La Plagne - introduction

Purpose-built La Plagne offers near-limitless skiing from a choice of accessible locations high above the village of Aime. The vast scale of the full Paradiski ski domain is at first glance hard to take in, but serves up a mind-blowing 425km of pisted downhill skiing terrain at altitudes of between 1200 and 3250m.

Paradiski was created in 2003 by lift-linking two of the largest and most popular family ski areas in the French Alps – La Plagne and its near-neighbour Les Arcs had long dreamed of joining forces to offer something truly sensational. The end result is certainly that, with areas like Peisey-Vallandry and Champagny-en-Vanoise also being brought into the mix. Crossing the Ponthurin valley between the two areas takes just a few minutes thanks to the sensational 200-skier Vanoise Express cable-cars, the world’s largest installation. It also boasts the longest single span (1824m), the absence of supporting pylons designed to minimise the visual impact on the beauty of the landscape.

Photo: Olivier Allamand

La Plagne itself is much more than a single ski village. In fact, there are no fewer than ten of them from which to choose, each with its own loyal aficionados. Most conveniently situated for the link with Les Arcs are Les Coches and Montchavin, but wherever you choose, you can explore a piste network offering something (including glacier skiing) for all levels and backed up by a capable, modern lift system.
 

Highlights

• Extensive, varied skiing for all abilities
• High altitudes to maximise snow-cover
• Plenty of family-friendly facilities
• Wide-ranging accommodation to suit most budgets and requirements
• Short transfers from Aime train station

Lowlights

• Few green runs for novices, but lots of gentle blues to progress to
• Multiple-village layout takes some finding your way around, until you get your bearings
• Apart from Plagne Centre, nightlife is on the quieter side