The Skiers' Guide to La Plagne: Expert Analysis & Reviews
Ranked 108th of 230 Ski resorts
Overall Rating
Value for Money
Après Ski
Off Piste
Eating Out
Accommodation Options
Overview of La Plagne Ski Resort
La Plagne is one of France's largest and most popular ski destinations, located in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps. Part of the massive Paradiski area, it sits approximately 2.5 hours from Geneva Airport and 3 hours from Turin.
What makes La Plagne unique is its distinctive layout of 11 interconnected villages spread across different altitudes (1,250m to 2,100m), each with its own character. Some villages have a traditional alpine feel while others offer more functional, purpose-built architecture from the 1960s and 70s.
With a summit elevation of 3,250m at Glacier de Bellecôte and a base at 1,250m, La Plagne boasts an impressive 2,000m vertical drop. The resort encompasses 128 pistes covering 225km of marked runs, which expands to an enormous 425km when combined with neighboring Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express cable car.
Our Snomad community rates La Plagne at an impressive 4.32/5 overall, with particularly high scores for family friendliness (4.71/5) and beginner-friendly terrain (4.64/5). As Felix, an advanced skier, describes it: "Incredibly good resort for beginners/intermediates and families. The ski area is vast and offers a huge mix of blues/reds in a variety of settings from the glacier to the treeline."
The Skiing in La Plagne
La Plagne's 128 runs are distributed as 9 beginner, 67 intermediate, and 33 advanced pistes, offering spectacular variety across its expansive terrain. The lift system is comprehensive with 12 gondolas/cable cars, 53 chairlifts, and 30 drag lifts efficiently moving skiers around the mountain.
The resort is primarily celebrated for its intermediate-friendly terrain, with wide, cruisy blue runs dominating the piste map. One Snomad community member, Matthew, notes: "Beginners will love the wide, cruisy slopes, while more experienced skiers can dive into some great off-piste areas."
For advanced skiers, La Plagne offers more challenging terrain at the higher elevations. Tom, an expert skier in our community, recommends: "Great resort for off-piste if you have a guide. There are plenty of blues and reds to cruise around on but best skiing is with a guide off-piste."
The North Face of Bellecôte is frequently mentioned as a highlight for expert skiers seeking adventure. Clive, another expert skier, shared: "Spent a week here with a local instructor exploring the off-piste. There are some great routes, the North Face of the Bellecôte being a highlight. Lots of options - trees, open faces, couloirs etc. to suit the changing conditions."
Eating Out in La Plagne
La Plagne scores 4.09/5 for eating out, reflecting a solid if not exceptional dining scene. The resort offers a good variety of options both on and off the mountain, though some users mention that quality can be variable.
On-mountain dining includes traditional alpine restaurants serving Savoyard specialties like fondue, raclette, and tartiflette. Several users specifically praised restaurants like La Bergerie and Chalet de l'Arpette for both their food and views. Vladlena, a beginner skier, mentioned: "Chalet de l'Arpette, in particular, had the most scenic views, creating the perfect spot to take a break."
In the villages, dining options range from casual pizzerias to more upscale restaurants. Paul, an intermediate skier, noted that the resort has "plenty of options of things to do like bowling, eating out, bars and quizzes." However, a few reviewers mentioned that eating options, particularly at higher elevations, can be limited and pricey compared to the lower villages.
Another reviewer, Nicolas, said: "La Plagne is a super large resort where you will find whatever you came for."
The Après-Ski in La Plagne
La Plagne scores 3.89/5 for après-ski, indicating a moderate rather than wild party scene. The resort is more family-oriented, with several users noting that those looking for rowdy nightlife might want to look elsewhere.
La Bergerie is frequently mentioned as a popular on-piste après spot, while in Plagne 1800, La Mine gets good reviews. As Matt, an expert skier points out: "Okay après ski, there is Bergerie on the piste, but not too many fun bars and clubs. La Mine is good in plagne 1800."
The après scene varies significantly between villages. Higher villages like Belle Plagne tend to be quieter, while Plagne Centre offers more options for evening entertainment. Some users recommend heading to Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express for livelier après options like Folie Douce.
Lloyd, an advanced skier, notes: "Each village has a very different feel and although a lot of après and evening entertainment about, it can be difficult to get between the villages if you're not staying in 1800, Plagne Centre or Bellecôte."
Families in La Plagne
With an outstanding family-friendly rating of 4.71/5, La Plagne excels as a destination for skiing families. The resort's layout with multiple villages allows families to choose accommodations based on their preferences for convenience and atmosphere.
The ski schools receive consistently positive reviews, with Oxygène Ski School frequently praised for their teaching quality, especially for children. Cameron, an advanced snowboarder, shared: "Have taken my son the last few years & Oxygène Ski school have been amazing - small groups & great instructors, so his progression has been fantastic."
Beyond skiing, La Plagne offers numerous family-friendly activities including the Olympic Bobsleigh Run, tobogganing, paragliding, husky sledding, and an outdoor heated swimming pool. As David, an advanced skier, recommends: "I really recommend having a go on the Olympic Bob-Sleigh Run and also the tobogganing down the mountain from Belle Plagne (setting off at sunset with torches strapped to our heads)."
The chilled out feel across most villages makes La Plagne particularly appealing for families looking for a more relaxed experience. As Frederick, an advanced skier, summarises: "Great resort, very quaint small villages, brilliant food options & great for families. Not the resort for you if you want big après!"
Accommodation in La Plagne
La Plagne scores 4.47/5 for accommodation, with a diverse range of options spread across its multiple villages. Accommodations range from basic self-catering apartments to luxury catered chalets and full-service hotels.
A significant advantage frequently mentioned in reviews is the prevalence of ski-in/ski-out properties. Matt, an advanced skier, notes: "All chalets are on the mountain so you can ski from the door of the hotel."
The villages at higher altitudes (like Belle Plagne, Plagne Centre, and Aime La Plagne) typically offer more modern facilities and better ski access, while lower villages often provide more traditional options that can offer better value.
Many users appreciate the convenience of the resort's layout. Lucy, an intermediate skier, shared: "There's so many options for accommodation. We stayed in a ski in/out hotel, and we loved it."
The accommodation is connected by an efficient free bus service, making it relatively easy to access different areas of the resort. As Paul, an intermediate skier mentions: "Getting around is easy with the free bus."
La Plagne Pros: Why the Snomad Community Loves It
Based on our user reviews, these are the top 5 favorite aspects of La Plagne:
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Extensive ski area - Users frequently mention the sheer size of the resort, with David calling it "a massive choice of good blue and red runs" and Felix highlighting that "the ski area is vast and offers a huge mix of blues/reds in a variety of settings." The connection to Les Arcs via the Paradiski pass is also repeatedly praised.
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Family-friendly atmosphere - Consistently rated as excellent for families, with Freddie noting "Great resort - especially for families!" and Felix describing it as "incredibly good resort for beginners/intermediates and families."
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Snow reliability - The high altitude ensures good conditions, as Nigel mentions "Snow sure and plenty of night life if you want it." Amy adds "Never had bad snow!" and several reviewers appreciate the glacier access.
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Ski-in/ski-out convenience - Many reviewers value this practical aspect, with Steffan noting "There was plenty of ski in/ski out accommodation available which was a great bonus during our stay!"
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Wide range of beginner and intermediate terrain - Particularly the abundance of blue runs receives special praise, with Steve mentioning "An abundance of lovely Blue runs" and Felix pointing out that "practically every lift has a blue option meaning you aren't consigned to one part of the mountain."
La Plagne Cons: What Snomad Skiers Say Could Be Better
Looking at the Snomad user reviews, here are the top five complaints about La Plagne:
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Limited après-ski options - Several users mention that while there are some good spots, the après scene isn't as vibrant as other resorts. Ian notes "Limited options for eating out and Apres," while Matt points out "Not a lot of apres, there is Bergerie on the piste, but not too many fun bars and clubs."
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Lift queues during peak times - While generally efficient, users report that lifts can get congested, particularly during school holidays. Rog specifically advises to "Avoid if you can the school half terms," and Matt mentions "queues weren't mega long" but implies they exist.
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Icy conditions on certain runs - David, an advanced skier, found "The snow was well prepared, if rather icy, especially on the run home where the blue and red runs had very icy sections which caused some problems for less confident skiers."
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Some dated infrastructure - A few reviewers point to aging accommodation and facilities. Glenn describes Plagne central as "a bit of an ugly purpose built resort," while John mentions "dated design and aging Accommodation."
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Lack of nightlife in some villages - Alexandra was "disappointed with the lack of atmosphere and places to eat and drink in the evening," and many reviewers note the difficulty getting between villages in the evening, limiting nighttime options if you're not staying in the main hub areas.
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Reviews
La Plagne FAQs: Skiers' Most Asked Questions
Is La Plagne snow-sure?
La Plagne offers excellent snow reliability due to its high altitude, with a peak elevation of 3250m. The glacier provides dependable skiing conditions even when lower areas might struggle. Several Snomad users specifically mention the resort being snow-sure, with Nigel, an advanced skier, noting "great skiing on a huge area...snow sure and plenty of night life." Modern snowmaking facilities supplement natural snowfall on key routes, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season.
What mountain range is La Plagne part of?
La Plagne is located in the Tarentaise Valley, part of the French Alps. The resort sits within the Paradiski area, one of the world's largest linked ski domains. With its highest point at the Bellecôte Glacier (3250m), La Plagne offers spectacular views across the Alpine range, including sightlines to Mont Blanc on clear days. The resort comprises several purpose-built villages at different altitudes spanning the mountain.
When does the ski season start and end in La Plagne?
La Plagne's ski season typically runs from mid-December to late April. The resort's high altitude (with slopes reaching 3,250m) helps maintain reliable snow conditions throughout this period. Some Snomad users mention skiing late in the season with good conditions - Neil notes it's "usually snow-sure due to its high altitude," while Kristel reports "excellent piste grooming has made for several good holidays even in the first and last weeks of the season."
Is La Plagne good for beginners?
La Plagne is excellent for beginners with numerous wide, gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas. Our users consistently praise it for first-timers - Valdlena, a beginner, mentions "an impressive range of slopes catering to those new to skiing" while Isabella highlights "brilliant lessons with fantastic instructors." The resort offers abundant blue runs for progression, modern lift systems, and excellent ski schools like Oxygène. Many accommodations feature convenient ski-in/ski-out access, making it ideal for those just starting their skiing journey.
Is La Plagne good for intermediate skiers?
La Plagne excels for intermediate skiers with its vast network of blue and red runs. Our users consistently praise the wide, well-groomed pistes that build confidence while offering progression opportunities. Felix, an advanced skier, notes it's "incredibly good for intermediates with a huge mix of blues/reds in various settings." The efficient lift system keeps queues to a minimum, and the resort's high altitude ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the season - perfect for developing your skills while enjoying long, cruisy runs.
Is La Plagne good for advanced skiers?
La Plagne offers decent options for advanced skiers though isn't exceptional in this category. Our reviewers mention good off-piste potential, particularly with a guide exploring the North Face of Bellecote. Tom, an expert skier, notes that "the best skiing is with a guide off-piste." The resort scores 4.29/5 for advanced skiers, with several users suggesting it's better for intermediates but has enough challenging terrain to keep advanced riders entertained throughout a week's stay.
Is La Plagne good for expert skiers?
La Plagne offers some challenging terrain for experts, though some users feel the resort is more beginner/intermediate focused. Tom, an expert skier, recommends hiring a guide to access the best off-piste, while Clive highlights the North Face of Bellecote as a standout. There are some ungroomed blacks and decent back country options, but you'll need to know where to look. For more expert terrain, consider getting the Paradiski pass to access Les Arcs.
Is La Plagne good for non-skiers?
La Plagne has limited offerings for non-skiers compared to more traditional alpine villages. While there are activities like the Olympic bobsleigh run, paragliding, snowshoeing, and swimming in heated outdoor pools, the resort is primarily designed for skiers. The concrete architecture and spread-out nature of the villages can make it challenging for non-skiers to socialise and get around as easily as at other resorts. Our users have noted that the primary appeal is definitely the skiing, with other amenities being secondary considerations.
Is there snow at Christmas in La Plagne?
La Plagne typically offers reliable snow conditions at Christmas thanks to its high altitude (1250m-3250m). Our Snomad users consistently mention good snow coverage during the festive period. David, an advanced skier, notes the resort is "snow sure," while Ross describes the "beautiful scenes from every run" during Christmas. Reece, who visited during the Christmas period, highlights the "magical" atmosphere. With extensive snowmaking capabilities and many slopes above 2000m, La Plagne provides dependable skiing for Christmas holidays.
Where should I stay in La Plagne and what type of accommodation is available?
La Plagne comprises several villages, each with a distinct character. Belle Plagne offers attractive, traditional-style buildings with excellent ski-in/ski-out access. Plagne Centre and Plagne Bellecôte provide convenient central locations with more amenities. Plagne 1800 has a quieter, more charming atmosphere, surrounded by trees. Accommodation ranges from full-service hotels to self-catering apartments and catered chalets. Several Snomad users highlight ski-in/ski-out options as particularly convenient, with Hotel Arricaria in Plagne Centre specifically recommended for quality accommodation.
What's the best way to get to La Plagne?
La Plagne is most commonly accessed via Geneva Airport (2.5-3 hours transfer) or Lyon Airport (2.5 hours). From the UK, Chambéry Airport offers the shortest transfer at 1.5 hours but has limited flights. Alternative options include Turin Airport (3 hours) or train travel to Aime-la-Plagne station via Eurostar and TGV connections. Our users recommend booking airport transfers well in advance, as Snomad reviewer Steve notes they "can be very busy."
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