Ski weekend

Wouldn't you need a little weekend skiing?

Need to get some fresh air, but the big holidays are still far away? No worries: treat yourself to a weekend in the mountains to tide you over! Two days away from the city is all it takes to clear your mind and come back home recharged. The usual weekend chores can wait until next week...

From mid-December until April, treat yourself to a gourmet and sporty getaway, relaxing and festive, rejuvenating and contemplative. Follow the guide!

When is the best time to go on a ski weekend in the Alps?

When’s the best time to go on a ski weekend? Outside of school breaks! That’s when you’ll have the easiest time finding affordable lodging and good deals on train tickets (or less crowded roads if you decide to drive to the slopes).
Those in a hurry will want to head out for a weekend ski trip as soon as the ski area opens in mid-December (before the Christmas break begins).

January is ideal for fans of big carved turns and off-piste skiing in fresh powder. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go so you can pack the right gear (downhill skis, snowboard, freeride skis, etc.). Would you rather rent your gear right at the resort? Trust the ski and snowboard rental shops to help you choose the skis best suited to the weekend’s conditions!

Finally, spring (March/April) is especially great if you’re a beginner ( the snow is nice and soft!), if you want to try ski touring, or simply if you like to ski at a relaxed pace, alternating between the slopes and the terraces.

Where should you go for a weekend getaway in Savoie if you’re a ski enthusiast?

If you love skiing, there are two key factors to consider: guaranteed snow and the size of the ski area (groomed runs and off-piste areas for powder enthusiasts). A third factor could be proximity to where you live (so you can spend more time on the slopes and less time traveling).

In La Plagne, we guarantee that you’ll be able to ski from mid-December through April. Why? Because 70% of the ski area is located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters (the highest point in the area is 3,000 meters!).
The La Plagne ski area is huge: 225 km of trails! That’s enough to keep you busy all weekend (and even the following weekends if you decide to come back later in the winter or in the spring). Think you can tackle all 133 trails in La Plagne in a single day? That’s ambitious, but we have the solution: you can still explore the slopes of Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry the next day, since the La Plagne ski area is connected to these two resorts within the XXL Paradiski ski area (425 km of slopes!).
La Plagne is just xx hours by car from Chambéry, xx hours from Grenoble, and xx hours from Lyon. Perfect for a ski weekend not too far from home! Would you rather avoid driving in the snow? Do you prefer to travel by train for environmental reasons? La Plagne is served by the TGV and TER trains. Get off at the Aime La Plagne train station, then take a bus to your lodging; you can then use the free shuttle throughout the weekend (to go to a restaurant in another village, go shopping, or visit an activity site…).

How much should you budget for your ski weekend?

For a weekend ski trip, you’ll need to budget for two nights’ lodging (in a hotel or bed-and-breakfast, for example, unless you prefer a hostel or RV for a budget-friendly stay), as well as some spending money for activities while you’re there.

For example, with the “Samedi je skie” and “Dimanche malin ” ski passes, you can hit the slopes all weekend for less than €100 per person ( divide the budget roughly in half if you’re only skiing every other day; good to know: the ski pass is cheapest on Saturdays).

For an affordable ski weekend, rent secondhand gear and opt for ski and snowboard lessons scheduled in the afternoon if you’re a beginner or want to improve quickly (they’re more affordable than those scheduled in the morning).

But maybe you’re not looking for a budget-friendly ski weekend? Perhaps, on the contrary, you want to treat yourself—for a special occasion or just because “why not”? In that case, make the most of your weekend in the mountains to try out the winter activities you’ve always dreamed of (like bobsledding, for example), and indulge in the best of French and Savoyard cuisine for lunch and dinner! Appetizer, main course, and dessert at every meal, an extravagant hot chocolate to warm you up on the slopes, a signature cocktail for après-ski… You’ve earned the right to indulge in everything.

Finally, to make your relaxation complete, why not step into one of the resort’s wellness centers? A relaxing massage, a pampering facial, a hammam, a sauna, and a jacuzzi will help you disconnect from everyday life in less time than it takes to say the word “spa.”

The perfect ski pass for an affordable weekend on the slopes

With the“ Saturday Skiing” and “Smart Sunday” special offers , you can enjoy great discounts on your ski pass every weekend (excluding the Christmas and February school breaks for the “Smart Sunday” offer). It’s perfect for skiing for a day or two at a low price while you wait for your annual ski vacation. Or you can use the money you save to treat yourself to another activity you’ve been wanting to try (a snowshoe hike, a spa day, or a meal at a great restaurant, for example).

Our selection of the best group activities to enjoy during a ski weekend with friends

The secret to a successful ski weekend with friends? Striking the right balance between time spent together as a group and time spent in smaller groups based on skiing ability or individual preferences for activities.

With 225 km of trails for all skill levels (including a good number of blue runs), the La Plagne ski area is accessible to all types of skiers, from beginners to advanced skiers, as well as freeride and ski touring enthusiasts. It’s the perfect place to organize a ski weekend with friends, no matter what your skill level! Simply split into small groups of two or three skiers of the same level so everyone can enjoy themselves at their own pace, then meet up again for coffee at a mountain restaurant.

After skiing, the group activities continue! Sledding and snowshoeing (with or without a guide) are among the most enjoyable and accessible winter activities for everyone. Or maybe you’d prefer to take advantage of the group’s competitive spirit to take on an adrenaline-pumping challenge, like a zip line or bobsled ride?

If your ski weekend with friends is organized to celebrate a birthday, why not treat the guest of honor to a paragliding flight?

Finally, what would a weekend with friends be without a festive après-ski celebration followed by a raclette dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants?

Ideas for a Romantic Ski Weekend

Because you share the same passion for skiing, because you dream of celebrating the anniversary of when you first met in a picture-perfect setting, because you need some time alone together without the kids for a weekend… Every couple has their own good reason to treat themselves to a getaway in the mountains!

Here are a few ideas for a perfect romantic ski weekend:

❤️#1 A 100% Ski Weekend: Book your ski passes online and ski all weekend at a discounted rate thanks to the “Saturday Ski” and “Smart Sunday” special offers. Don’t forget to reserve a table for dinner to enjoy the essential fondue together! Google and TripAdvisor reviews from foodies who’ve been there before are your best bet for impressing your partner with the resort’s best Savoyard specialties…

❤️#2 A Nature Weekend: Hire a high-mountain guide to safely introduce you to ski touring, and spend the night in a mountain hut, far from the crowds. Don’t feel confident enough to ski off-piste? Opt for a snowshoe hike—just as active but technically more accessible.

❤️#3 A chill & romantic weekend: take the time to enjoy brunch with a view of the snow-capped peaks, stroll hand in hand (mittens clasped together?) alongside cross-country skiers on the groomed trails, take the gondola up to Live 3000 and breathe deeply as you gaze at the impressive Vanoise glaciers, snuggle up together in a hot tub to warm up after spending the day outdoors, and gaze adoringly at your partner over dinner at a fine-dining restaurant.

Where should a beginner go for a weekend ski trip in Savoie?

Taking up skiing as an adult is both exciting and intimidating: “What if I don’t like it? What if I get hurt? What if I’m scared?” To put your mind at ease, opt for a relaxed ski weekend that requires a minimal investment of time and money. In La Plagne, you’ll find all the facilities and services you need to get started with peace of mind:

Get a taste of what it’s like to glide downthe slopes in securebeginner areas, accessible for free without a ski pass, and then on the Cool Ski trails. The best day to learn to ski? Saturday, when most vacationers are still on their way and the ski area is less crowded (you’ll have all the space you need to make your first turns)
Borrow your gear from a friend or family member, or rent it by the day (be sure to mention that you’re a beginner so the ski rental staff can recommend “easy” skis that turn almost on their own)
Book a private lesson with an instructor so you can develop good habits right away (stance on skis or a snowboard, snowplow turns, transitioning to parallel skiing, how to get back up easily after a fall—which is inevitable when you’re just starting out, but also when you’re more experienced!).
Bring a friend along for the adventure!

Save time with all-inclusive weekend ski deals from La Plagne Resort

Organizing a weekend ski trip doesn't have to be complicated. To save time, turn to the official booking center of La Plagne! The advisors will find you the accommodation of your dreams, and will take care of booking your ski passes, your parking space if needed, and even your train transport.

La Plagne Resort, guarantees personalized advice and 100% secure booking. No more worrying about online scams on peer-to-peer sites (like Le Bon Coin for example): all accommodations have been verified and visited by a local team of tourism professionals.

What should you pack for a weekend ski trip?

Whether it’s snowing or the sun is shining brightly, sunglasses (category 3 or higher) are essential for protecting your eyes from the glare caused by the pristine snow.

Also, be sure to pack a pair of shoes with good soles (thick to insulate you from the cold, and treaded to prevent slipping), and something to keep your ears, neck, and hands warm. To lighten your luggage, make the most of your ski jacket and wear it both on the slopes and when strolling around the resort or heading out to a restaurant. In La Plagne, there’s no complicated dress code to follow! A cozy, chunky sweater and comfortable pants—that’s all you need for a great evening enjoying fondue.

The rest of the gear you’ll need will, of course, depend on the activities you plan to do during your stay: ski gear (unless you’d rather rent it there), a swimsuit for the pool, and warm, breathable technical underwear for your outdoor activities…

Have a great weekend in La Plagne!