Welcome to our essential guide to La Plagne, a true gem of the French Alps and a must-visit for every winter sports enthusiast.
At Ski Beat, we’ve been crafting exceptional ski chalet holidays in La Plagne and across the French Alps for over 20 years. Our insider knowledge and passion for the mountains mean we know exactly what makes La Plagne so special. From its breathtaking high-altitude panoramas and vast, snow-sure slopes in the Paradiski ski area, to its welcoming villages and vibrant après-ski, this La Plagne ski resort guide is your perfect starting point for planning an unforgettable alpine adventure with Ski Beat this season.
Why La Plagne Resort Is The Perfect Choice For Your Next Ski Trip
La Plagne resort offers everything you could want from a winter getaway. The resort boasts over 225 kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes, reliable snow conditions, and seamless links to the vast Paradiski ski area, giving you endless opportunities to explore. Families, groups, and solo travellers alike love the friendly, laid-back atmosphere of La Plagne ski resort, where excellent ski schools, diverse accommodation options, and plenty of off-slope activities keep everyone smiling.
Thinking of booking your La Plagne ski chalet holiday? Ski Beat’s hand-picked catered chalets in La Plagne resort combine homely comfort with unbeatable access to the pistes, ensuring you can make the most of every day on the mountain.
Getting to La Plagne
La Plagne is easy to reach for UK travellers. For Ski Beat guests, the quickest option is flying to Lyon Airport from Manchester or London Gatwick, with direct flights running throughout the ski season. From Lyon Airport, a shuttle or private transfer will have you settled in La Plagne resort in around 3 hours.
Average Transfer Times
Terrain Overview and Statistics
La Plagne resort sits high in Tarentaise Valley, in the heart of France’s Savoie region. With altitudes ranging from 1,250m to 3,250m, the resort enjoys reliable snow and a long ski season. As part of the renowned Paradiski area, La Plagne resort links seamlessly with Peisey-Vallandry and neighbouring Les Arcs. Together they offer over 425km of varied ski terrain. If you’re looking to explore both sides of the mountain, our Les Arcs Ski Chalet Holiday packages offer the perfect base for an unforgettable alpine experience.
La Plagne Piste Map
Skiing in La Plagne
La Plagne is a vast ski paradise with something for everyone. Beginners can enjoy wide, gentle slopes, while advanced skiers have access to steep descents and off-piste terrain.
Skiing for Beginners (Green & Blue Runs)
La Plagne has earned its reputation as one of the Alps' best resorts for novice skiers. Dedicated beginner zones in Plagne Centre feature gentle gradients and slow-moving surface lifts for stress-free learning. As confidence builds, progressing beginners can enjoy wide, well-groomed blue runs connecting the villages. Ski Beat partners with leading ski schools to ensure first-time skiers receive quality instruction tailored to English-speaking guests, with many beginners skiing comfortable blue runs by midweek.
Intermediate Skiing in La Plagne (Red Runs)
Around 65% of the resort's pistes fall into the red category – challenging enough to maintain interest while remaining accessible to those with some previous experience. Highlights include the magnificent Arpette run with its rolling terrain and spectacular views, and the Les Coches descent through beautiful pine forests. Morning skiing on the Glacier de la Chiaupe offers intermediates the rare opportunity to experience high-mountain terrain with reliable conditions throughout the season.
Advanced Skiing (Black Runs & Off-Piste)
For advanced skiers in La Plagne, the imposing Rochette black run delivers serious steeps with challenging moguls, while the Jean-Luc Crétier Olympic downhill course combines extreme speed sections with technical turns. Beyond marked runs, La Plagne offers remarkable off-piste potential. The north-facing bowls beneath the Bellecôte summit hold powder days after storms, while the back route to Champagny delivers a 1,500m vertical descent through spectacular scenery.
Snowboarding in La Plagne
La Plagne caters well to snowboarders with the 7Cube Snow Park and a modern lift system of chairlifts and gondolas. Families enjoy the resort's "Cool Ski" zones that blend fun elements like small jumps and themed obstacles into gentle slopes, transforming traditional lessons into adventure playgrounds. Unique experiences include the 180-meter Tunnel run connecting two valleys and night skiing on floodlit runs in Plagne Centre, creating magical evening atmospheres during midwinter.
Snow Conditions and Snowfall in La Plagne
La Plagne resort is known for its reliable snow conditions throughout the ski season, with slopes ranging up to 3,250 metres. Its high-altitude terrain and north-facing pistes help maintain excellent snow quality from early December through to late April. Skiing in La Plagne offers something for everyone, with powder-filled off-piste areas and perfectly groomed runs for all levels. In addition, the resort benefits from extensive snowmaking facilities to ensure great coverage even in milder spells, making La Plagne a dependable choice for skiers and snowboarders alike.
| Month | Average Snowfall (cm) | Snow Days | Average Base Depth (cm) | Average Summit Depth (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 70-100 | 12-15 | 60-90 | 120-180 |
| January | 90-120 | 15-18 | 90-120 | 180-220 |
| February | 100-130 | 15-18 | 120-150 | 200-250 |
| March | 80-110 | 12-15 | 100-130 | 180-230 |
| April | 50-80 | 8-12 | 80-110 | 140-180 |
Resort Suitability
Resort Factfile
Accommodation in La Plagne
Cosy catered chalets in La Plagne 1800 are available, ideal for groups of 6 to 12 guests and just a short walk from the slopes and ski schools. Our chalets feature inviting lounges, free WiFi, and mountain views, with many offering saunas or log fires - perfect for relaxing after a day skiing in La Plagne.
With Ski Beat’s fully catered service, including breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening meals with wine, everything’s taken care of so you can enjoy the best of La Plagne resort. Check out our chalets below for availability, or contact us to start planning your trip.
Plagne 1800, La Plagne, France
Chalet Grand Chardon
Plagne 1800, La Plagne, France
Chalet Lupin
Plagne 1800, La Plagne, France
Chalet Sorbier
Plagne 1800, La Plagne, France
Chalet Sorbier 2
Things to do in La Plagne Beyond Skiing
La Plagne resort offers plenty beyond skiing. Thrill-seekers can tackle the Olympic bobsleigh track or soar over the valley on a tandem paragliding flight. For a slower pace, snowshoeing and winter hiking reveal frozen waterfalls and hidden alpine views. Families can relax at the Plagne Bellecôte pool, enjoy Colorado Park for children, or have fun at the local bowling alley. Read our short guide below for things to do in La Plagne beyond skiing.
Mountain Dining
La Plagne resort blends traditional Savoyard cuisine with modern alpine dining. Le Refuge in Plagne Centre serves classic fondue and raclette, while L’Arpette offers hearty mountain dishes with panoramic views between Belle Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte. In Belle Plagne, Le Chaudron puts a creative spin on alpine favourites like truffle tartiflette.
Après-Ski and Nightlife
Après-ski in La Plagne resort caters to all tastes. Scotty’s Bar in Plagne Centre is a lively British favourite, La Mine in Plagne 1800 hosts themed nights and live bands, and Igloo Igloo in Belle Plagne offers late-night cocktails and DJs. Le Brix in Plagne Centre draws a vibrant crowd, while La Bergerie on the slopes gets the party started early with terrace DJs.
Non-Ski Activities in La Plagne
La Plagne resort offers plenty off the slopes. Brave the Olympic bobsleigh track, explore peaceful alpine trails on snowshoes, or experience tandem paragliding over the valley. Families can also enjoy the swimming pool at Plagne Bellecôte, Colorado Park for children, and a local bowling alley for fun-filled evenings.
Planning Your Trip to La Plagne
To get the best from your La Plagne adventure, we recommend booking early, especially for peak weeks like Christmas, New Year, and February half-term. This popular resort is a favourite for families and groups, so securing your chalet, travel, and extras ahead of time ensures a smooth and hassle-free trip.
Ski Beat’s friendly team is here to help with every detail, from flights and transfers to ski passes and equipment hire. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned skier, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Practical Information and Bookings
La Plagne Ski Passes
Ski Beat offers a convenient pre-booking service for lift passes in La Plagne. Guests can choose from passes covering just La Plagne or the full Paradiski area, which also includes Les Arcs. A six-day La Plagne local pass starts from around £250, while a Paradiski Unlimited pass offering access to both La Plagne and Les Arcs starts from approximately £280. Passes are delivered directly to your chalet, meaning you can head straight to the slopes with no delays.
Ski Schools
La Plagne is home to several well-respected ski schools, and Ski Beat works closely with some of the best. ESF (École du Ski Français) offers comprehensive tuition for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and ages. Oxygène Ski & Snowboard School is particularly popular with Ski Beat guests, thanks to its small group sizes and English-speaking instructors. Prices for a six-day beginner ski course with Oxygène start from around £262, while first-time ski lessons begin from approximately £68.
For more advanced tuition or off-piste adventures, New Generation Ski School offers highly experienced British-qualified instructors and tailored coaching to help improve skills and confidence. Ski Beat can assist with booking lessons before you travel, ensuring availability during peak weeks.
Equipment and Ski Hire in La Plagne
Ski Beat partners with trusted equipment rental providers including Intersport, Skiset, and Precision Ski to offer high-quality gear for all abilities. Options range from beginner skis starting at around £30 for six days, to advanced skis from about £99, and premium snowboards starting from £138. Complete ski and boot packages are also available, with beginner sets starting at approximately £93 for skis and boots together.
Many shops offer chalet delivery and on-site fitting services, making your arrival day hassle-free and ensuring you are ready to hit the slopes straight away.
FAQs About La Plagne Ski Resort
Where is La Plagne?
La Plagne is located in the Tarentaise Valley of the Savoie region in the French Alps. Sitting between 1,250m and 3,250m, it forms part of the Paradiski ski area alongside Les Arcs. The resort is made up of multiple villages at varying altitudes, all offering direct access to the slopes. The nearest transport hub is Aime-la-Plagne, which connects visitors to the resort by road or rail.
When is the best time to ski in La Plagne?
The best time to go skiing in La Plagne is between December and April. January and February are especially popular for their reliable snowfall and crisp, cold conditions that keep the pistes in excellent shape. March and April offer longer days and warmer temperatures, ideal for those who enjoy sunny alpine skiing.
Is La Plagne good for beginners?
Yes, La Plagne is considered one of the best ski resorts for beginners in the French Alps. The resort offers a wide variety of gentle, well-groomed slopes, beginner-friendly nursery areas, and dedicated ski zones designed to help new skiers and snowboarders build confidence. There are also excellent ski schools with English-speaking instructors, making learning both fun and accessible.
Is La Plagne a good ski destination for families?
Absolutely, La Plagne resort is known for being extremely family-friendly. It offers a variety of ski-in-ski-out chalets, child-friendly ski areas, and a wide range of non-ski activities such as tobogganing, snowshoeing, and indoor leisure centres. Many ski schools offer tailored lessons for children, and the resort’s laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for family ski holidays.
Is La Plagne expensive compared to other French ski resorts?
La Plagne is generally regarded as more affordable than some of the more exclusive French resorts such as Courchevel or Val d’Isère. It offers great value on accommodation, lift passes, and dining, with options to suit all budgets. Many visitors choose La Plagne ski chalet holidays for the excellent balance of quality and cost.
Why Ski Beat?
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Over 35 Years
ExperienceSki Beat has provided great value catered ski chalet holidays in France for over 35 years and has gained a reputation for listening and responding to guests' needs.
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The Perfect
WelcomeOur friendly and highly capable chalet hosts will ensure your holiday is the perfect balance of high quality service and great food in a relaxed, homely environment.
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Food
With AltitudeHigh up in the French Alps, nestled snuggly in the Vanoise National Park, lies our high altitude headquarters for all things food. Find out what's on the menu this season.
