Ski Resort Guide
La Plagne
La Plagne Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
La Plagne is one of the world's largest and most diverse ski resorts. Its own ski area, with 225km (140 miles) of piste stretching over 2,000 vertical metres (6,562ft) down from the Bellecote Glacier, is one of the biggest, but that doubles in size thanks to the recent lift link with Les Arcs across the valley. The combined Paradiski area is in the world top five on size and is accessed by the spectacular double-decker Vanoise Express cable car.
Although marketed as one resort, La Plagne has 10 separate base villages as varied as the skiing. The lower and most architecturally attractive villages include Montalbert, Champagny en Vanoise and Montchavin, which are based on original settlements. Modern developments up to 800 vertical metres (2,640ft) above include Belle Plagne and Plagnes Centre, 1800, Bellecote, Soleil and Villages. Each village has its own facilities, access to the whole area and ski-in, ski-out access to most accommodation.
Although marketed as one resort, La Plagne has 10 separate base villages as varied as the skiing. The lower and most architecturally attractive villages include Montalbert, Champagny en Vanoise and Montchavin, which are based on original settlements. Modern developments up to 800 vertical metres (2,640ft) above include Belle Plagne and Plagnes Centre, 1800, Bellecote, Soleil and Villages. Each village has its own facilities, access to the whole area and ski-in, ski-out access to most accommodation.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,250m (5,905ft).
Top elevation: 3,250m (10,663ft).
Base elevation: 1,800m (4,101ft).
Number of lifts: 104.
Number of runs: 134.
Average annual snowfall: 6m (20ft).
Where in the world?
La Plagne is located in the southeastern French region of Savoie in the western Alps, close to the Swiss and Italian borders. It is located within the Tarentaise area and is part of the Paradiski ski region.
Hit the slopes
The season runs from early December until late April.
La Plagne's huge ski area means there are runs of all kinds for all ability levels. Its high-altitude glacier skiing and extensive snowmaking ensures conditions are normally good throughout the season.
Intermediate skiers in particular will enjoy the variety, with the 2,000m (6,600ft) vertical drop meaning that some of the world's longest ski runs (up to 15km/9 miles long) are possible. They begin in the vast snow bowls at the top of the ski area and continue down through the long motorway pistes to the exciting trails cut through the forest below.
There are multiple nursery areas throughout the domain for beginners and most resort bases have an easy route option.
With the size of the terrain, its no surprise that there's plenty for advanced skiers on and off the piste. There are 16 black runs, the toughest the 3.5km (2.2-mile) Emile Allais. Freestylers also have lots to entertain them, with terrain parks and three boardercross courses at Belle Plagne, Montchavin-Les Coches and Champagny en Vanoise. There are also two half pipes to enjoy.
La Plagne's huge ski area means there are runs of all kinds for all ability levels. Its high-altitude glacier skiing and extensive snowmaking ensures conditions are normally good throughout the season.
Intermediate skiers in particular will enjoy the variety, with the 2,000m (6,600ft) vertical drop meaning that some of the world's longest ski runs (up to 15km/9 miles long) are possible. They begin in the vast snow bowls at the top of the ski area and continue down through the long motorway pistes to the exciting trails cut through the forest below.
There are multiple nursery areas throughout the domain for beginners and most resort bases have an easy route option.
With the size of the terrain, its no surprise that there's plenty for advanced skiers on and off the piste. There are 16 black runs, the toughest the 3.5km (2.2-mile) Emile Allais. Freestylers also have lots to entertain them, with terrain parks and three boardercross courses at Belle Plagne, Montchavin-Les Coches and Champagny en Vanoise. There are also two half pipes to enjoy.
Beyond the slopes
Despite its vast size, La Plagne's multi-base structure means there is no one big village with a major focus of facilities. There are ice rinks and toboggan hills however, as well as several games rooms, one with bowling at Belle Plagne. Plagne 1800 has squash courts and there's an indoor climbing wall at Plagne Centre.
Other sports available on the snow include ice climbing, snowmobiling, a dog-sledding school at Plagne Montalbert and the Olympic Bobsleigh Run (see Splashing Out). Paragliding is also available and paintballing is offered at Plagne Bellecôte.
Other sports available on the snow include ice climbing, snowmobiling, a dog-sledding school at Plagne Montalbert and the Olympic Bobsleigh Run (see Splashing Out). Paragliding is also available and paintballing is offered at Plagne Bellecôte.
Family fun
Virtually all of La Plagne's villages have their own non-ski nursery for babies and toddlers, with special ski kindergarten from age three. Most have a small selection of restaurants and off-slope attractions for families. La Plagne has been awarded the Family Plus label by the French Ministry
There are floodlit toboggan and snow play areas for children at Plagne Centre, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Montalbert and Champagny and ice rinks at Montchavin Les Coches and the altitude resorts.
of Tourism. This is awarded for providing comprehensive services for all ages (from 18 months) for families to enjoy individually and separately.
There are floodlit toboggan and snow play areas for children at Plagne Centre, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Montalbert and Champagny and ice rinks at Montchavin Les Coches and the altitude resorts.
of Tourism. This is awarded for providing comprehensive services for all ages (from 18 months) for families to enjoy individually and separately.
Retail therapy
There are reported to be more than 200 shops in La Plagne, but these are spread between the 10 centres so there's an average of 20 or so in each village, most of them retailing food or skiwear and equipment.
Après ski
The larger altitude resorts, particularly Plagne Centre, tend to be the liveliest, but traditional villages like Montalbert also have an increasing number of bars and restaurants which can get busy with British and Irish guests, who tend to eat out when French guests prefer to eat in their apartments. Each resort has at least one lively night spot.
Monica's Pub, Plagne Soleil, employs a DJ on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. La Mine, Plagne 1800, is on the site of an old lead mine, the bar's décor reflecting the atmosphere of the period with wagons, rails and tools. Le Cozy Bar, Plagne Bellecôte, is run by Sandra Laoura and her family; she won a bronze medal at the Turin Winter Olympics in 2006.
Monica's Pub, Plagne Soleil, employs a DJ on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. La Mine, Plagne 1800, is on the site of an old lead mine, the bar's décor reflecting the atmosphere of the period with wagons, rails and tools. Le Cozy Bar, Plagne Bellecôte, is run by Sandra Laoura and her family; she won a bronze medal at the Turin Winter Olympics in 2006.
Eating out
La Plagne has nearly 100 restaurants spread around the area. Most are traditional French establishments but there are several pizzerias, a number of Mexican outlets and a rare Moroccan choice.
Le Trappeur's, Montalbert, has wonderful ambience and good traditional French food, thanks to the dedication of husband and wife team Vanessa and Rossario. L'Arlequin, Aime La Plagne, also has a great atmosphere and a reputation for gourmet Italian food as well as other dining options.
Le Trappeur's, Montalbert, has wonderful ambience and good traditional French food, thanks to the dedication of husband and wife team Vanessa and Rossario. L'Arlequin, Aime La Plagne, also has a great atmosphere and a reputation for gourmet Italian food as well as other dining options.
Getting around
All of La Plagne's villages are compact enough to be able to walk to all facilities within them. All are predominantly pedestrian resorts. A shuttle bus circulates between La Plagne's various resort villages through the day and evening, but it is not included in the lift ticket. Several of the resorts are also linked by gondola lifts, so it's possible to move between them on foot as well as skis.
Splashing out
Ride La Plagne's 1.7km (1.1-mile) Olympic bobsleigh run, either at speeds of up to 134kph (83mph) as a passenger on a taxi bobsleigh, experiencing G forces of 2 to 3G on some bends, or descend on a self-steering bob raft at slower speeds (80kph/50mph).
Accommodation
Luxury
Chalet AnnieckThere are no luxury hotels in La Plagne, but some very nice privately owned chalets like this one, which has a new sauna and Jacuzzi.
Plagne Montalbert
Tel: +44 (0)1202 961 300.
Website: www.skichalets.co.uk
Moderate
Mercure Belle Plagne 2100Savoie-style building, 3-star, recently renovated, slopeside and at the heart of Belle Plagne, with superb views, kids club in the school holidays and health and fitness centre.
Lieu dit La Montagne des Génisses, Belle Plagne
Tel: (04) 7909 1209.
Website: www.mercure.com
Budget
UCPA Le FranceBasic slopeside holiday apartments.
Plagne Centre
Tel: (04) 7909 0681.
Website: www.ucpa-plagnelefrance.com
Getting there
Nearest airports: Chambéry (CMF); Geneva (GVA); Lyon (LYS).
Distance to resort: 105km (66 miles); 149km (93 miles); 180km (113 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes; 2 hours; 2 hours 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Aime.
Distance to resort: 17km (11 miles).
Driving time: 20 minutes.
Distance to resort: 105km (66 miles); 149km (93 miles); 180km (113 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes; 2 hours; 2 hours 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Aime.
Distance to resort: 17km (11 miles).
Driving time: 20 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Snowboarders, Intermediates, Experts, Snow reliability, Beginners
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