A ski holiday in La Plagne can happily accommodate skiers of all abilities, and is particularly suited to intermediate skiers, with red and blue runs leading in all directions from the ski-in, ski-out villages. Linked by the incredible Vanoise Express cable car to the neighbouring resort of Les Arcs, and creating the vast ski domain that is Paradiski, everyone will be able to enjoy a ski holiday to La Plagne. Some of the resort's most challenging terrain can be found towards the summit of Roche de Mio, which is linked to Bellecôte by the Les Blanchets and Carella chairs. From here the Glacier de Bellecôte is also accessible, whose 3250m summit is the resort's highest point; it's even possible to enjoy some summer skiing here.
With much of the La Plagne ski area sitting above tree-level, there is an abundance of wide-open, motorway pistes throughout the main bowl. For forest runs, there are some long, beautiful routes winding down to Montchavin, Les Coches, Champagny and Montalbert. Skiers in La Plagne should keep an eye out for poor weather, when the links between these and the main bowl can close, causing congestion. Generally, however, queues are minimal – with the significant exception of the bottleneck Arpette chair linking Plagne Bellecôte to Les Coches.
For beginners, there are nursery slopes at all the high-altitude centres, with easy progressions on to blue runs, though a virtual absence of long greens can make things difficult for the more cautious. Montchavin, Les Coches and Montalbert also have nursery slopes and gentle blues. Champagny is the only resort area for beginners to avoid.
La Plagne has a general lack of black runs. There are a few steep, compelling pistes such as Les Etroits and Morbleu from Le Biolley ridge above Aime-la-Plagne, and the Emile Allais descent to the bottom of the outlying Charmettes chair.
For snowboarders there is a permanent half-pipe and terrain park at Plagne Bellecôte, a terrain park at Montchavin/Les Coches and a terrain park and boardercross course at Champagny.
Apres Ski
La Plagne has a number of village centres, and each has their own distinct atmosphere. Visitors to La Plagne 1800 can enjoy a family friendly atmosphere and this is where most of the catered ski chalets in La Plagne can be found. Nevertheless, there are still opportunities for a couple of drinks after a day on the pistes; Bar La Mine is a classic pub, and it welcomes visitors with live music, DJs and live sporting events. Party-goers on the other hand, will find the most action in Plagne Centre and Plagne Bellecôte. Igloo Igloo in Plagne Centrale is a fun little bar that's a great spot for cocktails and live music. At Plagne Bellecote, you'll find DJs on the terrace of Le bonnet daily, playing for the apres crowd until early evening particularly at Jet 73 and Saloon bars respectively.
What is a luxury ski holiday without some standout food!? Whilst the menu at your luxury catered ski chalet in La Plagne will look after you well, you'll want to know there are some good options for long lunches and the chalet staff's night off. When it comes to the best restaurants in La Plagne, there's a wide variety in both style and price across the numerous La Plagne village centres. For traditional French cuisine, Le M in Aime La Plagne is a popular choice, whilst in La Plagne 1800, book a private Finnish grill experience at Le Cocoon; a unique experience, and well suited to large groups of friends and family, or even for corporate ski trips.
