This winter, head to La Plagne, one of France's finest ski areas. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it is spread over 6 ski resorts and 11 villages. A wide range of slopes and activities let you discover the beauty of the Tarentaise region's mountain landscapes. Rivers, valleys and snow-capped peaks meet in this part of the Alps, which attracts sports enthusiasts and visitors every year. Discover our 11 must-do activities in La Plagne.
1- Snowboarding and downhill skiing
Choosing La Plagne as your winter sports destination gives you access to Paradiski, the world's second largest ski area. 425km of runs at altitudes of between 1,200 and 3,250m allow you to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Alps on skis, handiski or snowboard. Its wide variety of altitudes and slopes offers sports enthusiasts a wide choice to suit all tastes and abilities. The resort's two main ranges are linked by the Vanoise Express, the largest cable car in operation today. Don't hesitate to use it to experience "Vertigo", a 360° observation experience of the Vanoise National Park thanks to the cabin's transparent floor.
Book now: rent your ski or snowboard equipment for your winter sports days at La Plagne.
2- Snowshoeing
If you want to take the time toobserve the surrounding mountain scenery, don't hesitate to take up snowshoe hiking. Put on your snowshoes and explore the Tarentaise Valley. Numerous trails criss-cross the resort. Kilometers of trails are accessible, and you'll find paths of varying degrees of difficulty. Don't hesitate to hire a guide to discover the secrets of this part of Savoie.
The article to read: if you'd like to find out more about the region, read our article on must-do activities in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
3- Toboggan down the slopes
If you love to slide, but skiing isn't for you, don't hesitate to take to the slopes on a toboggan. La Plagne has many toboggan runs. The "Piste du Colorado" offers 1.5km of tobogganing with a view of the majestic Mont-Blanc. For the more adventurous, Speed Luge is also available at La Plagne 1800. On the bobsleigh circuit, get ready for a descent at almost 90km/h in a prone position, as close to the ice as possible. With so many activities to choose from, it's no wonder La Plagne is one of the most popular ski resorts.
4- Ride a Fatbike
If you love cycling, why not try your hand at Fatbikes? This wide-wheeled bike is designed to hold up on soft ground and rides very well on snow. A bike ride is the ideal way to admire the scenery while enjoying a sporty outing. Mountain bikes are available from a number of rental outlets in the resort. Electric-assist bikes are also available.
Related article la Plagne is also an ideal destination for a summer vacation in the mountains. Discover the 10 best activities.
5- What to do in La Plagne? Try Bobsleigh
La Plagne is home to France's only bobsleigh and skeleton track. It was here that the 1992Albertville Olympic Games were held. It is now open to holidaymakers in the late afternoon (after sports training) and offers descents in Bob Raft, a self-guided and self-braked machine. In groups of 4, you can ride down the same track as the professionals, at speeds of up to 80km/h. It's also possible to ride a Speed Luge solo, lying on your back, or book a Bob Racing session with a bobsleigh pilot.
Activities to book for even more thrills, we recommend that you book your paragliding experience above the Paradiski resorts.
6- Go skating
The perfect activity for families, couples or friends, going ice-skating becomes even more enchanting under the snow in the middle of the mountains. La Plagne has two outdoor skating rinks, one at Plagne Centre, the other at Plagne Bellecôte. Don't hesitate to strap on your skates and head there in the early evening, perhaps after a day's skiing, to skate at night under a beautiful starry sky.
The article to read: La Plagne is also one of the best ski resorts in which to spend the holidays. Go there to enjoy the magic of Christmas under the snow.
7- Try ice climbing
Discover the indescribable sensations of ice climbing on your next mountain vacation. La Plagne, which has been awarded the"Terre d'Alpinisme" label, boasts a 24m-high ice climbing tower, open to professionals and budding climbers alike. For beginners, equipment is on loan and guides are on hand to help you progress and gain height. The tower is designed for safe climbing, with progressive inclines.
Read this article for climbing enthusiasts. Don't hesitate to discover the 10 exceptional climbing sites in the world.
8- Tyrolean traverse
In summer and winter alike, discover Belle Plagne's cascade of zip lines. With family or friends, treat yourself to a shot of thrills above the valley. Eight zip lines, ranging in length from 50 to 200 m, take you zigzagging through the trees, before finishing with a 9 m base jump. You can also choose the option with a view of Mont Blanc at Plagne Aime 2000. The "Super Tyro" descends 600m at up to 85km/h, with almost 60m of void beneath your feet. Thrills guaranteed.
Activity to book: we advise you to book your 600m zip-line descent with a view of Mont-Blanc right now.
9- Savour mountain specialities
While many people enjoy ski holidays for their raclette or fondue evenings, Savoyard cuisine doesn't stop there! Savoie is also home to crozet, a small square pastry traditionally made from buckwheat. So don't hesitate to try a croziflette. The region is also home to pormonier, a variation on diot with spinach, Swiss chard and leeks. And if you've got a sweet tooth, you'll love our bugnes and blueberry tarts.
10- What to do in La Plagne Relax at the spa
After a day skiing or reading by the fire, don't hesitate to take a break at Deep Nature. This 1500m² complex in La Belle Plagne is entirely dedicated to relaxation. You'll find a premium area as well as one designed for families. Take advantage of the baths and spas or treat yourself to a massage, alone or with a partner, ideal after a day of sport. At Plagne Bellcôte, the Magic Pool offers a heated outdoor pool with panoramic mountain views. There's also a spa and two saunas.
11- Go bowling
La Plagne also offers a wide range of indoor activities , perfect for rainy days or evenings out. In particular, you'll find two bowling alleys, ideal for an evening out with family and friends after an afternoon on the slopes. Both lounges also feature a bar and arcade games.
The activity to book if you're more of a puzzle gamer, you'll find several escape games in La Plagne. You can book this one nowa group treasure hunt right in the town.
What to do in La Plagne when you're not skiing?
You don't have to love skiing to have a great time in La Plagne. Here are just a few of the things you can do when you're not skiing:
- Snowshoeing: enjoy the mountain scenery yourself by taking to the snowshoe trails.
- Tobogganing: if you like to slide but not ski, tobogganing is an ideal activity to enjoy with family and friends.
- Tyrolean traverse: treat yourself to a shot of thrills and spills on the 600m-long zip line overlooking Mont Blanc.
- Try your hand at ice climbing: Try your hand at ice climbing on La Plagne's 24m ice tower.
- Go bobsleighing : Share a moment of gliding in a group by trying out bobsleighing on La Plagne's Olympic track.
Where to stay in La Plagne?
Among the many accommodations available in La Plagne, we've put together a list of our favorites:
- At the foot of the slopes: the Les Balcons de Belle Plagne residence. With direct access to the slopes, this establishment blends the atmosphere of traditional chalets with that of luxury hotels. Its relaxation area and kids' club make it an ideal choice for family vacations. Book here.
- The most family-friendly: Résidence Sun Valley. This residence offers fully-equipped apartments, most with balconies. You can also take advantage of the swimming pool, hammam and Jacuzzis. Book your stay now.
- The most modern: Odalys Front de Neige. At the foot of the slopes and close to the La Plagne center ski school and ski lifts, this residence offers modern accommodation and an indoor pool. You can book your stay here.
The article to read la Plagne: the more adventurous among you may want to spend a night in an igloo. La Plagne boasts a hotel made entirely of ice: check it out on our list of the 20 most unusual accommodations in France.
What to do in La Plagne in summer
Even in summer, La Plagne is a vast natural playground, with Mont Blanc in its sights. We've put together a short list of outdoor activities for you:
- Hiking: hike along Savoie's many hiking trails and admire the Vanoise glaciers and flower-filled mountain pastures.
- Cycling: take to the roads or trails and climb the region's peaks and passes.
- Accrobranche: explore the alpine canopy on La Plagne's adventure trail, with courses to suit every level.
- White-water sports: kayak, raft or canyoneer down theIsère. Depending on where you are in the valley, the river has a lot to offer.
- Via Ferrata and climbing: halfway between hiking and climbing, try your hand at via ferrata in the Alps. If you prefer climbing, you'll find several exceptional rock-climbing sites.
