La Plagne

La Plagne is a renowned ski area located in the French Alps, forming part of the massive Paradiski area. It consists of several interconnected villages, spread across the mountain face. 

Each village within La Plagne has its own distinct character, from the more tranquil Montchavin and Montalbert, to the livelier Plagne Centre and Belle Plagne. The whole area is well established as a family destination, with the resort putting on a plethora of activities and having a wide selection of off-ski activities that fit both small and big children. 

La Plagne caters to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, with a wide range of pistes available it offers a vast and diverse terrain. Beginners can find gentle slopes and excellent ski schools to get started, there's several dedicated areas across the villages. Intermediates can explore the extensive network of blue and red runs. Advanced skiers will be thrilled by the challenging off-piste terrain, including the famous Bellecôte glacier with the secure but ungroomed free ride slopes. 

Want even more skiing? Of course, La Plagne as part of the Paradiski area is connected to Les Arcs via the famous Vanoise Express. 

But which La Plagne resort do you choose? 

We've summarised our take on each of the locations so you can narrow it down: 

Belle Plagne 2000 is great for advanced skiers and km crunchers, sitting in the best position for quickest Glacier and Vanoise Express access. It's a fully pedestrianized, purpose built village. Rather than the concrete of other purpose built resorts, it's stone and wooden architecture is chosen to blend into the landscape. It's home to mostly self-catered apartments. The direct area is also home to a lot of the Freestyle offerings La Plagne has to offer. 

What about not even La Plagne at all? The back-door resort of Champagne-en-vanoise is connected over the ridge to the La Plagne area. It's got plenty of charm and it's own local area that beginners and less adventurous skiers can stick to if they wish, reducing costs. 

Montchavin and Les Coches are tradtional villages that are occupied year round, they offer a tranquil atmosphere with plenty of Chalets never too far from the piste. They also happen to be just below the Vanoise Express, so a good option for mixed groups with advanced skiers who want to cover a lot of ground. 

Montalbert conversely is on the opposite side of the area, with the same atmosphere, its isolated from the rest of the resort physically, but connects in no time to the higher altitudes. 

Plagne 1800 is home to many many Chalets, despite its high altitude its nessled in forest making it a good compromise if you want garnuteed snow conditions, charming village and access to the other high altitude settlements that have a more busstling apres scene. 

Getting around is very easy thanks to free shuttle buses that connect all the resorts and villages. Most of these links are open from 7.00 am to midnight during the ski season with free shuttle buses passing every 10-15 minutes. 

Plagne Bellecote, Aime 2000, Plagne Centre, Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil are all alternative high altitude settlements to choose from. These all offer easy access to the ski area, a plethora of Ski in / Ski out accomodation and a selection of apres ski to choose from. 

Aime 2000 has a modern and functional design, known for its panoramic views. 

Plagne Centre is one of the liveliest and diverse towns on the mountain. 

The Plagne Villages offer a more tranquil village atmosphere at 2000m. 

Plagne Soleil is known for its sunny slopes, unsurprisingly.