A meticulously designed resort, La Plagne consists of ten unique villages, each boasting its own distinct charm and allure. The resort is interconnected with Les Arcs through the remarkable Vanoise Express, forming part of the expansive Paradiski area, which offers a vast skiing and snowboarding playground of 425 km (264 mi).
As one of the top ski resorts in France, La Plagne has much to offer. We've created this guide to make planning your La Plagne ski holiday a breeze. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best places to grab a bite or unwind after skiing. At the end, we've also included downloadable maps of the resort and pistes, along with handy contact numbers and links.
Ready? Let's get started!
La Plagne is located in the Tarentaise Valley, in the Savoie region of France.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Expansive territories available for exploration | Limited availability of challenging slopes |
| Access to excellent, easily reachable powder snow | A scarcity of extremely steep runs |
| More tranquil compared to Les Arcs | While some areas boast lovely architecture, others lack aesthetic appeal |
| Highly suitable for beginners | Can be extremely busy |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything La Plagne has to offer.
Beginners will find numerous ski schools with English speaking instructors, as well as six specialized beginner areas, and free lifts to practice on.
For intermediate skiers, La Plagne is a veritable paradise, offering a multitude of blue and red runs in the Plagne Centre and Plagne Bellecôte sectors.
Advanced skiers and snowboarders are equally well catered for, with La Plagne earning a reputation for its challenging black runs, and moguls. Noteworthy runs include the steep Emile Allais run and the formidable 'La Sache' descent in the Tignes sector.
The resort also offers expansive opportunities for off-piste adventures. The best off-piste areas include Bellecôte, Inversens, and the Chiaupe glacier, offering various exciting trails with diverse, challenging terrain.
La Plagne offers unique glacier skiing experiences at the Chiaupe and Bellecôte glaciers. At 3,250 m (10,662 ft), the Chiaupe Glacier presents a mix of lengthy tree-lined red and blue runs along with abundant off-piste opportunities. The higher Bellecôte glacier, standing at 3,417 m (11,210 ft), with its untouched, ungroomed slope serves as a playground for experienced skiers.
La Plagne is an excellent destination for snowboarders, boasting extensive facilities that include the vast 7 Cube Snowpark. Located above Plagne Centre, this park stretches for 1 km and features jumps graded from green to black. Additionally, Plagne Bellecôte is home to a half-pipe, accessible via the Blanchets chairlift. Last but not least, the Fun Slope, which starts at the top of the Arpette chairlift, offers Europe's longest blend of a boardercross and slopestyle course. It includes jumps, rails, banked turns, rollers, and an impressive spiral tunnel.
The ski season in La Plagne typically runs from mid December to late April. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our La Plagne deals for the best offers available.
La Plagne boasts excellent snow conditions from December to April, offering skiers distinct advantages each month. In December and January, the resort receives around 35 cm (13.7 in) and 33 cm (12.9 in) of snowfall, respectively, spread over approximately 3 days weekly, guaranteeing consistently fresh powder. Although February sees a slight reduction in snow depth to 26 cm (10.2 in), it compensates with more frequent snow days, averaging 3.2 per week. December marks the peak of the season with the second week being the most prolific, delivering a substantial 50 cm (19.6 in) of snow across 3.3 days, ideal for those who revel in Bluebird Powder Days, characterised by sunny skies and light breezes following fresh snowfalls. The season continues into April, maintaining pleasant skiing conditions with 19 cm (7.4 in) of snow falling over 3.2 days, creating perfect conditions for enjoying softer snow in sunnier weather.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 35 cm | 3.1 days |
| January | 33 cm | 3.0 days |
| February | 26 cm | 3.2 days |
| March | 28 cm | 3.5 days |
| April | 19 cm | 3.2 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
With over 100 dining establishments spread across its multiple villages, La Plagne provides options ranging from traditional Savoyard eateries to gourmet restaurants. Highlights include:
La Plagne's après-ski scene is lively, with each village offering its own unique atmosphere.Plagne 1800 is known for its vibrant bars and live music venues, attracting a younger crowd.Plagne Centre and Belle Plagne offer a mix of pubs and lounges, suitable for those seeking a more relaxed evening. Highlights include:
Download La Plagne town map PDF here
