La Plagne is a renowned resort recognised for its fantastic snow and lively atmosphere. Located at an altitude of 1,250m, La Plagne forms part of the Paradiski ski area, boasting 425km of skiable terrain and is often regarded as one of the most snow-sure regions in the French Alps. La Plagne is linked to the neighbouring resort of Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express cable car, offering skiers a vast amount of terrain to explore. Suited for skiers of all levels, La Plagne offers a range of slopes and off-piste skiing, alongside beginner-friendly areas. Discover our detailed guide to skiing in La Plagne below.
La Plagne Ski Area
The La Plagne ski area is divided into three main areas: Belle Plagne, La Plagne Centre and Plagne 1800. Each area offers a diverse range of slopes, with a total of 134 runs, of which 10% are green, 40% blue, 35% red and 15% black.
Beginner Skiing in La Plagne
La Plagne is an ideal resort for beginners, offering a variety of gentle nursery slopes and wide runs perfect for honing technique. Excellent snow conditions provide a great environment for beginners, with two primary nursery slopes located at the resort base and at the top of the Roche de Mio gondola. As beginners progress, they can explore more gentle terrains like the Col de Forcle and Verdons. We recommend taking the lifts down if you’re still building confidence, as the runs back to the resort can be more challenging.
Intermediate Skiing in La Plagne
La Plagne is an exceptional resort for intermediate skiers, offering a wealth of blue and red runs. The Aime 2000 area is perfect for lower-intermediate skiers with wide, smooth blues like the Tunnel. More advanced intermediate skiers should explore the Belle Plagne area and ski down to Plagne Centre. The Jean-Luc Cretier run, named after the Olympic downhill ski champion, is a thrilling red run not to be missed. La Plagne’s grading system does lean towards the challenging side compared to other French resorts, so remember this when planning your routes.
Advanced Skiing in La Plagne
La Plagne offers some fantastic black runs for advanced skiers. The Emile Allais run, named after the French skiing legend, is a challenging black run that starts from the top of the Bellecôte Glacier and descends over 1,500m to the resort. For mogul enthusiasts, the Morey run in the Belle Plagne area is a must-try.
Off-piste Skiing in La Plagne
La Plagne is a haven for adventurous skiers, offering some of the best lift-served off-piste skiing in the Alps. The North Face of Bellecôte provides challenging steeps and deep powder. Another popular off-piste area is the Inversens couloir, accessible from the Roche de Mio. Remember, when skiing off-piste, always hire a local guide or instructor who can ensure your safety and help you discover the best-hidden gems.
Snowparks in La Plagne
La Plagne is home to several snow parks, including the Bobsleigh Track, a unique feature built for the 1992 Winter Olympics. There are also multiple boardercross courses and freestyle areas, suitable for skiers and snowboarders of various skill levels.
Conclusion
Regardless of your skiing ability, La Plagne has something for everyone. To maximise your trip, consider booking an instructor who can guide you through the best runs for your skill level and enhance your skiing experience.
