La Plagne

Resort description:La Plagne is split into 10 ski stations that give you an opportunity to ski a number of quaint unspoilt French villages and some not so quaint purpose built resorts at higher altitude.
The four main areas at the upper most part of the area are Plagne Centre, Belle Plagne, Plagne 1800 and Plagne Soleil.They are all linked by free bus which runs until after midnight.

Plagne Centre is the commercial centre and was built in the 60’s and as a consequence of lack of thought, is quite ugly though there are some newer developments above the centre that are more attractive. The smaller area of Plagne Soleil lies above and has smaller chalet type buildings and a few shops – handy for the slopes but nothing else. Belle Plagne is larger than Plagne Soleil and situated over to the left hand side of the circuit and has an attractive variety of small and large buildings and more nightlife too.

Plagne 1800 is more attractive with a few more trees around and smaller chalet type buildings. The village centre has a handful of shops, bars and restaurants.

The picturesque old village of Montchavin and its recently developed neighbour, Les Coches lie down on the far left of the ski area. Montchavin has a traditional look and feel with narrow streets and old buildings. Les Coches is a modern resort but is designed sympathetically with all buildings built in wood and stone. Both of these resorts have a small variety of shops, bars and restaurants.

Over the back of the La Plagne ski area is the village of Champagny, this charming village lies in a wooded setting and is better located for the main bowl than any of the outlying villages on this side. However in warm weather the south facing slopes mean that the ski back may tricky!


The skiing

La Plagne offers one of the biggest single resort lift systems in the world and has superb and extensive runs for all levels of skier. The area is most suited to intermediates and large distances can be covered on red and blue runs, which radiate out in all directions. With 215km of pistes there is so much to choose from you won’t know which one to choose first! The snow reliability is very good – but the low lying villages can be a little sparse on snow at the beginning or end of the season. 2004 saw the much publicised link to Les Arcs opening making this one of the largest ski areas in Europe!  

For advanced skiers or boarders head for Bellecote where you will find 2 longs runs with vertical of 1000m. At Aime la plagne you will find the north facing long Emile Allais run through the forest which is usually deserted as there are only a couple of drag lifts to bring you back up. There are lots of long reds to get your teeth into but you really should hire a guide to explore the vast off piste potential that the area has to offer. 

However La Plagne is an absolute dream for intermediates! From exhilarating motorway skiing to quiet powder runs in the trees, La Plagne has it all! Not skied by many, the runs down to Champagny are a real treat. Fast blues bend round the contours of the mountain. 

Beginners should sample the gentle nursery slopes and excellent English speaking ski instructors which ensures that novice skiers will soon be enjoying the multitude of blue and green runs across the resort. This is a great resort for beginners to learn. 


Children have facilities in all of the villages and many of the tour operators run dedicated crèche facilities from their chalets in Plagne 1800. The ski schools are located in all villages and vary in group size and class type. – Something for everyone!


For Boarders there is good terrain for all standards of rider, being a good mix of long, easy high open runs, but the more experienced boarder will find some fantastic off piste boarding, and unlike many other resorts with a reputation for off piste where the snow is quickly carved up – here after fresh snow, off piste boarding will last for weeks!

The main bars and nightlife are in Plagne centre, but to be brutal about the area,if it is a wild and vibrant apres ski and  nightlife you are seeking it is better to go to a different resort altogether.Planned nights in around a games table or video would be more of what late nights are about here.

Resort Information

Season 	             Nov-Early May
Nearest Airport      Chambery,Geneva and Grenoble
Ski Area 	     425km (Paridiski Pass)
Ski Lifts 	     35
Ski Runs 	     67
Longest Run 	     9km
Resort Height 	     3000m

Snowball Ratings 

Beginners 	     4 / 5
Intermediates 	     4 / 5
Experts 	     4 / 5
Families 	     4 / 5
Nightlife 	     3.5 / 5
Affordability 	     4 / 5
Non Ski Activities   4 / 5