if you’ve never tasted mountain fish you are in for a delight. Subtle, delicate flavours in white, white flesh. Mmm!

Other Activities.

The list of other holiday possibilities goes on and on: paragliding in Les Arcs, rock climbing at Ste Foy, pony trekking from Bourg St Maurice, swimming at the Olympic size pool at Bourg. These and many others can all be found in the area. Visit the Les Arcs website: www.lesarcs.com to discover for yourself.