Rating out of 5
Flight time
1 1/2 hours (approx) to Lyon.
Transfer time
2 hours (approx).
Lift queues
Can get pretty busy, so be prepared for a wait on some runs.
Hotspots to be aware of are the Arpette chair, from Plagne-Bellecote, Les Bauches and in the Champagny area.
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APH Resort Guides at a Glance:
La Plagne
Overview
Intermediates will love this place. There’s a huge range of red and blue runs to explore, and most of it is pretty easy to find your way round.
There are no less than 10 villages to choose from - ranging from purpose-built (ugly) to traditional French (pretty).
Terrain
If you like long, cruisy ’motorways’, you’ll love La Plagne. Head to the main bowl, where there’s a huge choice of reds and blues leading into Plagne-Centre.
If you get bored over here, take the Vanoise Express cable car to the other side of the valley.
Recommended run
If the snow is good, experts should check out the two blacks from Bellecote (over 1,000 metres of vertical drop). Intermediates have most to choose from; head to the La Plagne bowl.
Beginners will find free drag lifts in each resort and nursery slopes close to village centres.
Ski-in, ski-out?
There are quite a few to choose from, especially around Plagne-Centre.
Cost of living
A decent meal will cost around £20-a-head including wine; if you’re watching the pennies,
a lot of places offer fixed-price options for about £12.
Nightlife
Plagne-Centre is the place to head if you like things lively. Try English pub, Mat’s, the Cheyenne or the King Café. If you’d rather get "piste" (sorry), you can even go night skiing here.
Alternative activities
There are lots of pretty walks to do here; if you’re feeling brave, book an Olympic bobsleigh run.
Family friendly
There’s a good nursery at Belle-Plagne, and ski schools are generally good. Beware the ESF classes, however; groups can be large and they don’t always speak the lingo.
Findout more about La Plagne at Ultimate-Ski.com.
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