Resort Information
La Plagne consists of 11 separate villages, each village being a self-sufficient mini-resort. There are seven high altitude, purpose-built resorts and four villages lower down within the trees. The diversity of these villages also means there will always be options suitable for any group, but especially at Plagne Centre and Belle Plagne, the two most bustling villages.
La Plagne’s high, snowsure central bowl is perfect for beginners learning to ski and novices wishing to improve. For intermediates, the main appeal is the huge size of the Paradiski ski area which includes Les Arcs, and there is also excellent guided off-piste freeriding for experts.
Over the last 20 or so years, new lifts have been built easing some of the old bottlenecks (but not all!). The pretty village of Montalbert is now only two lifts away from Plagne Centre and there is now a wonderful ski from Bellecote down to Montchavin. Attractive buildings were built in the higher villages, especially Belle Plagne, Plagne 1800 and Plagne Soleil. None of them have the nightlife of Val d’Isere, Chamonix or Meribel, but they are less expensive and have much more slope-side accommodation.
Just outside the main bowl, in the woods around Plagne Montalbert and Les Coches, there is excellent tree skiing; the freeriding on Bellecote is superb; and anyone who like cruising in sunshine will find the long runs down to Champagny en Vanoise a scenic treat.
The link to Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express also doubled the number of challenging pistes that strong skiers based in La Plagne could access.
In season 2019/20 La Plagne became the first resort to open a specific Snooc run. This is an invention of a ski/sled hybrid which can be used as an alternative to a toboggan for riding down the 1.5 km Colorado Park run.
Key Facts
Ski Area
225km
Ski Range
1250m – 3250m
Green Runs
7%
Blue Runs
52%
Red Runs
26%
Black Runs
15%
Season
December – April
Accommodation
Club Med, La Plagne 2100
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Hotel Carlina, La Plagne
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Hotel Carlina, La PlagneFacilitiesSleep CapacityThis...
Hotel Araucaria, La Plagne
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Hotel Araucaria, La PlagneFacilitiesSleep CapacityThis...
Useful Information
Beginners
La Plagne is a beginner friendly ski destination. In La Plagne alone there are 10 green pistes and 69 blue pistes giving beginners plenty of options. You will find a beginners area in every village: Belle Plagne, Plagne Bellecote, Plagne Centre, Plagne 1800, Plagne Montalbert, Les Coches, Montchavin. All beginner areas can be accessed and used without a lift pass. The best pistes for beginners are the nursery slopes in Plagne Bellecote and Belle Plagne. The next step after that would be a green run in Plagne Centre called Boulevard. In Plagne Centre you have some really nice blue pistes called Arnica, Verdons, Dolines, Bridge. Then in Plagne Bellecote nice pistes for beginners are Arpette, Laines and Arolles. See where they are on the piste maps.
Intermediates
There is an abundance of easy skiing on offer for intermediates and for those adventurous intermediates, head for any number of red runs (of which there are many). On the glacier most intermediates will be able to manage the red Deversoif red run, its an easier red. Confident intermediates will be able to manage the red Combe run coming down from the glacier followed by the blue Frete, followed by the black Derochoir, which is not steep but can have moguls and some bare patches/slush/ice. The blue and red runs in the trees above Montchavin/Les Coches and Plagne Montalbert are all very intermediate friendly. Many of the reds have blues criss-crossing them less experienced intermediates should start on the blue runs and when the red run crosses them, decide if they want to take the steeper path. Most of La Plagne’s black are true blacks, approach with caution!
Advanced
There are almost 40 black runs across the Paradiski area. On top of this there are innumerable off piste routes to tackle with a mountain guide. It is therefoe safe to say that this is a great resort for experts, but it does somewhat rely on snow conditions and good visibility as a lot of the best difficult terrain is located well above the treeline from the top of the Bellecote. However, the long runs down are fantastic when the snow is good. A great alternative is the Biolley sector, where several steep, ungroomed, natural trails are marked on the piste map but are not prepared.
Snowboarding
La Plagne’s very vastness means it’s hard for it not to appeal to most boarders. There are few flats and two thirds of the resorts lifts are easy to ride chairs and gondola, 14 of those high speed quad or six-seater chairlifts. Freestylers will find 3 terrain parks to test their tricks in above Belle Plagne, Montchavin and Champagny. There’s also a half pipe above Bellecote and a new board cross course.
Bobsleigh Olympic Track
Always wanted to be in the Olympics, now is your time to shine (or slide). This really is a unique activity for you to have a go at it is not every day that you get the chance to try your hand at bob sleighing! Only available in La Plagne, the track is from the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics and is used for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton. The track still hosts international competitions and you can even have a go yourself, as it welcomes thousands of visitors a year. Choose from one of the following adrenaline-fuelled options: Bobraft, a 4 seater vehicle that reaches speeds of 80kph. Mono-Bob, a single seater vehicle, piloted by yourself that accelerates up to 90kph. Taxi-Bob, driven by a professional racer, this is a replica of the 4 man competition bobsleigh and you will experience 3.5G and over 100kph.
Igloo Village
Always wanted to go inside an igloo, have dinner or maybe even spend the night in one? In La Plagne you can go with the children or friends and explore the beautiful igloos. This is a magical activity which is enjoyed in the beautiful and natural surroundings of the Alps. All you big kids out there as well as the children will love this unique experience, a great story to tell everyone back home, it is not often you get to sleep in an igloo. Location: Le Dou Du Praz, above Plagne Villages (it can be reached by the free in-resort shuttle buses) Price: Adult from 40 euros to 65 euros / Children from 25 euros to 40 euros.
Ice Climbing
This activity is mainly targeted at mountaineering enthusiasts but it is open for all beginners to go along and have a go. La Plagne has created an impressive artificial ice-climbing structure with various different routes for the different climbers to take depending on their ability level. The structure has been designed in such a way that it is still suitable for beginners to take their first climbing steps. The impressive climbing ice tower is sprayed with water which then freezes in the cold mountain air, little preparation or maintenance is needed due to the natural conditions in the Alps, little sunshine and low temperatures. Both experienced and beginner climbers alike will love this activity. As a beginner, you will be shown the ropes (quite literally!) as you are taught about how to use them and learn basic climbing skills.
Moonlight Ski
This is a unique experience where you can enjoy a lovely evening meal in a mountain hut then ski back down the blue runs into La Plagne.The evening meal is traditional alpine cuisine, a 2-course Savoyarde meal complete with wine, tea/coffee and genepi. Skiers should be comfortable on all La Plagne blue runs. Once you have had your evening meal you with be given head torches and the Oxygene guides will escort you down the mountain safely, you simply need to bask in this memorable moment. Details: Sparkling aperitifs & canapes, Unlimited wine with dinnerSavoyarde raclette with all the trimmings, Homemade dessert, Tea, coffee, genepi Guided moonlight decent with Oxygene instructors. Head Torch Taxi ski service available, Return transport to your chalet/hotel/apartment. Non-skiers are welcome and can use the ski taxi service. Beginners and non-skiers can enjoy the moonlight skiing too! Advanced booking is recommended as there are limited places. Opening: Every Wednesday from 4pm, weather permitting
Snow Grooming Machine Experience
You have no doubt seen the piste bashers grooming the pistes late at night and lighting up the mountainsides! Now in La Plagne, you can try your hand at driving one of these crazy machines. This is a fascinating experience to try accompanied by a professional. You’ll be briefed on the machine and adults will then be given the chance to drive it. Children get to ride along.
Skidoos
This is one of the most popular activities with thrill seekers who are looking for something more than skiing. Skidoos can take 1 or 2 people at a time and there is also the option of swapping over halfway through the activity. The outings take place once the pistes have closed for the day and there is no one around, allowing you the freedom to roam.
Paragliding
Always wanted to soar across the snow peaked mountains of the Alps in complete serenity, well now you can fulfil this dream! You will take off with an experienced professional and fly through the air taking in all the beautiful surroundings; it will be an unforgettable flight!
Snowshoe and hiking
La Plagne is not all about the skiing and extreme activities; there is also an abundance of breathtaking nature walks. What better way to enjoy the mountains than to submerge yourself in the unspoilt countryside. The tourist information will have a detailed map of all the walking routes for the various villages of La Plagne whilst most sports shops hire out snowshoes.
View the live snow report for La Plagne here
La Plagne is a very popular choice for families, offering a wide choice of child-friendly chalets, lots of gentle slopes, and the resort in questions is cheaper than in neighbouring resorts. There is a good choice of family accommodation, with plenty of ski in/ski out options and chalets close to the pistes in Plagne 1800. Ski schools can also meet you at any of the villages, however the main points tend to be La Plagne Centre, Plagne 1800 and Belle Plagne. Choice in the type of accommodation is also large, with most villages offering self-catering, chalets and hotels. You will find some child-friendly snow zones with fairies and dragons where they can play in safety. And with the high altitude of the villages in La Plagne, even the nursery slopes are generally guaranteed good snow.
Area Map
Club Med
Hotel Carlina
Hotel Araucaria
Getting There
From any of the airports or train stations, there are options whether it be taxi, shuttle bus or public coach.
By Plane
Chambery Airport – 118km / approx 1 hours 30 mins
Geneva Airport – 235 km / approx 2 hours 35 mins
Lyon Airport – 195 km / approx 2 hours 30 mins
Grenoble Airport – 185 km / approx 2 hours 30 mins
By Road
La Plagne is:- 645 km from Paris – 196 km from Lyon – 149 km from Geneve and from Grenoble
GPS coordinates:
La Plagne (altitude) Longitude : 6,6803003 Latitude : 45,5057012
La Plagne Montchavin-Les Coches Latitude : 45,559839 Longitude : 6,7326237
La Plagne Champagny-en-Vanoise Longitude : 6,69540000 Latitude : 45,45400000 – Plagne Montalbert (access via Aime) Longitude : 6,6334965 Latitude : 45,5344696
By Train
With its proximity to Aime, La Plagne is fantastically convenient for the train. The Eurostar operated snow train with an overnight service leaving London each Friday and a day time service leaving London each Saturday all travel directly to Aime, which is only 18km away. A quick taxi will then take you directly to your hotel. The bonus of the overnight service is that you will get almost a full additional day skiing each side of your stay. Tickets can be bought from the Eurostar website.