La Plagne Ski Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, Ski & Après

The Louk · 8 min read · Resort guide

FamiliesIntermediatesSki-in ski-outSnow-sureValue

La Plagne is really ten villages in one, spread from pretty valley hamlets up to purpose-built, ski-to-the-door bases high on the mountain. It has a glacier for snow-sure skiing and links via the Vanoise Express cable car to Les Arcs, forming the huge Paradiski area. Endless gentle-to-intermediate cruising makes it one of the best family resorts in the Alps - and there's a real Olympic bobsleigh track for a thrill off the pistes.

Altitude1,250–2,100m villages · up to 3,250m

Ski areaParadiski — ~425km (with Les Arcs)

Best forFamilies · intermediates · ski-in ski-out

SeasonMid-Dec – late April

AirportGeneva ~2.5hr · Chambéry ~2hr · Lyon ~2.5hr

Trip typeFamilies · groups · value

Budget££ · family-friendly value

⛷The skiing

La Plagne's own area is big and beautifully suited to families and intermediates, with a glacier at Bellecôte (3,250m) keeping the snow reliable up high. The Vanoise Express links across to Les Arcs for the full 425km Paradiski area. Wide, sunny cruising everywhere, gentle village nursery slopes, and enough steeper terrain and off-piste for stronger skiers.

Bellecôte glaciersnow-sure high-altitude skiing and a long descent.
Vanoise Express to Les Arcscross into Paradiski for a big two-resort day.
Village nursery areasgentle, ski-to-the-door terrain for beginners.

📍 Official piste map & live lifts (la-plagne.com) →

The Louk tip

Base in Belle Plagne or Plagne Centre for true ski-in ski-out, and don't miss the Olympic bobsleigh run - you can ride it as a passenger. Save a clear day for the Vanoise Express to Les Arcs.

🏨Where to stay

Luxury

Araû Hotel & Spa (Plagne Soleil)Smart, modern ski-in ski-out with a lovely spa.
Carlina (Belle Plagne)Comfortable 4-star right on the snow front.

Boutique & mid-range

Hôtel des Balcons (Belle Plagne)Family-friendly, ski-to-the-door and good value.
Terra Nova (Plagne Centre)Central, handy for lifts and village life.

Chalets & cosy

Montchavin / Les CochesPrettier, tree-lined lower villages with real charm.
Catered chaletsLoads of ski-to-the-door catered chalets for groups.

🍽Where to eat

On the mountain

Le Sauget (Montchavin)Rustic, well-loved mountain restaurant in the trees.
La Tour (Plagne Centre)Reliable, sunny slope-side lunches.
Les BauchesCosy hut with hearty Savoyard plates.

In town

Le Refuge (Belle Plagne)Traditional Savoyard - fondue and raclette done right.
Matahari (Plagne 1800)Long-standing favourite for a lively dinner.
Le Petit Chaperon RougeCosy and characterful for a group meal.

🍾Bars & après

Le Mine (Plagne 1800)Themed, fun and the liveliest après around.
Cheeky Monkey (Plagne Centre)Popular British-style bar with sport and music.
Igloo BarSlope-side drinks as the lifts close.
Le TunnelCentral spot for an evening out.

❄Off the slopes

Olympic bobsleighRide the 1992 Olympic track - bob-raft or the full monobob.
Sledging & snowshoeingFamily toboggan runs and quiet guided walks.
Spa & poolsHotel spas across the villages for a rest day.

🚁Getting there

The nearest airport is Geneva (around 2.5 hours), with Chambéry and Lyon around two. Transfers run up from Aime in the valley; you can also take the train to Aime-La Plagne and a short bus or transfer up.