Ski Holidays in La Plagne

Why Ski in La Plagne?

La Plagne, a ski resort split into 11 stations, provides a wonderful opportunity to explore a variety of charming, unspoilt French villages such as Les Coches, Montalbert, Champagny, Montchavin, and purpose-built resorts at higher altitudes. The five main stations in the uppermost part of the area, including Plagne Centre, Bellecote, Belle Plagne, Plagne 1800, Plagne Aime Plagne 2100, and Plagne Soleil, offer high-altitude locations with reliable snow conditions.

Choosing a base among the La Plagne villages or stations is a matter of preference, except during the beginning and end of the season when the higher purpose-built villages provide more assurance of abundant skiing opportunities. All the villages offer convenient access to the slopes and modern, fast lifts.

Les Coches, situated at 1450m next to Montchavin, is an ideal starting point for accessing the connection to Les Arcs. Montalbert, at 1350m, retains its unspoilt and friendly character, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with the Tarentaise valley on one side and Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains on the other.

Skiers staying in Champagny can easily connect to the main skiing area of La Plagne by taking two lifts. They have the option to ski back to the village via a red run or take the Champagny cable car. Champagny is located on the back side of the ski map.

Montchavin, a traditional farming village at 1250m, sits just below Les Coches at the bottom of the La Plagne ski area. It offers an attractive car-free village centre with a few shops, a kindergarten, and a ski school. Its location makes it convenient to cross over to Les Arcs via the link.

Plagne Centre serves as the commercial hub and the focal point for après-ski activities. Constructed in the 1960s, it predates the realization that timber-clad buildings are more visually appealing than concrete apartment blocks. Though it may not be aesthetically pleasing, it provides excellent access to the skiing. There are newer developments located above that are more attractive in design.

Belle Plagne and Bellecote, situated at 2100m, are high-altitude villages located just above and to the left of Plagne Centre. They are closely connected by lifts and ski runs, offering convenient access between the two.

Plagne 1800 is where you’ll find most of the catered chalets. It is located just below Plagne Centre and is connected by a chair lift. In the evening, there is a “good” walk along the road to Plagne Centre, but ski lifts also run buses directly to Plagne Centre. There are a couple of bars, such as Les Mines, that offer live music in the evening.

Aime Plagne 2100 is situated above and to the right of Plagne Centre. It is home to the popular Club Med 3 Trident all-inclusive resort, as well as a selection of apartments and chalets. Its higher elevation ensures reliable snow conditions until the end of the season.

Plagne Soleil features accommodations centred around a village square and is home to only two restaurants and two bars. The livelier village of Plagne Centre, with its wide selection of bars, restaurants, and shops, is just a short walk or bus ride away. From Plagne Soleil, it is possible to travel to and from each of the villages in La Plagne.

In addition to the extensive 225km of piste skiing that La Plagne Mountain offers, 85% of the runs are categorized as blue or red, making it an ideal ski area for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.