Leah Andrews - Marketing Executive"La Plagne is often referred to as the intermediate’s paradise on account of the wide, sweeping blues that litter the Paradiski area. That said, there really is something here for all ability levels; whether you’re just finding your feet on you first ski holiday or craving a steep challenge, the sheer scale of the Paradiski area means variety is in abundance - this is what makes La Plagne so ideal for mixed ability groups."LA PLAGNE
La Plagne is one of the most famous high altitude ski areas in the world with 11 self-contained villages, each with their own identity and with direct access to the ski area. The aptly named Belle Plagne (2050m) is one of the most attractive high altitude resorts. Built in a traditional Savoyard style, car parking is all underground preserving the natural environment. Plagne Bellecote (1930m) is bigger and more functional but provides excellent access to the almost endless terrain. Plagne-Centre also offers good access to the ski area but it won't win any prizes for aesthetics! Les Coches (1450m) completes the Paradiski area, it sits lower but the Vanoise express is close at hand to offer easy access to Les Arcs.
Despite it's fragmented layout, ski holidays in La Plagne are often more popular than the Three Valleys, as the snow cover is very similar, but the hotel prices are often a lot cheaper.
Our top hotel picks for a ski holiday in La Plagne: Hotel Les Balcons, Hotel L'Eden Des Cimes, Araucaria Hotel & Spa, Hotel Le Carlina.
SKI AREA OVERVIEW
La Plagne and Les Arcs combine into the Paradiski with over 425kms of piste making it one of the largest ski area's in the world but La Plagne on it's own offers plenty of skiing for a short ski break. It offers extensive pistes and has terrain to suit every ability but a majority of runs are blue/red. Beginners are well catered for too with at least one free lift in each village. Snowboarders seem to be equally happy in La Plagne with lots of wide pistes, snowpark and three boardercross runs.
La Plagne Ski Holidays Await!
Flight + Transfer
223.1kg CO2 *
* Average kg of CO2e per person, based on a return journey from London Gatwick to Geneva, and shared minibus transfer.
Train + Transfer
14.4kg CO2 *
* Average kg of CO2e per person, based on a return journey from London St. Pancras to Aime La Plagne, and shared minibus transfer.
Self-Drive
104.5kg CO2 *
* Average kg of CO2e per person, based on a return journey from the M25, via. the Dover ferry in a car carrying 4 people.
To reach the nearest station (Aime La Plagne), you'll need to take the Eurostar Ski Train via. Lille. Find availability and tickets at Eurostar.
- The first of our tips has to be for those needing an extra adrenaline rush! The Olympic bobsleigh run built for the 1992 Games offers you the chance to shoot down the 19 bends at high speed but booking in advance is a must.
- La Plagne has plenty of choice for eating and drinking, mostly offering the traditional Savoyard dishes. If staying in Belle Plagne try the Face Nord or Matafan or the Ferme in Bellecote.
- If you want to explore the off-piste potential it's best to hire a guide. The off-piste doesn't tend to get tracked out as quickly as other resorts so you can enjoy the powder for longer!
- After a day skiing try the outdoor swimming pool in Plagne Bellecote. It's open from 3-8pm every afternoon (except Sundays). Don't worry, it's heated to 30 degrees!
- Enjoy a hot chocolate or spot of lunch at Les Douz dous Praz.