As one of the biggest and most popular resorts in the world, with a wide array of catered chalets, La Plagne offers more than enough to satisfy winter sports enthusiasts of any level. Read on for some key facts about the resort and what it can offer for beginners, intermediate, advanced and off-piste and freestyle skiers.
Resort Facts
Linked up in the vast Paradiski area, this destination offers guests access to a staggering 225km of piste. This includes twelve green runs, 128 blue, 79 red and 37 blacks, alongside 133km of cross-country area and two snowparks. 626 snow cannons keep all this in good condition, and a wide range of different lifts, including 58 chairs and 43 drags, keeps it all accessible all season round.
Beginners
Absolute newbies are well catered for, as the resort has a large number of ski schools and instructors for all ages from three and up. Dedicated beginner areas include the Zone Débutants and some very easy, gentle greens. What’s more, progress is easy as those keen to progress can move onto many wide and rolling blues first. Here, there’s no reason for anyone with even the slightest interest in skiing to stay holed up in their catered chalets. La Plagne looks out for its beginners.
Intermediate and Advanced
Things are even better for intermediate skiers. 80% of the groomed piste is made up of blue and red runs, and these come in a variety of styles that again keep progressing to the next level. Wide and winding runs offer the perfect places to work on speed, control and turns, and short slaloms and mogul fields let you test your mettle for the move up to advanced skiing. The Mont Blanc blue runs from the Vanoise Express gondola at the top of Dos Rond, offering a long scenic route back to town.
The Bellecote glacier, meanwhile, has a blue run down from 3,250m. Or, for advanced skiers, a rarely groomed, bumpy, craggy black called Le Derochoir. The more difficult reds escalate well towards the tougher blacks, and the vast amount of piste ensures guests always have a lot of choice.
Freestyle and Off-Piste
If even the dangers of Le Derochoir seem tame to you, don’t retire just yet to the catered chalets: La Plagne has a huge amount of challenging off-piste to explore. Described as a ‘freeride paradise’, the resort boasts well tested routes, with the north face of the glacier offering some of Europe’s most difficult skiing.
Those who prefer to work on their style are also well looked after, with two large snowparks on offer to practice your tricks. Le Petit Park offers a space for beginners, ensuring that less confident skiers aren’t left out, while Le Grand Park lets you test yourself on grind rails, jumps, bowls and more.
Accommodation
With ten or more villages to pick from, it can be difficult to give a thorough overview of your accommodation offers. Here, we’ll focus on the three best areas to stay for those who seriously love to ski.
La Plagne Centre
Don’t be put off by the big apartment blocks: this original resort site has some lovely more modern chalets. Perhaps more importantly, though, it boasts the very best après scene in the area, with a bustling heart packed with shops, restaurants and bars. And, of course, great lift access.
Aime La Plagne
Slightly higher than the centre, Aime sits at 2,100m, and most of its accommodation is ski-in/out. It’s mostly apartments and hotels.
Les Coches
Much lower lying at 1,450m, Les Coches boasts some of the best catered chalets La Plagne has to offer. These contribute to its peaceful village atmosphere, and guests here are encouraged to embrace the long runs back down. It’s also, surprisingly, well served by lifts, including a link to the Vanoise Express, which opens up the whole Paradiski area.
All in all, then, La Plagne is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re taking your first tentative steps out on the snow or cutting through mogul fields in style, there’s something for you here.
Tim Heal is the founder of Chaletline, a travel agency offering catered chalet accommodation in worldwide ski resorts. With an extensive knowledge of resorts and excellent post booking care, they pride themselves on the personal touch they offer to each and every client. If you're looking for a catered chalets, La Plagne is just one of the superb ski resorts in which they can quickly and efficiently match you with the perfect accommodation. Catering for individuals, couples and groups up to 50, the knowledgeable Chaletline team will help you choose the right chalet in the right resort.
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