Test a trail

Trail running is becoming just as popular as road running. But trail running means running off-road. Trail runners don't run on tarmac, but rather on dirt tracks, stony paths or even snow on white trails. Trail courses are not always in the mountains, but they tend to be hilly. Trail runners don't always run at the same pace, they climb hills and even walk on them (a road runner's pet peeve), but it's also a sport where you don't always have your eyes on the clock, but rather look straight ahead to admire the mountains, the forest and all the other landscapes that nature has to offer. Contemplation is also part of trail running.

And if you quickly become a trail enthusiast, you can move on to the ultra trail, with distances of over 80km - yes, you read that correctly. But that's not for a while yet.

If you're already a regular runner and you're wondering why you should take up trail running, here are all the reasons why:

• Running in a natural environment, breathing fresh air far from pollution is a great way to recharge your batteries.
• Runners will have to relearn how to run and change their habits. You'll need to keep your eyes everywhere: on the ground to get a good feel for the terrain, and in front of you to manage the climbs and descents.
• A new community is opening its arms to you. Trail runners are less competition-minded, but are known to be friendly, supportive and ready to share all their secrets with you to make the most of your first trail.
• You'll discover new muscles thanks to the difference in altitude, and your thighs, calves and abdominal muscles will clearly feel the difference.
• And you're sure to become a trail addict - and it's better to be a trail addict than a shopping addict, it costs a lot less.

What equipment do you need to start out?

For your first trail, there's no need to over-equip yourself, even though you'll probably soon want to do another one. The most important thing is to have a pair of shoes suited to this new terrain. If you have a pair of trainers dedicated solely to the road, they will be far too slippery and you risk injury. There are specialised trail shoes and more mixed trainers that are just as good for a first discovery trail.

In terms of clothing, you probably already have a breathable technical T-shirt, shorts and a windbreaker? That's all you'll need to start trail running.

In terms of accessories, you'll need to wear class 3 sunglasses (but most of them are, except for the fashionable ones), something to keep you hydrated (a belt with a flask is best, but a small water bottle in your hand is also good for a start), a watch with a GPS so you don't get lost, or your smartphone with the GPS map you downloaded before you set off, as there isn't always much of a network in the mountains.

What about poles? You won't need them for your first trail; they're really more essential for routes with steep positive and negative gradients. They will certainly be a major asset if you decide to continue this sport, but they will be cumbersome for a first outing.

What trail can I do in Les Arcs?

There are several, which you can find on the Les Arcs Tourist Office website, but for a first run, Le Petit Balcon Nord seems ideal, with 9.68km and 209m of ascent.

It's very accessible and offers beautiful panoramic views over the villages of the Versant du Soleil. It's a beautiful loop starting from the funicular railway, quite hilly over the first 5km and with much less ascent on the second part. For a first trail, you'll need to allow at least two hours, as you'll need to take a few breaks to take in the scenery.

GPX route for this trail.

And if you liked the first one, you can follow it up with a second trail, the Les Arcs Trail Funiculaire. It starts the same way and finishes at Les Arcs 1600, with 810m of ascent over a distance of 5km. Your thighs will remember it.

GPX route for this trail.