La Plagne ski resort

La Plagne contains 225km of slopes is equipped with 94 ski lifts. The area consists of 11 different minor cities, all with independent characteristics. In 2003 La Plagne was connected to Les Arcs, thereby creating "Paradiski" with a massive 425 kilometres of slopes.

Ski Information for La Plagne

Plagne Centre (1970 m) is considered the as the “downtown” in La Plagne. Plagne Centre is built with a particular far-sightedness when it comes to infrastructure. As a resulting, skiers and automobiles have no particular risk of colliding. Almost all hotels and apartment blocks in Plagne Centre provides the possibility for Ski-in/Ski-out. Around Plagne Centre are four minor resorts with own characteristics.

Plagne Aime (2100 m) is the highest located of all of the cities La Plagne. Originally a farmer’s town, Aime developed throughout the 60’ies and 70’ ies. Although the city is generally dependent on ski tourism, the number of hotels and rental blocks are kept at a modest level. Most notable accommodation for this skiing village is the two Club Med resorts built in the 90’ ies. From Plagne Aime, you have the possibility to take one of two black slopes towards the town of Plagne Montalbert (1350). Alternatively, the less experienced skier will have the possibility go through a dense Forrest on a long, broad but winding red and blue slope. Below Plagne Centre is Plagne 1800 (1800m). Plagne 1800 is a typical satellite built for the occasion. Very popular among families’ due to its green slope and children play park. Plagne Soleil (2050 m) is not referencing the sun for no particular reason. Alongside its adjacent neighbour Plagne Villages (2050 m), Plagne Soleil is located higher than its nearby neighbouring villages. In Plage Soleil you will find a great panoramic view overlooking the entire valley.

Getting back to Plagne Centre, and from here you can take the gondola to the top of “La Grande Rochette” (2505 m). From the upper part of La Grande Rochette, a long red sloped piste takes you all the way down to Champagny-en-Vanoise (1250 m). A vertical drop of 1255 metres and great exercise for your thighs and calf with guaranteed results. Be aware, that since the descent is a south-facing slope, the snow can be rather slushy during the afternoon – all dependent on temperature and time of the season.  The village of Champagny-en-Vanoise is somewhat isolated and is not struck by the mass tourism in the same degree as Plagne Centre. Champagny-en-Vanoise is the place to be for those who prefer peace after a day of skiing,  while still maintaining a few possibilities to choose from when it comes to bars or restaurants.

East of Plagne Centre, in the adjacent valley, is Belle Plagne (2050 m) and Plagne Bellecote (1930 m). The two cities are interconnected by a telecabine. The Telecabine remains open until midnight throughout the season. Belle Plagne is easily regarded as the other major resort next to Plagne Centre. Belle Plagne is built inside a forest and has all the amenities you need on a skiing trip. You find some of the best apres-ski in Belle Plagne – and along with it some of the younger skiing audience as well.

In the eastern outskirts of the La Plagne resort area, you find Les Coches and Montchavin. Les Coches being your typical winter sports resort 3km above Montchavin. The town is small and quiet, and to get certain amenities you have to drive down to Montchavin. Montchavin, on the other hand, is an old farming village with several apartment blocks, hotels, bars and restaurant. The slopes in the area of Les Coches/Montchavin is often a bit crowded in the afternoon. Reason being the connective gondola which was built in 2003 which connects La Plagne with Les Arcs, making the combined resort the second biggest in the world.