One of the largest and most varied ski resorts in the world, La Plagne is also one of its best. With a ski area stretching across 225km and more than 2,000 vertical meters, it’s one of the biggest in the entire French Alpine region. Meanwhile the total ski area accessible to visitors in La Plagne has almost doubled thanks to the new lift link between it and Les Arcs just across the valley. The new combined ski area, called Paradiski, is ranked as one of the world’s top five by total area.
La Plagne is often mistaken as being just one huge resort, but in actual fact it’s made up of more than 10 separate villages, which serve as bases for a variety of skiing thrills. Champagny en Vanoise, Montalbert and Montchavin, located in at the lower part of the Bellecote Glazier, are considered the most attractive thank to their centuries old chatel architecture, while more modern developments found higher up the mountain such as Bellecote, 1800, Belle Plagne and Soleil offer a bit more variety in terms of action.
Family Friendly & Expert Welcoming
With a main skiing season running from mid December until the end of April, La Plagne encompasses such a large area that of course, there’s something to suit all levels and all ages. Thanks to the high altitude of Bellecote Glazier, snow conditions are nearly always perfect throughout the season.
The variety of slopes, both on and off-piste, is especially rich for intermediate level skiers. Thanks to La Plagne’s almost 2,000m vertical drop, several ski runs extend for up to 15km, making them some of the longest in the world. Many runs begin near the summit of the glazier, snaking their way down the slopes, culminating in exciting trails through the wooded area below.
Beginners too, will have plenty to try out, thanks to the presence of multiple nursery areas, while advanced skiers won’t be left wanting either. La Plagne features 18 black runs, with the notorious Emile Allais, at 3.5km long, seen as the toughest of the lot.
Budget for one week: Over €1000 per week
Taxes and gratuity: Tipping is recommended
Official language: French
Area: 245.46 km2 (94.77 sq mi)
Population: (Albertville 18,480 )
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: Europlug, Schuko
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- 100V Japanese appliances: Japan to U.S. reducer transformer
Other key facts:
- Elevation – 3250 m
- Skiable Area - 100 km² (38,6 mi²)
- Total Runs – 134 slopes
- Snowfall – 250 + in./year
Images courtesy: Brice and Stephane Milani.
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