La Plagne

La Plagne is a purpose built ski resort in the Tarentaise, part of the Paradiski area and linked with Les Arcs. La Plagne as a single is a bit of a misnomer as it is really several resorts in one large ski area. There are actually 10 different villages in the resort (ones we feature include Belle Plagne, Les Coches, Montchavin, Plagne 1800, and Plagne Centre). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is therefore very important that you book into the village which best suits your requirements. The main feature of La Plagne is the ski access. Due to its purpose built nature the majority of the properties are either ski to the door or very close indeed. If you are looking for good value and good ski access then La Plagne should be your first port of call.

The Villages

Plagne 1800: One of the more traditional villages in area, Plagne 1800 nestles between the pine trees. A lot of the areas of La Plagne aren’t particularly pretty, but this one bucks the trend. It suits families best thanks to the style of accommodation and childcare options available. Ski access in Plagne 1800 is generally good thanks to a relatively new chairlift that alleviated the bottlenecking problems that the resort used to suffer from. There are several ski shops and a bar but precious little else. That said, the bar is excellent with live music several nights a week. The bright lights of Plagne Centre are a very short bus ride away.

Plagne Centre: The main hub of the resort. The ski access from almost every chalet without exception is ski to the door. There are several modern lifts to choose from, meaning that even in the busiest times, the substantial queues move quickly. There is a shopping centre with various bars and restaurants to choose from. None of the resorts in La Plagne could be called lively, but Plagne Centre is the best of the bunch.

Aime 2000: One of the highest parts of the resort and one of the smallest. The only point to note is the Club Med properties are here.

Plagne Villages / Plagne Soleil: These are two smaller villages that are bisected by a piste. They offer ski to the door access for the vast majority of the chalets as well as everything else a skier needs. Ski school, nursery, ski hire shops as well as a handful of bars and restaurants. Monica’s Bar in Plagne Soleil is worthy of note thanks to its huge sun terrace, a great choice for some après action. There is also a gondola that goes from Plagne Village down to Plagne Centre that runs throughout the day and evening, meaning guests staying here can get in and out of the nightlife without too much trouble, just don’t miss the last ride home!

Plagne Bellecote: More of the lift hub than anything else. We don’t feature any properties here because the vast majority of the accommodation are small self catered apartments.

Belle Plagne: One of the more aesthetically pleasing parts of the resort, Belle Plagne again features ski to the door access and also has a reasonable nightlife to offer. There isn’t much, but what is there is excellent fun. Quality not quantity being the order of the day. Plagne Bellecote can be reached throughout the evening via the Roche de Mio gondola.

Montchavin and Les Coches: Two of our favourite parts of the resort, very lovely little traditional mountain villages with excellent ski access. There is not a lot going on here so it tends to favour families. The Vanoise Express link to Les Arcs goes from here too, meaning two resorts on the doorstep! Many people choose not to stay in Montchavin and Les Coches due to lower height and lack of amenities, but we highly recommend this part of the resort, once you stay here you tend to go back.

Champany En Vanoise: This lovely little village is hidden away on the “back side” of the ski area, a very quaint setting with a relatively small choice in accommodation. It can be great fun at après-time and if you have a car with you, you can access the 3 Vallee ski area with only a 30 minute drive.

Montalbert: If you are after a lovely little village with a family-friendly ski area then this village will suit you well. If you are using it as a base to explore the enormous ski area then you are better served looking at one of the other resorts as it as a 40 minute ski before you hit the main ski areas.