Too big, too flat, too family-oriented… Really? If this is the image you have of La Plagne, it is all just preconception...What a shame, these preconceived ideas might be the only barrier between you and your ‘best-ever’ holiday with your tribe. We have therefore come up with 6 irrefutable arguments to convince you of the obvious: yes, you absolutely must organise your next ski holiday with your gang in La Plagne.
Because you won’t even need a car!
When you think of a ‘big ski resort’, you probably imagine that it will be difficult to get around or find somewhere to park. Not necessarily!
You don’t even need a car to get to La Plagne: you can just jump in a train from Paris, Lyon or Marseille… and be transported to Aime-la-Plagne train station. From there, there is a bus service up to your home sweet home for the week. Very practical when you have friends all over the place (who aren’t massively keen on the idea of revising the whole ‘how to put snow chains on’ thing the day before leaving, which we quite understand…).
What about the accommodation? It couldn’t be easier: going on holiday with friends means you can go outside of school holiday periods and get great deals on accommodation, whether you are looking for a large apartment in the centre of the resort or a traditional chalet in Montalbert or Montchavin-les-Coches: the choice is yours!
Because everyone will get a discount on their ski pass
If you thought that reductions on ski passes were only for children / families / students / seniors, think again!
In La Plagne, you will never have to prove that you are young enough (or old enough…) to benefit from a discount on your ski pass… With the Tribu pack, your whole gang (minimum 3 people) will get a discount of 10 € on their La Plagne or Paradiski pass.
At the weekend, there are great deals on Saturday and Sunday, through the aptly named formulas "Samedi je skie" and "Dimanche Malin".
To make sure you don’t miss out on great deals and offers, the best thing is to register for our loyalty programme La Plagne Smile !
Because your friends who are beginners will have a great time
It’s true that the XXL dimensions of the Paradiski area might seem a tad overwhelming when you are a beginner: 425 km of runs really is a lot… In La Plagne, 70% of the ski area is above 2 000 m altitude, which is much the same as saying that we usually have guaranteed snow from December to April at high altitude.
Secondly, because the La Plagne ski area is renowned for its plethora of green and blue runs (the easiest): 81 in total! Beginners are not confined to a small area on a gentle slope and can have just as much fun as expert skiers.
TThirdly, because you won’t need a ski pass to have a go at skiing. Yes, really! There are 16 ‘special beginner’ ski lifts that are accessible to all free of charge ((so you can see if you like it before having to pay a single centime). Once you are more at ease, you can buy a Cool Ski pass : a ski pass at a mini price that gives access to a larger beginner area (with no risk of landing up on a black run…).
Because your friends who are (very) good skiers will also have a great time
Well yes, it’s true. Etymologically, ‘Plagne’ does mean ‘flat’... But anyone who jumps to the conclusion that the La Plagne ski area is all flat is in for a big surprise!
Yes, there are a lot of green and blue runs in the resort (which is the reason your beginner friends will have such a good time, see above). But there are also 53 red and black runs that will keep fans of technical descents on their toes (tips), for example:
- Mont de la Guerre red run, one of our “Natur” runs (made secure but not groomed) that is 6 km long and drops down 1,100 m to Champagny-en-Vanoise in unspoiled surroundings with not a chairlift in sight;
- Le Dérochoir black run, a real challenge for your thighs with a breathtaking panorama along the way. That is just two… only another 51 to discover! And, of course, we have not counted the technical runs in Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, two resorts linked to La Plagne via the Vanoise Express cable car (425 km of ski runs in total for the full Paradiski area, including 34 black and 77 red runs).
If you and your friends love freeriding, with the right equipment and a guide, you really must head off on your fat skis through the powder on the legendary North Face of Bellecôte.
If freestyle is more your thing, your twin tips will serve you well on the XS to XL modules in the Riders Nation snowpark (well they will if you know how to ride switch. But you do know, don’t you?).
Because fans of ‘Les Others’ style adventure films will love it
Do your more adventurous friends raise an eyebrow (or sigh) when you mention the idea of a holiday with friends in La Plagne ? Well, that is only because they don’t know its incredible potential for ski touring and snowshoe walks.
However, they should know that the village of Champagny-en-Vanoise (accessible on skis from the altitude villages of La Plagne) is the gateway to the Vanoise National Park. This natural sanctuary of 533 km² is home to no less than 3,000 ibex (the largest colony in France), as well as bearded vultures, mountain hare, black grouse, chamois and marmots (who start to pop up in the spring)…
A less well-known option that is just as appealing for anyone who is allergic to ski lifts: the Versant du Soleil, fon the other side of the valley from La Plagne. The last of the two drag lifts was taken down in 2022 and, since then, nature lovers go off on snowshoes or touring skis, far from the hustle and bustle of the resort (but close to the marked trails ; because, yes, you can enjoy adventure but not have a great sense of direction).
Because we have 2-3 ideas to spice up your days (and your nights)
The resort with the red hat counts 4 really thrilling activities that you can only try in La Plagne!
- Aérolive, two cabins on Les Glaciers gondola that are open to the four winds: no windows, no doors and even the floor is kept to a minimum to maximise the panoramic view. The effect is striking, immersing passengers fully in the surrounding landscape.
- the Olympic Bobsleigh track: built for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics, it will be back in service for the 2030 Olympic Games. The track has remained active between the two and is open to anyone who loves a thrill (minimum height 1m30)!
- the Ice Tower : nestled in the glacial valley of Champagny-le-Haut, up above the village of Champagny-en-Vanoise, this ice-covered structure is a one-of-a-kind in Europe. Supervised introduction sessions are available for anyone aged 10 or over.
- Over the Moon: the code name for this highly original experience spending an evening and a night up on the mountain in a snow groomer that has been fitted out like a VIP suite.
