La Plagne Ski Guide

La Plagne Resort Summary

Altitude: 1,250m – 3,080m 
Lifts: 74 in La Plagne area 
Top Lift: 3080m 
Ski area: 425km of piste in Paradiski 
Adult lift pass: 389€ for six days Paradiski area 

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La Plagne Ski Guide

What La Plagne does best are gentle blue runs and epic off-piste terrain. Between these two extremes, there are a handful of short reds and blacks to explore but in truth, the resort is best suited to intermediate skiers who can virtually navigate the whole ski area without having to look at a red pole.  

Best skiing for families, cautious intermediates and expert.

Check out our guide to the mountain for more on La Plagne’s ski area. What it does best are gentle blues; and some of the toughest off-piste skiing in the Alps. Between these two extremes, there is plenty of blander terrain.

The villages are excellent for families

La Plagne’s villages are extremely easy for families to get around because so much of the purpose-built accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, and the low angle, easy access terrain is perfect for improvers. 

There are a few places to party 

La Plagne doesn’t have a jumping nightlife like Verbier or Val d’Isere or the apres-ski of St Anton or Ischgl, but there are pubs and bars with live music and some cosy bars to enjoy a late-night drink and a boogie.  

This is the place for clocking miles 

La Plagne is best for mileage-hungry intermediates who are skiing with children or who are genuinely keen to develop their skills. If you’re looking for long lunches and exotic mountain cuisine, you’d be better off in the likes of Zermatt, the Italian Dolomites or even the Three Valleys, however there are some notable exceptions such as Chez Pat de Sauget and L’Alpina in Champagny-en-Vanoise. For those without children, Les Arcs, on the other side of Paradiski is another great option. 

Guide to skiing La Plagne 

Think of La Plagne this way: a flattish plateau, mostly above the treeline, which has steeper, forested flanks to the north and south. An extra dimension is provided by the Live 3000 high altitude area opened in 2023. The facility replaces the old lifts in the permafrost-zone to ensure environmental stability and long-term access to high altitudes. Set at 3,080m, it offers a new gondola route anchored in rock, allowing both skiers and non-skiers to enjoy panoramic views. The updated lift provides access to more trails with minimized environmental impact thanks to the reduced infrastructure. A win-win for the envionment and snowsports enthusiasts. There’s also a cable-car link to Les Arcs. 

La Plagne for beginners and early intermediates  

If you stay up on the high plateau – in the villages of Belle Plagne, Plagne Bellecote, or Plagne Centre – beginners and in particular early intermediates will be very happy here. 

This is almost the perfect place for second and third-week skiers, who need time and plenty of wide and gentle pistes on which to build their confidence. What’s more – there’s skiing both above and below the treeline, so on a cloudy, snowy day you can migrate to the edge of the ski area and find decent visibility between the trees above Montalbert or Montchavin-Les Coches. 

La Plagne for Expert Skiers 

La Plagne has a reputation for being an easy-skiing resort. So, it’s a revelation to experts to discover how much challenging off-piste terrain there is on the mountain. Most of it is on the northern and southern flanks of the Live 3000 summit and must be skied with a guide. #

The southern aspect is generally regarded as the easier terrain but it’s also very prone to avalanches. Guides often test their clients with a run down here first – because the north face is, in places, hard-core: some of the couloirs are followed by cliffs – above which you must make a sure-footed traverse. 

There’s more of the same off the Aiguille Rouge in Les Arcs. For more information, get a copy of Didier Givois’ Les Cles de Paradiski written in both English and French. But take note – it’s only intended as a coffee-table introduction to the subject, not a substitute for guide. 

There’s enough here for advanced skiers, but… 

…only if the snow’s in good nick. A lot of the steeper pistes are on the lower slopes, and when the snow’s thin, icy, or slushy you’ll find yourself migrating up towards the north-facing slopes at the top of the resort. The choice up there is quite limited: the best terrain is in the north-facing gully below the Inversens chair, and it holds its snow well. But it’s not enough to sustain an entire holiday, unless you’ve only got a couple of hours each day before you pick up the kids from ski school. If not, you’ll wish you’d booked Val d’Isere, Verbier, St Anton, Jackson Hole or Snowbird instead. 

If you do luck out with a really good snow forecast and cold weather you’ll have a rather different experience: not just on the lower pistes but on the freeriding faces of the Grande Rochette, Verdons and Bécoin peaks above Plagne Centre. But you’ll need a guide to keep you safe there.

Mileage-hungry intermediates can head to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry… 

La Plagne is one half of the Paradiski ski area. The other half is Les Arcs, and between them they offer a meaty 425km of pistes. However, don’t come here expecting a properly interconnected network of lifts and runs like the Three Valleys (home to Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens) or the Espace Killy – the area shared by Val d’Isere and Tignes. There is in fact only one lift linking the two ski areas, and it connects two of their most far-flung corners. 

In other words, it’s a long commute to get between them, and in peak season the lift queues can be long. That leaves you with La Plagne’s 225km of pistes – which is still a good offering, suiting families best of all. 

 Riders Nation Snowpark welcome freestylers of all levels… 

Since 2022 La PLagne has been home to the Rider Nation Snowpark, a dedicated zone for all abilities of budding freestyler with a good array of well-maintained features.  

Where to Learn to ski in La Plagne

If you’re taking young children to La Plagne, your first thought should be to book ski school early. We’d recommend you do this as soon as you book your trip because classes can fill up fast – especially in school holiday time.  

 Ski lessons in La Plagne

English-speaking New Generation is based in Plagne 1800 and offers private lessons right across the resort. The maximum class size for children’s group lessons is a respectable eight. Reflex is another independent school in Plagne 1800, although their instructors also teach at Plagne Centre. 

Also in Plagne Centre, Oxygene has a good reputation for everything from beginner classes to expert off-piste guiding. Evolution 2 is also recommended for group and private sessions at all levels, as well as more specific off piste and ski touring sessions, or other mountain activities like dog sledding, skidooing, and snow biking.  

At Belle Plagne, check out El Pro and Limes, a small British ski school. The terrain here is also ideal for disabled skiers getting to grips with sit skiing. Many of the ski schools offer handiski sessions, find out more here.   

Ski Lessons with the ESF 

La Plagne is stronghold of the Ecole du Ski Francais – the ESF – and there are branches in every village; Mont Chavin – Les Coches, Belle Plagne, Plagne Bellecote, Plagne Villages, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Centre, Plagne Aime 2000, Plagne 1800, Montalbert and Champagny-en-Vanoise. 

Where to stay in La Plagne 

La Plagne is laid out a little differently to many of the mega French resorts. Rather than being concentrated in a single centre, the accommodation is scattered across the mountain in eleven different villages. 

Several are high, purpose-built and not exactly bursting with authentic Alpine atmosphere. Others are lower and based around older settlements. Crucially, not every village is going to suit the same kinds of skiers, so here’s our pick of the best accommodation centres, and the kind of people they will suit. 

Best for quick access to the slopes 

At 2050m, Belle Plagne is the highest village in the resort, and all things considered it’s the best place to stay for quick access to the full range of La Plagne’s skiing. Almost all the accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, and you can drop down to the lift hub at Plagne Bellecote to get over to Les Arcs, or to Plagne Centre. Belle Plagne is also the closest village to the hard-core off-piste terrain at the top of the ski area (accessed by the cranky old Roche de Mio gondola, the new gondola Roche de Mio will open in December 2025). Keen skiers should make staying here a priority, and if you’re bringing non-skiers with you, they can relax in the Deep Nature Spa. 

Nearly all the accommodation is in medium-sized blocks of self-catering apartments called residences. Which one you chose is a matter of deciding what facilities you want, how much you’re willing to pay, and whether or not it’s important to be close to the Roche de Mio gondola mid-station (a priority for experts).

There are also lots of private apartments in the village available for rent. Tour operators like Erna Low and Mountain Collection also have properties in La Plagne, while travel agent Sno offers package holidays with flights and transfers included, with the security of ATOL protection. 

MMV Les 2 Domaines

There are two MMV hotel residences in the resort, Les 2 Domaines in Belle Plagne and Plagne Aime 2000 (more about that one below). The large tastefully decorated rooms accommodate up to five people, and there are inter-connecting family rooms, full board accommodation, kids club, wellness centre and indoor pool (Belle Plagne only).  

Les Balcons de Belle Plagne

Les Balcons de Belle Plagne residence has a pool, wellness and gym and, in the largest apartments (which sleep 10-15 people) wood-burning stoves. They’re on the edge of the village by the Arpette piste. Access down to the chair-lifts at Plagne Bellecote is quick – but you’re not very close to the Roche de Mio gondola lift station. 

Le Chalet du Vallon

Le Chalet du Vallon is the place to be in terms of atmosphere. It’s at the top of the village, and each apartment has its own fireplace which makes post-skiing relaxation extra cozy. The apartments are gorgeously Savoyard style and extremely comfortable, with all you’d expect from an Alpine retreat. 

Residence les Nereides

Those looking to keep costs to a minimum should try Residence Les Nereides, just above the centre of town. Le K2 and Chalet de Belle Plagne restaurants are close by, ski storage is provided, and there is a kids club on-site. There is alsa a food shopping and bread delivery service available at additional cost. 

Hotel Carlina

The four-star Hotel Carlina is the poshest place to stay in Belle Plagne, with cozy wood-paneled rooms and a great piste-side sun deck and restaurant (as well as a pool). It also has a separate self-catering residence. It’s four-star and very comfortable, with lovely artwork and attractive wooden beams. There’s an indoor swimming pool with a stunning view of the mountains, as well as a sauna, jacuzzi, and steam room. 

For the best views 

Apart from being right on the piste, the altitude gives this accommodation great views over the valley and towards Mont Blanc. There are no trees up here, so it’s rather bleak and many people consider the village to be an eyesore, but it does benefit from more hours of sunshine in winter and stunning views. The accommodation is mainly in apartments in the large main building. The nearby Les Haut Bois building has its own restaurant, spa, sauna and swimming-pool, and is more attractive. There is also a Club Med here. 

Hotel Aime 2000

MMV La Plagne Aime 2000 has been completely renovated to offer contemporary pleasant rooms, including family mini-suites which can accommodate up to five people. You can enjoy varied cuisine and Savoyard dishes in the restaurant and at the end of the day, relax in the Espace Aquarelaxant with sauna, hammam, and a spa with massages and other treatments available. 

Belle Plagne and Plagne Centre

While Belle Plagne suits families with children who can already ski a bit, there isn’t really anywhere for first-timers to practice after ski school (you’ll find yourself riding the gondola down to the nursery slopes at Plagne Centre instead). For young families and complete beginners, we’d recommend basing yourself in Plagne Centre.  

Chalet Campanula

Sitting in the heart of peaceful Plagne Soleil is Skiworld’s catered Chalet Campanula (sleeps 12-14. This spacious chalet-apartment offers traditional alpine comforts with modern functionality and has breathtaking views. 

ho36 La Plagne

ho36 La Plagne combines the convenience of a hotel with the coziness of a guest house, providing a lower-budget accommodation option without sacrificing the comfort or convenience of a hotel. The property is stylishly decorated, with a central living area, a ‘Chill Room’, a chic bar, and a restaurant serving freshly prepared dishes. 

Hotel Araucaria

Hotel Araucaria is one of the best hotels in La Plagne for access to the slopes. Located at the very bottom of the piste next to the ski lifts in Plagne Centre, it has a beautiful lounge with bar in the centre. It’s a great place for the whole family to relax with modern, comfortable rooms, spa and sauna, ski hire shop on site and for the kids there’s a vintage video games room and a comfortable little cinema to watch movies (not to mention the free candies on offer).

For self-catering comfort and easy pistes 

Plagne Soleil is not so much a village as a ribbon of convenient piste-side self-catering residences, and a hotel. Don’t stay here if you’re looking for nightlife or daytime atmosphere for non-skiers. However, it’s a good base for anyone who wants to be in the middle of the plateau, with instant access to its flat, easy-skiing pistes. 

Granges du Soleil

The CHG Les Granges du Soleil apartments have rustic chalet style interiors, and a large luxurious spa and indoor pool. The spacious apartments have everything you could possibly need and the spa views onto the slopes are a real highlight. 

Sun Valley

The Sun Valley apartments are linked to Hotel Vancouver – which means residents have access to the pool and restaurant – ideal if you can’t be bothered to cook. Small but perfectly formed they have a quaint, comfy feel and cover all the basics.  

Chalet Campanula 

Sitting in the heart of peaceful Plagne Soleil is Skiworld’s catered Chalet Campanula (sleeps 12-14. This spacious chalet-apartment offers traditional alpine comforts with modern functionality and has breathtaking views. 

For the catered chalet experience 

If you’re looking for catered chalets, then Plagne 1800 is where to find them. The village is set below Plagne Centre, and despite the traditional architecture most of the buildings are fairly new. It’s a long haul from here over to Les Arcs or up to  the Live 3000, but at least you get quick access to the pistes above Montalbert, great when visibility is poor. It’s also worth bearing in mind that rooms in these chalets are often heavily discounted in January and March. For the evening there’s a nice selection of restaurants (La Cantine, Le Chaperon Rouge) despite the size of Plagne 1800 and a great bar: La Mine (English pub style). 

For low altitude accommodation 

In a short time, the former farming community of Montchavin (1,250m) has grown into a modern ski resort bustling with shops, restaurants and its own wellness and aquatic complex, Espace Paradiso, extending over 1000 square metres. From the village, a ski lift goes up to the Vanoise Express cable-car, which links into the skiing of Les Arcs. 

Several lifts and pistes away from the main Plagne Centre is Montalbert (1,350m). It is still part of the massive Paradiski domain, but retains the traditional, peaceful ambience of a mountain village and has a lovely area of red and blue ski runs (great fun when the  

Champagny is in two parts: Champagny-en-Vanoise and Champagny-Le-Haut. The former is the main ski village down here, while the latter is a pretty village that has no direct link with La Plagne ski area but attracts cross-country skiers and also has an excellent restaurant.  It’s also home to the ice tower where you can have a go at ice climbing (age 10+). 

Where to Eat in La Plagne

Whether you’re craving hearty Alpine classics like fondue and raclette or something a bit fancier, there’s a good variety of restaurants to explore in La Plagne. You can cozy up in a traditional chalet for some tartiflette or head to a gourmet spot for refined French cuisine. And if you’re in the mood for something different, there are pizzerias, sushi bars, and some great burger joints. There are several spots with spectacular views too, and while La Plagne is not renowned as a destination for foodies, there’s plenty on offer to suit all tastes.  

Where to eat lunch in La Plagne? 

At Montchavin – near the cable-car to Les Arcs – Le Sauget serves delicious local dishes, often with a twist (for example, spring rolls stuffed with Beaufort cheese). It has a cozy wooden interior with beams and an open fire. Outside is a terrace for sunny days. You can also eat here in the evening or stay overnight in one of the five attractive little bedrooms. 

Above Champagny, on the south side of the ski area, is the wooden Le Chalet des Verdons Sud, which also does local specialities (‘quality traditional cuisine’) and has a cosy log fire. Or, just below Plagne Aime 2000, try Au Bon Vieux Temps for regional produce and magnificent views of the valley. 

If you want to keep a lid on prices, the trick is to ski back down into one of the villages. Belle Plagne is a good place to do this, because it’s more or less in the middle of the ski area, and you often have to ski past or through it.  

Restaurant Le Hors Piste (next to the main piste through the village) is a great place to stop, and does excellent soups, salads, and pizzas. In Plagne Centre, Joya is a small deli that offers fresh, home-made meals alongside excellent cheese, cold meats and wine. In springtime, the sunny terrace of Chalet de La Roche is a great place for lunch or to enjoy the sunset, followed by dinner by the fire.   

There are also several bakeries offering fresh sandwiches and pastries that you can grab on the go and eat on the lift if time on the slopes is your top priority. 

Where to eat dinner in La Plagne? 

 The eleven villages that make up La Plagne are all relatively small, so there is not a huge choice if you want to eat out every night. There are free shuttle buses however which connect all the villages if you want to eat somewhere else. We’d always recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment after riding the bus to eat somewhere specific. 

 In Belle Plagne, try La Godille, which is wood-panelled with a lovely central fireplace and fur rugs. There are also two restaurants open to the public in Hotel Carlina, offering traditional, comfort food in one and a meat, fish or vegetarian dish of the day made with seasonal produce in the other. You can also eat here for a tasty breakfast, brunch or lunch.  

In Plagne Aime 2000, Ginette à la neige is ideal for rapid service and a family friendly menu.  

For Savoyard specialities, try Le Refuge in La Plagne Centre, Le Loup Blanc in Plagne 1800, Au Coin du Feu in Plagne Soleil, or Le Chalet du Plan Bois in Montchavin. 

Where to Party 

Due to the spread-out nature of the eleven villages that make up La Plagne, it’s not the number one resort for partying. That said, there’s still great apres-ski and a fun night out to be had, especially if you’re with a large group. 

If partying is your number one priority, we recommend you target somewhere like Les Deux Alpes, Verbier, St Anton, Ischgl, or Mayrhofen. All these resorts have a town centre where everyone congregates at night and are world-renowned for wild apres-ski parties that slide into big nights out. 

Don’t go to La Plagne if nightlife is your priority. None of its ten villages is big enough to create a really memorable buzz. You want to target somewhere like or Les Deux Alpes in France. Otherwise go for Verbier, St Anton, Ischgl or Mayrhofen in the rest of the Alps. (All of those resorts are based around one main accommodation centre where everyone congregates at night.)

Belle Plagne and Plagne Centre are busiest

When it comes to apres-ski, La Plagne isn’t a complete wasteland – though you’ll struggle to find more than one really good bar in each village.

The two villages with slightly more going for them each night are Belle Plagne and Plagne Centre. In the former, La Tete Inn and Le Cheyenne Cafe (+33 479 09 20 72) are the apres-ski bars, whilst Le Saloon BarPub & Nightclub is the closest the resort has to a club. It’s Wild West themed and open until 5am. There’s also a ten-pin bowling alley in the village – Bowling La Plagne (+33 479 09 00 78).

Best pubs, bars, and clubs in La Plagne 

In Plagne Centre, Igloo is a funky little bar with DJs, live music and a cozy igloo theme with faux furs draped across the seating in comfy corners. After that why not check out Le Luna Bar, a rustic bar with Happy Hour deals and a regular line-up of bands and DJs. 

In Plagne-Bellecote, there’s the Spitting Feathers apres-ski pub, known for its packed-out pub-quiz and karaoke nights. The best thing about this place is that it has a free bus which will deliver you back to your accommodation at the end of the night if you’re staying in another village. 

In Belle Plagne, check out La Tete Inn or Le Cheyenne Cafe for a post-ski refuel, and then onto La Bodega for dinner, cocktails or a late night boogie. 

In Plagne 1800, La Mine is like a traditional English pub – but with a mining theme complete with lamps and old mining tools. Expect DJs and regular live music with most of the buzz provided by seasonnaires.  

In Plagne Soleil, Monica’s Pub is a lively spot for apres-ski and great pizza on the sunny terrace, plus the party continues into the early hours with a live DJ. 

Other Activities in La Plagne 

Beyond the slopes, La Plagne offers a diverse array of non-ski activities that cater to visitors seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a non-skier or simply looking for a break from the slopes, La Plagne has something for everyone. 

At the top of the list of activities for thrill-seekers is La Plagne’s famous Olympic bobsleigh track, where you can experience the rush of hurtling down the ice at speeds up to 120 km/h. The bobsleigh experience in Plagne 1800 is one of a kind, offering an adrenaline-pumping ride in either a four-person bob raft, piloted bob, or even with a professional driver for those who want the ultimate thrill. It’s an unforgettable way to get a taste of a Winter Olympics event. 

For those who prefer a slower pace, La Plagne boasts a variety of snowshoeing trails that allow you to explore the alpine scenery at a more leisurely pace. With trails ranging from easy walks suitable for families to more challenging routes that take you off the beaten path, it’s a great activity for all. 

If you’d like to enjoy the snow from a different perspective, dog sledding is another popular activity. Guided by professional mushers, you can sit back and enjoy the ride as a team of dogs pulls your sled down snowy trails. This traditional form of transport offers a unique and magical experience, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from Narnia and is available in several locations around the resort. 

For an even more immersive experience, why not try ice climbing? Check out the ice tower in Champagny le Haut where guides are on hand to teach you the ropes. Or if you’re keen to experience the views up close, why not try La Plagne’s Aerolive? An open air gondola that gives you a front row seat to the best vistas in the resort. 

Back on solid ground, there are a number of places to try fat biking on snow. Fat bikes are mountain bikes with oversized tires that allow you to cycle through the snow. You can either rent a bike and explore on your own or join a guided tour to discover the best routes. 

Indoor activities are also plentiful in La Plagne, making it an excellent destination for days when the weather is less cooperative. There are a number of swimming pools and after a day of outdoor adventures, you can relax in a sauna or indulge in a massage at one of the local spas. Many hotels in the area also offer spa services, making it easy to unwind and rejuvenate. 

The resort’s sledging areas are perfect for kids to enjoy some fun in the snow, while ice skating at one of the local rinks provides another entertaining option.