(content by Pierre)
One well-known ski resort in the French Alps is La Plagne. It is located in the Tarentaise valley and has everything you need for a magical holiday adventure. As a result, it is a ski destination that attracts big crowds. It is also an easy resort to get to, as public transport is an option from the town of Aime. Many people fly straight into Geneva and then grab a train to the town of Chambery before boarding a train to Aime and then one onto La Plagne itself.
But what else can you expect from this ski resort in the Savoie region of France?
Plagne overview
La Plagne normally opens from mid December to mid/late April each year. As well as skiing, it offers other activities, such as snowboarding and ice skating. The resort is well maintained and features pistes/facilities which are well looked after. The whole La Plagne area is a collection of smaller, individual resorts. This includes places like:
– Les Coches
– Aim La Plagne
– Belle Plagne
– ChampagnyenVanoise
– Montalbert
– Les Arcs
The sheer size of the region is one of its most famous features. In all, this sees the whole resort cover a full 225km in size! But how does this breakdown?
La Plagne lift network and pistes
As you would expect, this large resort has lots to discover. There are a full 121 pistes available to try out, for example. They come in a range of difficulty ratings, so skiers of all abilities are well catered for. The lift network here is excellent and contains 95 lifts to use.
This is known as the Paradiski network and brings La Plagne/Les Arcs together to form one of the biggest lift systems on the planet. This makes it efficient to travel around and access the facilities you need. As this lift network is so large, there are regular improvements made to it. It is therefore wise to always have the latest La Plagne piste map to hand. There is also a funky double-decker cable car between Les Arcs/La Plagne (called ‘The Vanoise Express’) to ride on.
La Plagne Centre
The focal point of the resort is the La Plagne Centre. Features of this building include:
– A breath-taking setting at 1970m above sea level
– Home to the ‘Beginner Zone’ where novice skiers can learn
– Gentle ski runs and kids ski areas close by
– Close to Colorado lift which gives access to harder runs for more confident skiers
What can intermediate and advanced skiers look forward too?
While beginners are well-catered for, many say that this destination really comes into its own for intermediate or expert skiers. But what is there for those at an intermediate level?
– Varied choice of pistes, from open blue runs to higher up mountain runs
– Great views across the region from higher up routes
– ‘Combe’ red run which sits near the Glacier de Bellecotte
La Plagne is also a fantastic location for expert skiers. More advanced ski fans can look forward too:
– Off-piste skiing in the Glacier de Bellecotte area
– Derechoir black run back down the mountain
– Option to hop on the Vanoise Express after the Derechoir run across the Paradiski
If you do take the Vanoise Express across the Paradiski, it is worth keeping a copy of the latest La Plagne piste map with you. This means you will know the most direct route back home later on.
La Plagne ski resort
Taking everything into account, it is clear that La Plagne is one of the biggest and most popular French ski resorts. Its unique blend of amenities, stunning beauty, skiing for all abilities and an efficient lift network combine to superb effect.
