La Plagne, France

Visitor reviews for La Plagne

• March 09, 2008
  Pete from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just back from La Plagne, staying in Plagne Center.
  Nice ski-in, ski-out hotel (Terre Nova) just by Melezes lift.
  The resort provides ample runs for a skier of my experience (3rd week away). The queues around Plagne Center and Bellecote are on the long side, but once you get away from the flash points, it's not hard to find a piste to yourself.
  The piste markings are pretty poor to say the least.
  Also how they decide the piste gradings is beyond me.
  The 'Tunnel' run is a pleasure because of the relatively steep start to a blue run putting most beginners off. There are easier reds!
  All of the Plagne resorts are connected by free buses which seem pretty efficient. Means you can sample the nightlife in other areas.... I only got as far as a visit to Le Mine in Plagne 1800.

• February 19, 2008
  David Driver from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  My report should have refered to the "Champagny" side of the mountain, not the "Chambery" side ! Skiing via Chambery is a very long way round !

• February 18, 2008
  David Driver from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just returned from Aime-La-Plagne with my family, children aged 10 to 16 and friends with children aged 7 to 16. This was my children's 7th week on skis. They thought the skiing was excellent, if a bit "intermediate" but with enough black runs to give a challenge each day. The adults in our party loved the wide swooping blue & red runs on which you can easily get round the resort. Aime-L-P is a bit soul-less, but the MGM where we stayed was spot on, with the swimming pool & spa a great way to sooth those aching muscles & knees. Piste map is pretty awful, but once we found the way back to Aime-L-P via the Chambery side of the mountain - avoiding the afternoon bottlenecks in Plagne Bellecote & Plagne Centre - the seemingly out of the way location of Aime-L-P was no longer an issue. We will definitely return to La Plagne, especially once the link to Les Arcs is repaired.

• January 24, 2008
  Caz from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  7th time to La Plagne, can't beat it. Going again in March.
  Try Dou du Praz restaurant at the top of Melezes chairlift...lovely lunches, excellent value.

• January 16, 2008
  Ciaran from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  La Plagne, where shall I start? Great views, great food, oh and amazing skiing from Plagne Bellcote to the glacier at the top (not sure about the name) with wide open but challenging runs for everyone of any ability and snow parks for the adrenaline junkies. I have been here for the last two years and it never gets boring. When looking for a restaurant to eat at go for the ones on the side of runs not by the top of a lift or the main ski school meeting place. These are usually the nicest, cheapest and more secluded from the rest of the restaurants.

• February 14, 2007
  Caz! from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Love La Plagne, so much skiing you really can't go wrong. Below tree line if weather is bad, up high if good! Lifts improved so much over the last couple of years the old bottle necks are not there anymore! ...... just can't wait to go back!

• February 07, 2007
  simon hetherington from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Echo what Jonathan has said about Les Coches, but my friends have a place in Montalbert and it, too, is a great centre for a holiday. You can enjoy plenty of skiing, particularly through the trees, with a Montalbert pass and there is a nursery slope with a free button lift. But you also have easy access to the entire Paradiski area and even a mediocre skier could get across to Les Arcs and back in the day. Not only is the village of Montalbert attractive but the people are particularly friendly - admittedly there's not a huge amount of night life but you can always make your own entertainment.
  I came back on Mon and there's been no fresh snow for a couple of weeks or more but the conditions are still good.
  Give it a try, I say.

• January 12, 2007
  Jonathan Bullough from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  My parents along with 2 friends have bought a property in Les Coches which is in between La Plagne and Les Arcs. I am a competent snowboarder and have been snowboarding now for over 10 years. I have skied many areas such as Flaine, the 3 valleys, Vars/Risoul, Lake Tahoe in America, Banff in Canada etc and in my opinion the Paradiski is as good if not better than all those areas. I have been twice now and I am going twice again this season in January and April. The area is huge with a wide variety of runs from beginner to extreme off-piste. Any thrill seekers should check out the north face of the Bellecote(with a guide) and also the off-piste down from the Roche de Mio towards Bellecote glacier, there are some excellent couloir and cliff drops as well as open bowls.
  In my opinion Les Coches is ideally placed. On stormy days the treelined runs of the Montchavin-Les Coches area are excellent. There are also some excellent off-piste tree runs down from the Dos Rond peak back into Les Coches. You can also easily get to the Piesey Vallandry area across the Vanoise express which also has some excellent treelined runs.
  From Les Coches it takes me approximately an hour to get to Arc 2000 and about the same to get to Plagne centre, these two higher resorts often have the best snow conditions when it has'nt snowed for a while. I must recommend the 2 glaciers for excellent views and skiing alike. The run from the top of the Aguille Rouge above Arc 2000 all the way to Villaroger (2000m descent) is a must for any intermediate or above.
  The 2 main snow parks are also excellent, they are very well maintained in comparison to other parks in French resorts. There is always music playing and also friendly, no pressure, competitionns held regularly.
  Night life in Les Coches is quite quiet. However, the last stop pub is always a good night out.
  My main tip would be to go in April as the snow conditions are always good contrary to popular belief and don't dismiss the smaller areas of Montchavin and Les Coches as your base of attack. Contact me at jonathanbullough111@hotmail.com if you have any questions that I may be able to answer for you.

• January 05, 2007
  kimmy from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just returned home after a weeks holiday in La Plagne, we stayed in Belle Plange. It was excellent. We didn't have any snow whilst we were there but the conditions were still great. I am a beginner myself and had 5 3 hour lessons with the ESF, Wow!! These guys were amazing. So caring and helpful and had a lot of patience! Some of them were as young as 20 but they were all fantastic! The people I went with are skiers and have travelled far and wide but they all really enjoyed Belle plagne and will def be back!
  The food was great ,locals lovely and very friendly, local pubs also good Le Tete plays live music every night and was a good one for me!
  I had fun and will def go back now I am an experienced skier!

• January 02, 2007
  Bex from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just came back from spending Christmas in La Plagne. Don't believe the hype about the ugliness of the resort - I have seen a lot worse. Try to head up to the glacier for some awesome views. We found the locals to be very friendly and some pretty soft snow despite the lack of a big dump for a while. Only downsides were large queues for the telecabines and the volume of flat areas which aren't very boarder friendly. Be sure to try the bob-sleigh - it rocks!

• December 13, 2006
  Susan from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We have been to La Plagne many times and can't fault the skiing. Both myself and husband have been skiing for over thirty years and have skied many many places including America and our 12/13 year old son has skied most years of his life. You cannot beat La Plagne, we know what we are talking about. It is so vast, super runs and the snow is always reliable being so high. We nearly always go with Silver Ski, who have all their catered chalets virtually on-piste and all with en-suite. Night-life is self made in the Chalets with a lot of fun with new found friends. We always go at Christmas, which is the best time, it is the beginning of the season, everything new and clean, nothing old and tired (including the chalet girls) everybody full of anticipation of a super season and generally an exciting time to be anywhere on the slopes. Plagne Centre is a bit on an eye-sore, but over the years it has got better and of course there is always some nightlife, you just have to find it. Go to La Plagne, you really won't be disappointed.

• December 04, 2006
  Shaun Fieldhouse from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I have to recommend this resort to both skiers and boarders, of all standards. It's got awesome parks, a variety of runs, and you can never get bored! You never do the same run twice, its just so big, and then you have les Arcs as well. I went with my friends last year, and straight away booked for the same holiday again this year, can't wait! Who needs clubs with the great apres ski here, its all so well organised. The higher resorts are the best, and La Plagne centre is very handy for the lifts. Advice from me as a boarder, and my girlfriend as a skier, YOU HAVE TO GO!

• November 04, 2006
  Jonathan Watkins from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Hi
  Went to La Plagne last March and it was absolutely fantastic. I went with my dad my bro and some friends. It was also my first time skiing and i can't explain how good i thought it was. If anyone says to you the snow is rubbish in March they're stupid. The snow was excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  As soon as I got there and started skiing I didn't want to leave thats how good it is. After having such an absolute brilliant holiday, I am now going to Tignes in February 2007 and am so excited I already find it hard to sleep. That's what skiing at la plagne made me feel. I give la plagne ***** and I highly recomend it to any standard of skiing.

• April 24, 2006
  Jack from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  This year was the first time to La Plagne and it was in the middle of April but the snow was still brilliant! The new 8 man chairlift was really nice and there were loads of runs for all type of skiers and boarders. I would definately go again

• April 17, 2006
  ivan Balzan from MALTA
  

  Just returned from La Plagne with my family and friends. We stayed at Club Med 2001 from 9th to 16th April and it was perfect. Snow conditions where first class and nearly all slopes open. Skied twice to Les Arcs and it was easier to get there than one thinks, we made it in less than one hour and a half and enjoyed a few hours in Les Arcs. La Plagne itself is massive and I don't think I skied the same slope twice except to get back to the club. The resort lacks Night Life but I was staying at Club Med which was ideal for a family and we entertained non stop. I recommend la Plagne and Club Med 2001 to any family, all in all the resort is spacious, easy wide slopes and very efficient lifts. We will be back next year for sure...

  Ivan
  Malta

• April 04, 2006
  mike from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Everything bad I've read about La Plagne in reviews is complete nonsense.
  It's a great place for anybody to go and ski/board.
  There isn't great nightlife, but I didn't go for the nightlife and couldn't care less. I went with 5 friends, and we entertained ourselves perfectly. Buying a beer is overpriced, but it's the same anywhere in these big French resorts. Just buy beer from the shops, and cheap French wine if you're really pinching the pennies.
  Lifts were fast, good, did the job fine, and there was only one lift that ever had a queue, and it wasn't much of a queue. All other lifts we just walked straight on.
  Thinking about going ? never been before ? then definately go, you won't regret it.

• April 03, 2006
  James Heaton from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I've made about 14 trips to La Plagne - basically because I think it's an outstanding resort.
  I won't bother trying to do a full sales pitch, but I'm aghast to read the reviews that rate Les Arcs above La Plagne... La Plagne is far superior without any doubt.
  What I would say is that the ski area is so vast, and there are so many different 'stations' that you really have to know the mountain to fully appreciate everything that's out there. Don't stay in the village resorts unless you need to save a few quid - although they're 'nice' they're always going to be a bind to get back to (or out from), and with so much decent accommodation bang in the middle of the piste at Aime 2000, Plagne Centre, Plagne Bellecote and Belle Plagne it just doesn't make sense.
  If you know where to go you can head up high for 4pm and ski a solid hour barely touching a lift to get back to any of the altitude resorts by 5.
  The people who have found that they're spending too much time on lifts, or having to pole too much to get to lifts just haven't spent enough time looking at the piste map, I'm afraid - I can only think of two runs where you have to pole for the lift and they're both worth it; if you found more you've been combining the wrong pistes and lifts!
  It's true that there are a couple of VERY long chair lifts - but they take you up to the top of a very long run back down which is fine with me! And if you'd rather break up your lift time there are always alternative routes which will take you up to the same place in stages.
  Nightlife, it's true to say, isn't a patch on some other resorts, and La Plagne is very-much family centred. However, I've always gone with a group of lads and there are plenty of great drunken nights out to be had - not least thanks to the excellent shuttle links between stations.
  All in all, it's fantastic, but it's just so big that you have to put a bit of work in to get the most out of it.

• February 27, 2006
  matt uffindall from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Wow, second time out in La Plagne. This time 8 lads on a stag do and what a great time we had. Varying levels of skiing from first time on snow to 12 weeks but there was something for everyone. Staying in Chalet Motdit just outside Montalbert. Fantastic food and all the wine you could drink, followed up with six hour days on the slopes and we didn't cover it all! Skied down into Montchavin along the blue to the right hand side via the Vanoise Expres, wicked! Great resort (Feb half-term week) and longest queue was 25mins for bubble up to Rio de Moche, 5mins apart from that. Check out www.chaletmotdit.co.uk for good accom and have a great week in La Plagne, just like we did!!!

• February 20, 2006
  Zoltan Szabo from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just arrived back yet again from Belle Plagne thre highest resort in La Plagne area. This has been our 4th trip to this resort and we have not got tried of it. We took two other families this time and all had a good time all children were in ski schools and all had good instructions and all instructors spoke very good english. The sking was good bar the second half of the week were we had snow for the last two days.
  I would not hestite to recommend this resort.

• February 11, 2006
  Rufus Abrahams from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  La Plagne is brilliant, best week of skiing in my life. I thought Oxygene (Plagne Centre) was the best ski school, with only abut 5-6 in each class. The 'Hotel Terra Nova' was superb. This is a great resort. DO NOT MISS OUT ON IT! P.S It's relatively cheap.

• January 21, 2006
  Boarder from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just arrived back from La Plagne, not a resort for snowboarders and early in the season it gets a bit icy. The scenery and size of the resort are amazing but the architecture could be better..spent a lot of time on lifts but the terrain makes it worthwhile. Took lessons from ESF and were great intstructors spoke goood english and know all the best spots. Recommend you stay in a higher resort as its quicker to get on the slopes.

• January 11, 2006
  Simmo from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Maybe my view of La Plagne might be different if we (me and the good lady wife) hadn't gone when we had (the week between Christmas and New Year 05) but as it stands, we thought it was just ok, and that's being diplomatic. The runs, I thought were badly laid out, and you always seemed to be on a lift with not much riding in between. The whole place is a concrete jungle with no nice village atmosphere, but we did know that before we went, so can't really grumble about that. The pistes were always packed and some of the ski school parties numbered in excess of 30 so they would take up a whole run and there was nothing you could do except wait for them to pull up or try and navigate round them. Nothing to do at night at all, no atmosphere, and dare i say it, full of really aggressive hardcore French skiers who would look at you like you have just burgled their house because you had a board strapped to your feet. The "hotel" we stopped in was a nightmare and overall it completely put us off any further French visits. We have been to Mammoth, Whistler, Kitzbuhel, Saas Fee etc so do have some idea of what makes a good resort and unfortunately La Plagne doesn't have anything. Again my review might have been different had we gone at a quieter time but having spoken to other people who have been, there is no quiet time in La Plagne. Sorry to sound so negative.

• January 07, 2006
  Milo Constable from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  La Plagne is easily one of the best resorts in France, or even Europe. The skiing is superb, the ski school, Oxygene, is the friendliest school in France and I would highly recommend it, and the on-piste restaurants are resonably priced and the food is very satisfying. Off-piste skiing is awesome (I recommend Death Valley, as it's known to the locals) If you're looking for a good, well-priced hotel choose the Hotel Terra Nova in Plagne Centre, it's extremely good value for money especialy as it is ski-in ski-out. La Plagne has everything and would be a great place to learn. It is much better than its neighbour, Les Arcs. I have been with my family once in March 2004 (And in my dreams many times!) and can't wait to go this April. Overall La Plagne is the best resort I've been to: it's cheep, it's great skiing and it has many beautiful sweeping runs. I would highly recommend it any day. Rating 10/10 P.S great snow record!

• November 29, 2005
  David Hodge from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I have visited la plagne three times from the other resort of Les Arcs and whilst the ski area is vast the lift system is old, tired and unorganised. To get to the top of Bellecote from Montchavin took well over one and a half hours, with constant lifts, whereas to get to the top of Auguille Rouge from Piesey Vallandry on the other side takes around 50 minutes with a bit more skiing involved as well. I would definetly recommend the other side of Paradiski Les Arcs just for the organisation.

• March 16, 2005
  Martin Dore from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just been back to La Plagne for the second time and I really rate it. Those of you who are used to quaint Austrian villages might be aghast at some of the architectural shocks on offer in La Plagne's higher resorts but the skiing makes up for it.

  La Plagne has something for almost everyone. There's forest runs, high snowsure motorway blues and reds, very tricky blacks and loads of off piste if you are prepared to look for it and occasionally walk into our out of runs. Seven days after the last snowfall, we were still making fresh tracks. It does have a noticable lack of green runs and some of the blues are steep for beginners so they will need good advise about which pistes to use at first. La Frete and Ramy are easy blues worth trying for the nervous. The views from La Frete are stunning too.

  Oxygene ski school were well liked by members of my group that use them. Private lessons worked out to be great value for a group of three to four.

  Nightlife in La Plagne is lacking so a chalet might be a good way to have some fun every night with a crowd. The olympic bobsleigh makes for an amusing and slightly hair raising evening activity.

  If you want to make use of the link to Les Arcs, I'd consider staying in Les Coches, Montchavin, Belle Plagne or Plagne Bellecote as it is quite a journey from the rest of the resort. Having said that, on my second trip to La Plagne, all of my group still had more than enough to occupy us during the day in La Plagne itself.

• February 27, 2005
  rmak from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  great place for off piste skiing and introduction to ski touring. only place I know in the Alpes that you can just turn up at ski school and go touring with mountain guide at group lesson cost You can do as little as one day or many days as you wish.

• January 19, 2005
  rob from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  la plagne is ok. i thought i was spending far too much time on lifts, this was particularly true when heading to/from les arcs spending up to 40 mins on or between lifts. the best bit was closed when i was there: the glacier, so i cant say how good that would be.
  les arcs was far better, and though the tops were also closed they looked better.
  better again try the three valleys, ADH, avoriaz or val d.

  the resort is too spread out for great night life.
  all in its a big resort and im sure there is good skiing but there are better places, i have a couple of seasons skiing and wont go again. les arcs though...

• December 27, 2004
  Rhion Jones from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We've skied at Belle Plagne twice - over New Year 2002/2003 and late January 2004. Apart from a regularly malfunctioning gondola from bellecote, the whole area is most impressive but is best for intermediates who like the sense of travelling. Over the ridge above Champagny is probably the best area of all, though in good snow conditions the runs to Montalbert were excellent. Going to Les Arcs is do-able for good skiers from belle Plagne but is a long treck for those staying in other parts of the complex. Allow plenty of time! Overall, a great area but without the ambience of Austria.

• February 04, 2004
  Jimbo from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Huge ski area - easily rivals the Three Valleys. Great lift system in all areas (very few older two man chairs left). Even in the early morning rush the lifts have few queues (but this was in Jan and outside half-term so things may be VERY different once the kiddies arrive).

  Nice to see the French still have no idea that skiing over the back of someone elses skis is BAD ;-(( (still - stability in a world of change!)

  The link to Les Arcs gives you a massive amount of skiing - but bear in mind that you've really got to ski hard to get to from la Plagne to Villeroger and back again in a day (it's nearly a 20 mile return trip as the crow flies !).

  Belle Plagne (the very top) is very plesatn place - everything you need without appearing over developed.

  As with the previous review - loads of potential for off-piste skiing - but be careful which side you take down a slope. NE slopes generally get the snow swept off them leaving a very thin covering over rocks - ideal for gouging skis !

  The vast majority of restaurents serve really good food (table service in many of them) at reasonable prices (omelette, beer and chips for about ?10 !)

• January 06, 2004
  Kevin Isaac from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Great improvements to lifts this season (2004), terrific skiing, particularly for intermediates. Very accessible off-piste skiing. Anyone looking for great skiing, door-to-door, but without the concrete architecture should take a look at Montalbert La-Plagne at 1350m. Good snowfall over Christmas, could be a great season...www.paradiski-montalbert.com.