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Red gondolas crossing in front of snowy peaks at La Plagne, Paradiski
Destination · La Plagne & Paradiski

Tailor-made ski holidays in La Plagne

Sunny, wide pistes between 1,250 and 3,080 m, linked to Les Arcs across Paradiski. Tell us who is coming, your level and your budget, and we will build your La Plagne holiday.

Ski area
425 km · Paradiski
Altitude
1,250 – 3,080 m
Best for
Families & groups
La Plagne Paradiski gondola above snowy peaks under a blue sky
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La Plagne & Paradiski

La Plagne brings together a family of resorts between 1,250 m and 3,080 m, with 225 km of pistes of its own and 425 km across Paradiski, linked to Les Arcs by the Vanoise Express.

Car-free resorts at the foot of the slopes, like Belle Plagne or Plagne Soleil, or traditional villages like Champagny and Montchavin: we choose the base that suits your group.

Plan my stay
Your stay

What could your La Plagne holiday look like?

01

Skiing

Wide, sunny cruising pistes for every level, up to 3,080 m at the top of the Glaciers gondola.

02

Family & experiences

Ski-in/ski-out residences, ski schools and gentle slopes ideal for children and beginners.

03

Olympic bobsleigh

Ride the 1992 Olympic bobsleigh track, an unforgettable experience for adults and teenagers.

04

Paradiski

Cross the valley in the double-decker Vanoise Express cable car and ski Les Arcs for the day.

Resort guide

La Plagne: everything to know before you book

Skiing and snowboarding in La Plagne

La Plagne has about 225 km of pistes and some 135 runs of its own, most of them blue and red, which makes it ideal for relaxed cruising. Its 11 villages are spread across the mountain, from tree-lined slopes at Montchavin, Montalbert and Champagny to the open, high terrain above Belle Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte. The Vanoise Express, a double-decker cable car crossing the valley in about 4 minutes, links La Plagne to Les Arcs to form Paradiski, with 425 km of slopes in total.

Glacier skiing on the Bellecôte glacier ended after the 2022–23 season to protect the shrinking glacier. Since December 2023, the two-section Glaciers gondola from Roche de Mio (2,715 m) climbs to Live 3000 at 3,080 m, now the highest point of the ski area, where two black runs and a red set off. Strong skiers will also find good off-piste around Bellecôte, best explored with a qualified guide, and freestylers can head to the snowpark at Montchavin-Les Coches.

La Plagne for families and beginners

La Plagne was largely built for skiing, and many residences in the high villages give direct access to the pistes, so children can be in lessons within minutes of leaving the apartment. Gentle slopes near each village, plus five CoolSki zones, marked areas designed to help new skiers build confidence, make progress easy. The ESF and several independent ski schools teach in the villages.

Teenagers and adults will enjoy the Bob Raft on the Olympic bobsleigh track, open from age 10 with an adult, while sledging and snowshoe outings keep younger children busy after ski school.

Where to stay in La Plagne

The seven high-altitude villages sit between about 1,800 m and 2,100 m. Plagne Centre is the main hub, with shops, services and lifts in every direction. Aime 2000, the highest at about 2,100 m, is known for its large “snow liner” building. Belle Plagne, Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil are mostly made up of ski-in/ski-out residences, while Plagne Bellecôte is well placed for the Glaciers sector and Plagne 1800 is built in a chalet style among the trees.

The lower villages have a more traditional feel. Montchavin-Les Coches is closest to the Vanoise Express for skiing Les Arcs, Montalbert is a quiet village with tree-lined runs, and Champagny-en-Vanoise sits on the sunny side of the mountain, linked to the main area by gondola. They are charming, but snow lower down is less reliable late in the season.

Getting to La Plagne

The main train station is Aime-La Plagne, served by TGV trains and, on winter weekends, by Eurostar Snow trains from London with one change in Lille. Buses leave from beside the station to the high villages and Montalbert, and the road transfer takes about 20 to 40 minutes depending on the village. Montchavin-Les Coches is served from Landry station and Champagny from Moûtiers.

By road, Chambéry airport is about 1h30 away, and Geneva and Lyon about 2h30, depending on traffic and snow; Saturdays are usually the slowest. From 1 November to 31 March, French mountain rules require winter tyres or snow chains carried in the car.

Beyond the slopes in La Plagne

La Plagne’s signature activity is its Olympic bobsleigh track, built for the 1992 Albertville Games and the only one in France. Located at La Roche, just below Plagne 1800, it runs 1,500 m with 19 bends. You can ride it in a four-person Bob Raft, or from age 16 try the speed luge or a bobsleigh with a professional pilot.

Non-skiers can take the Glaciers gondola up to Live 3000, where the Sixième Ciel refuge offers drinks and panoramic views, or explore the cross-country, snowshoe and walking trails. Evenings are mostly relaxed and family-friendly.

When to go to La Plagne

The season usually runs from mid-December to late April. January offers quieter slopes outside the New Year week, while February is the busiest time with French and UK school holidays, so book early. March is often the sweet spot, with long days and a solid snow base. Late in the season, the high villages above 2,000 m are the safest choice for good snow down to the door.

Your La Plagne holiday with AlpAway

AlpAway can help you pick the right village for your group and organise accommodation, lift passes, equipment rental, lessons and transfers from the airport or Aime-La Plagne station. If you are hesitating between La Plagne and Les Arcs, or want to compare it with other winter holidays, send us your dates, group and level and we will prepare a tailored proposal.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions about La Plagne

Is La Plagne good for families?

Yes, it is a classic choice for family ski holidays. Many residences in the high villages are ski-in/ski-out, the ski area has plenty of easy blue runs and CoolSki zones, and the atmosphere is relaxed. The Bob Raft on the Olympic bobsleigh track is a highlight for older children.

Is La Plagne good for beginners?

La Plagne suits beginners well, with gentle slopes near each village and five CoolSki zones designed to help new skiers build confidence. The ESF and independent schools offer group and private lessons.

Which village should I choose in La Plagne?

For snow-sure, ski-in/ski-out stays, choose a high village such as Belle Plagne, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Villages or Aime 2000. Plagne Centre is the most convenient hub, while Montchavin-Les Coches, Montalbert and Champagny-en-Vanoise offer a more traditional village atmosphere.

Can you still ski the glacier in La Plagne?

No. Skiing on the Bellecôte glacier ended after the 2022–23 season to protect it. Since December 2023, the Glaciers gondola takes you to Live 3000 at 3,080 m, where black and red runs start.

How do I get from Geneva to La Plagne?

Allow about 2h30 by road from Geneva airport, depending on traffic and snow, and more on busy Saturdays. You can also take the train to Aime-La Plagne, then a bus or taxi for the last 20 to 40 minutes.

Can I ski Les Arcs from La Plagne?

Yes. With a Paradiski pass you can take the Vanoise Express cable car from the Montchavin-Les Coches sector to Peisey-Vallandry and ski Les Arcs for the day. Together, the two resorts offer 425 km of pistes.

Can I ride the Olympic bobsleigh track in La Plagne?

Yes. The 1992 Olympic track at La Roche, near Plagne 1800, is open to the public in winter. The Bob Raft is open from age 10 with an adult, and the speed luge and piloted bobsleigh from age 16.

What is there for non-skiers in La Plagne?

Non-skiers can ride the bobsleigh track, take the Glaciers gondola up to Live 3000 for the views, and enjoy cross-country, snowshoe and walking trails. The villages also have shops, restaurants and other winter activities.

Red gondolas crossing in front of snowy peaks at La Plagne, Paradiski
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