Freeride Week at Les Arcs

Les Arcs, Freeride Week

The Freeride Week des Arcs is the event that brings together every winter the cream of the crop of amateurs and professionals of freeride skiing. Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, the resort of Les Arcs becomes the theater of an exceptional week, combining competition, sharing, and discovery in a breathtaking setting. Whether you are a seasoned rider looking for new challenges or an enthusiast wanting to live a unique experience, Freeride Week is the event not to be missed. Known worldwide for its dizzying slopes and electric atmosphere, it attracts participants from all walks of life to celebrate skiing in all its forms.

The unmissable event for ski enthusiasts

From 18 to 24 January 2025, head to Arc 1950 to experience Freeride Week. It’s a whole week dedicated to all freeride enthusiasts to hit the best spots in the area. The 2025 edition is full of surprises.
On the program, freeride, athletes and fun! On the occasion of the French Freeride World Qualifier, the best freeriders meet on the ski area of Les Arcs to compete on the best sports of the resort. Each event will be punctuated by jumps, fluidity or commitment. The athletes with the most points will then qualify for the prestigious Freeride World Tour.

The programme of the 2025 edition

January 20, 2025: Freeride World Qualifier 2*

A special freestyle day where the riders follow the figures and jumps of rocky bars off-piste. 

Why participate in the Freeride Week in Les Arcs?

Discovery of new features

Each edition of Freeride Week is a unique opportunity to discover the latest ski innovations. Renowned, state-of-the-art equipment manufacturers present their new ski models, high-performance clothing, and revolutionary accessories to enhance your snow experience. Workshops and demonstrations allow you to test these innovations in real conditions, offering you an exclusive preview. Introductory sessions to new skiing techniques and the latest trends, such as night touring skiing or freestyle airbag, will enrich your skills and broaden your vision of skiing.

Adrenaline and surpassing yourself

Freeride Week is also the place where adrenaline meets surpassing oneself. Through breathtaking competitions and friendly challenges, amateur and professional riders compete on breathtaking slopes. The testimonies of those who have crossed their limits, whether by descending a pristine track at breakneck speed or making their first backflip in public, are sources of inspiration for all. These stories, rich in emotions, highlight the passion that animates the community of freeride and freestyle skiing.

Meeting with the community

Beyond the sporting aspect, Freeride Week in Les Arcs is a real gathering of the community of ski enthusiasts. This event is the perfect opportunity to meet riders from different countries, exchange tips, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. The evenings organized throughout the week promote these meetings, in a friendly and festive atmosphere. Participating in Freeride Week means joining a family united by the love of skiing and the mountains, an unforgettable human experience that goes well beyond sport.

How to equip yourself for Freeride Week?

Freeride skiing is a demanding discipline that requires an excellent physical level but above all advanced equipment. In addition to a very good knowledge of the mountain, it is essential to have safety equipment for off-piste skiing off marked trails.

Indispensable material

• Freeride skis or snowboard;
• Ski helmet;
• DVA (Avalanche Victim Detector), shovel and probe;
• Airbag backpack: to carry your safety equipment, opt for an airbag backpack with a carrying system;
• Technical clothing: apply the 3-layer system to adapt to changes in temperature and cope with wind and humidity. 

Practical tips

• Physical preparation: start a specific training several weeks before the event. Include cardio, strength and balance exercises. And discover more tips on how to maximize your physical preparation for freeride, 
• Nutrition: eat balanced and hydrate properly. During the event, choose foods that are high in energy and easy to transport;
• Safety: familiarize yourself with safety equipment and participate in an avalanche research workshop if possible. Always follow the rules and safety instructions on site.

For more information, find all our tips on off-piste safety in this article. 

Paradiski, the ski area par excellence

Connecting Les Arcs to La Plagne, there are 425 km of ski slopes. With two glaciers at an altitude of over 3,000 metres, you can experience the peaks during your ski trip. Paradiski is a huge playground without limits for all lovers of sliding sports.

Between forests, wild places and powder fields, many freeride spots are to be discovered on the ski area of Les Arcs and La Plagne. For expert skiers, head to the north face of Bellecôte. It is one of the best known off-piste, on the mountainside, where you can descend the corridors in a rich and varied nature. At the Sommet des Arcs, many descents start from the Aiguille Rouge. Mythical routes with breathtaking panoramas.

How to get to Les Arcs?

Several transport options are available to get to Les Arcs.

By air

From the airports of Lyon-Saint-Exupéry, Geneva and Chambéry, you can take a shuttle, rent a car, or use the private transfer services to arrive in Les Arcs.

By train

The train is a great option to get to Les Arcs, offering a relaxing travel experience with magnificent views of the Alps. The nearest train station is Bourg-Saint-Maurice, served by direct trains from Paris and other major French and European cities. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice you can take the funicular directly to Les Arcs station in just 7 minutes.

By car

If you prefer to travel at your own pace, the car is a good choice. Les Arcs is accessible via the A43 motorway from Lyon, followed by the N90 towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Note that winter road conditions can be challenging, so make sure your vehicle is well equipped for snow and that you are comfortable driving in winter conditions.

Rent your skis in Les Arcs with Freeride

Our Freeride ski hire shop in Arc 1950 will delight lovers of new skiing. Freestyle, freeride, ski touring, we equip you with the biggest brands specialized in mountain sports. So book now your ski hire Les Arcs in our stores and easily remove your equipment upon arrival.