La Plagne Ski Resort, France

Overview of La Plagne

It's almost as if the La Plagne plateau was created for skiing. Positioned in the centre of a huge bowl, the resort and ski area are surrounded by towering mountains, helping to hold onto the snow while creating plenty of sunny spots to enjoy it from.

What more could a skier ask for? Looking at a La Plagne ski map, you'll find plenty of gentle and intermediate terrain, making it a great choice for families, beginners and anyone who likes a good cruisy blue. The wide, confidence-building slopes are ideal for getting your ski legs back or bombing around with the kids. That doesn't mean more experienced skiers are short-changed. La Plagne has some seriously underrated off-piste terrain, while the link to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry opens up the full Paradiski area. Together, the three resorts offer 425km of pistes, with 70% of the ski area sitting above 2,000m.

La Plagne itself has 225km of pistes and stretches from traditional mountain villages lower down the valley to purpose-built ski stations higher up, with Plagne Villages reaching 2,100m. The original Plagne Centre is one of the higher-altitude bases and what the buildings may lack in traditional Alpine charm, they more than make up for in convenience. Tunnels, walkways and pedestrian routes connect different parts of the resort, which comes in handy when the snow is falling. Free buses link the different villages too, making it easy to get around without a car.

The nightlife is on the quieter side, in keeping with La Plagne's family-friendly feel, but there are still plenty of bars and après spots to keep things going after the lifts close.

Three things we love about La Plagne

1. Extensive ski area - La Plagne has 225km of skiing to explore on its own, while the Paradiski link to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry takes the total to 425km. That's more than enough terrain to keep piste-hungry skiers busy for a week.
2. High snow-sure resorts - Many of La Plagne's main ski stations sit at high altitude, with Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil at 2,100m and 2,050m respectively.
3. Family-friendly feel - La Plagne's easy-going atmosphere, accessible villages and generous supply of gentle and intermediate pistes make it a great choice for a family ski trip.

Snow-sure choice

• La Plagne has a significant number of north-facing pistes. You can ski sunny south-facing slopes in the morning and move onto colder north-facing terrain later in the day
• Over 85% of the ski area sits above 1,800m with 70% above 2,000m 
• Average annual snowfall is 523cm, with approximately 45 days of snowfall across the year

Skiing and Boarding in La Plagne

La Plagne is part of the Paradiski area, which links La Plagne with the neighbouring resorts of Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry via the Vanoise Express. Together, they offer 425km of pistes, while La Plagne itself has 225km across 139 runs consisting of 8 green, 74 blue, 35 red and 18 black. Around 70% of the ski area sits above 2,000m, giving you plenty of high-altitude skiing to explore.

The abundance of blue runs makes La Plagne particularly good for beginners and intermediate skiers, with plenty of gentle terrain for building confidence and exploring with a mixed-ability group. The different villages are well connected by the lift network, so you can cover a lot of ground without constantly having to tackle challenging pistes.

The local area pass gives you access to La Plagne's 225km of pistes, which is more than enough to keep most skiers busy for a week. If you want to explore further afield, the full Paradiski pass gives you access to La Plagne, Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, covering the full 425km of pistes.

Beginners

• Each of the main altitude villages has easy terrain for beginners, with dedicated learning areas and free beginner lifts available in parts of the resort.
• Plagne Bellecôte is a good base for beginners, with easy pistes and direct access to the Roche de Mio gondola.
• The blue runs around Arpette are a good next step once you've got your ski legs, with wide, relatively gentle terrain and plenty of options for building confidence.
• The blues around the Blanchets sector are another good choice for relaxed cruising, with plenty of sunny terrain to enjoy.
• Levasset is a gorgeous, long 5.2 km blue slope in the Champagny sector that lets you cruise smoothly while soaking in the high-altitude views.

Intermediate

• Under the Arpette chairlift, you'll find some excellent rolling blue runs, with enough variation to keep things interesting.
• Carina, from the Grande Rochette sector, is a good run for picking up the pace and practising your turns.
• The new Roche de Mio gondola gives easy access from Plagne Bellecôte towards Roche de Mio, opening up a choice of long blue and red runs with impressive views.
• Mont de la Guerre is a long, thrilling 6km red run heading down towards Champagny-en-Vanoise, offering incredible remote scenery and fewer crowds.
• For a bit more of a challenge, try the longer red runs from Bécoin above Plagne Centre down towards La Roche, one of the lower villages.

Advanced and Off-Piste

• Head towards the Glacier sector for some more challenging terrain at altitude. The upper mountain has a mix of steeper pistes and more demanding terrain before you descend towards the lower villages.
• The quieter side of the mountain around Bécoin, Crêtes and Envers has some more challenging pistes and is a good option when you want to escape the busier central areas.
• If conditions allow, there is off-piste terrain across La Plagne, including routes through the forests towards Montchavin and Montalbert. These can be particularly enjoyable after fresh snowfall and in poor visibility when tree cover helps with orientation.
• The Bellecôte Glacier is one of the areas that attracts experienced skiers looking for challenging off-piste terrain, with routes including the legendary North Face descent. This is serious high-mountain terrain and should only be tackled with the appropriate equipment and a qualified mountain guide.
• The terrain around Roche de Mio and Inversens also offers opportunities for experienced skiers to explore away from the marked pistes, depending on conditions.

Park

• Riders Nation is La Plagne's main snowpark, with features suitable for different ability levels.
• There are also two boardercross courses, one in Champagny-en-Vanoise and another in Montchavin-Les Coches.

Additional tips

• Head over to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry for a ski-away day using the Vanoise Express. The two sides of Paradiski are linked by the cable car, giving you access to the full 425km area.
• If you're skiing over to Les Arcs, keep an eye on lift closing times (aim to leave by 3pm at the latest) and give yourself plenty of time to get back to the Vanoise Express. Don't leave the return journey until the last minute.
• The YUGE app is useful for checking lift and piste openings, planning routes and keeping an eye on the conditions across Paradiski.
• The Bergerie and Colosses chairlifts can get busy towards the end of the day. If you're heading back to Plagne Villages or Plagne Soleil, the free bus can be a useful alternative.
• The new Roche de Mio gondola is now in operation, linking Plagne Bellecôte with Roche de Mio and making this part of the ski area much easier to access. The new lift was part of La Plagne's recent investment in its lift network.

When skiing or snowboarding in any unpatrolled or unpisted area, you should always have the correct equipment and employ the services of a qualified mountain guide. Skiing or snowboarding off-piste can result in injury or death, even with a professional mountain guide or instructor. Our partner ski schools in La Plagne, ESF, New Generation and Oxygene, offer off-piste lessons and guiding.

Activities in La Plagne

Fancy taking a break from the skis? La Plagne has plenty of other ways to enjoy the mountains, from Olympic bobsleigh runs and dog sledding to zip wires and a rather unusual open-sided gondola.

• Aérolive - One of La Plagne's more unusual experiences, Aérolive takes you up to Roche de Mio in an open-sided gondola cabin, so you can feel the mountain air as you travel. The experience takes around an hour and is weather dependent.
• Bobsleigh - La Plagne is home to France's only bobsleigh and skeleton track, built for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. You can take on the Olympic track in a Bob Raft with up to four people, reaching speeds of around 80km/h, or try the Speed Luge for an even bigger adrenaline rush.
• Parapenting  - Soar above Paradiski on a tandem paragliding flight with a qualified pilot. Weather permitting, it's a memorable way to see La Plagne from above, particularly on a clear day.
• Snowmobiling - Discover a different side to the mountains when you explore them on a snowmobile. On an hour-long excursion, you'll visit a few of the villages as well as a bit of backcountry. It's a thrilling adventure and great for a group. Evenings are the most fun!
• Cinema - If you feel like catching a film while in the resort, head to Espace Les Ecrins in Plagne Centre. There are lots of screenings of new films, often in English (some subtitled).
• Bowling - There are bowling alleys in Plagne Centre and Belle Plagne, making this an easy option for families after skiing or a fun evening activity for groups. Belle Plagne:  Plagne Centre:
• Tobogganing - For something more adventurous, try the Elpro tobogganing experience from Aime 2000. The 6km descent winds through the forest to La Roche, taking around 40 to 60 minutes. It's suitable for ages 12 and over, with equipment, a hot drink and return shuttle included.
• Ice Cave - In the Chiaupe glacier at the top of Bellecote (3,417m), the Grottes des Glaces ice cave has been dug out every winter since 2005.
• Ski Show - During the school holidays the instructors of ESF La Plagne offer you a great evening ski show and the infamous 'torchlight descent'.
• Ziplining- Super Tyro Zip Line, Aime La Plagne. A 600m zip line from Aime 2000 to La Plagne Centre. It's also available as a night-time experience on selected dates.
• Dog Sledding - Meet a team of huskies and head out into the snowy mountains on a traditional dog sledding experience. There are several operators across La Plagne, with some offering rides for children from the age of 2.
• Oxygène activities - Oxygène offers a range of activities alongside its ski lessons, including snowshoeing, moonbiking and sledging. When booking, be sure to mention you're a Skiworld customer!

Après Ski in La Plagne

As La Plagne is spread across several different villages, it's worth thinking about where you're heading before setting off for the evening. The free buses make getting around easier, but some après spots are best enjoyed straight from the slopes.

• Le Bonnet  - In Plagne Bellecôte, right by the slopes, Le Bonnet is a lively après-ski bar similar to the likes of Folie Douce, with DJ sets, live music and entertainment throughout the season. It's a good place to finish your ski day without having to go far.
• Chalet d'Altitude la Bergerie - On the pistes of Plagne Villages you may hear La Bergerie before you see it. Once an old farm house, it is now a classic apres ski venue offering great food and drinks accompanied by live music and a great vibe every afternoon. It's on the piste so closes soon after the last lift. Be prepared to ski home!
• La Mine - A little hideaway in Plagne 1800 and extremely popular with seasonnaires, La Mine is a traditional pub with an ‘olde-English’ style. They have a huge selection of beers and rums on offer, a friendly and convivial atmosphere, and live music on most nights.  
• La Rambarde - Previously Spitting Feathers, the bar has reopened with a new high-energy feel. Think party bar meets live music with delicious tapas also available.
• Igloo Igloo - A cosy bar in Plagne Centre with DJs, live music and cocktails. It's a good option if you want to keep the evening going after skiing. The bar itself is inside an igloo-shaped room with faux fur draped over the seats.
• Le Monica's - Located in Plagne Soleil, this restaurant and bar has a sunny terrace and is a good spot for an afternoon drink at happy hour, or a more relaxed après stop. 
• Le Billolet- A great place for a drink on the mountain before heading back into town. This bar is located at the top of the Becoin chairlift and has stunning views over Montalbert and the entire bowl of La Plagne.

Places to eat in La Plagne

As in all ski resorts, especially during peak season or after a big dump of snow brings everyone onto the mountain, it's best to book your restaurant in advance.

On the mountain

• Le Petit Chaperon Rouge  - A traditional French chalet-style restaurant in Plagne 1800, with a cosy atmosphere and a menu packed with Savoyard favourites. It's right at the foot of the slopes, so it's an easy spot to reach after skiing.
• Le Forperet - Set in a former sheepfold in Plagne Montalbert, Le Forperet has a traditional mountain setting with a terrace, fireplace and views towards Mont Blanc and the Col de la Madeleine. The menu focuses on simple, good-quality traditional dishes, with Savoyard specialities available in the evening by reservation.
• L'Arpette - A restaurant, bar and self-service spot at altitude with a large panoramic terrace and views across the mountains. 
• Les Borseliers - A traditional Savoyard restaurant on the Champagny side of the ski area, just 50m from the Borseliers chairlift. Alongside classics such as tartiflette, croziflette and local cheese dishes, you'll also find burgers and salads.
• La Rossa - A restaurant at altitude in the Champagny sector, serving traditional French dishes alongside cheese specialities, fish, salads and tartines. It's open during the day throughout the winter season.
• Les Inversens - An altitude restaurant in the Plagne Bellecôte sector, with a terrace and mountain views.

In town

• Le Refuge - One of the oldest restaurants in La Plagne, located in Plagne Centre, with a great ambience and plenty of Savoyard character. Grilled meats are one of their speciality dishes and each table has a copper hood suspended above it for you to grill your own meat on the pierrade, right at the table.
• Le Auberge de Balcons  - Located in the Balcons Hotel in Belle Plagne, this restaurant is a real gem. A relaxed atmosphere, open fire, well-stocked bar and a menu featuring Savoyarde and Italian classics. We recommend booking in advance!
• Le Loup Blanc - The rustic wood and stone décor give this place an authentic feel, and it's got a menu of traditional dishes to match. You've got all the cheesy mountain favourites, as well as French classics such as snails in garlic butter. Located in Plagne 1800.
• Au Coin de Feu - Located in Plagne Soleil, this restaurant's modern mountain decor compliments the traditional menu, which includes indulgent raclette and meat cooked on an open fire.
• Le Matafan - Arguably the best in Belle Plagne, take your time choosing from the small but very varied menu, from foie gras and scallops to steak, duck and lamb shank, to mouthwatering desserts.
• Le Monica's - Right on the slopes in Plagne Soleil, Le Monica's has a large sunny terrace, Savoyard specialities, Neapolitan pizzas and a pub downstairs. It's also open late, with happy hour, DJ sets and live music.
• Le Grizzli- A cosy restaurant in Plagne Villages serving traditional Savoyard cuisine, including meats cooked over the fire.
• Le Vega - A brasserie and pizzeria in Plagne Centre, right opposite the snow front. There's a large sunny terrace, with traditional and Savoyard dishes on the evening menu.
• La Cantine - A popular Plagne 1800 pizzeria and bar serving pizzas, cocktails and tapas in a relaxed atmosphere. It's also a good option for takeaway.

Family Features La Plagne

Please also see the Activities and Ski Schools sections for a wealth of non-skiing and skiing options for families.

Depending on the age of your child, there are a few childcare options available in La Plagne.

• Crèche Les P'tits Bonnets - A daycare centre in Plagne Centre for children aged from 5 months to 4 years. The crèche offers a range of play and creative activities, with bookings made directly by phone.
• Garderie Les Lutins - A daycare service run by ESF at Plagne Aime 2000, for children aged from 2 to 6 years. It offers a range of indoor and outdoor activities, with six half-day or six-day packages available. 
• Club Yeti - Run by Evolution 2 in Montchavin-Les Coches, Club Yeti offers childcare for children from 3 years old who are taking Evolution 2 group or private ski lessons. It's worth noting that this is in a different part of the wider La Plagne area.