The landscape of the La Plagne plateau seems perfectly suited to skiing - the pistes are stretched out over a large area, positioned in the centre of a huge bowl-shaped corrie. It is contained to the east, south and west by towering mountains with altitudes varying from 2500m to 2700m, thus protecting its slopes from the wind and allowing trees to grow happily up to 2300m. This site, with a slight inclination to the north, preserves the snow as well as being a perfect sun-trap and offers an impressive view of Mont Blanc's Italian face.
Emile Allais, the downhill skiing world champion in 1937, said of La Plagne, “extraordinary possibilities, the most original of resorts, sun and snow guaranteed.”
La Plagne is part of one of the largest ski areas in the world. The Vanoise Express connects La Plagne (via Les Coches) to Plan Peisey in Les Arcs, creating the combined Paradiski ski area. The ski range in La Plagne goes from 1250m to 3250m, and includes 225km of marked pistes and 89 ski lifts.
Snowparks can be found in Plagne Centre, Belle Plagne, Chapagny and Montchavin - Les Coches, whilst there is a half-pipe at Plagne Bellecote.
www.skilaplagne.co.uk
Our favourite runs...
Beginners:
A favourite for beginners is the Vega chairlift out of Plagne Centre giving access to Ramy or to Plagne Bellecote using Trieuse
Intermediates:
Try the challenging red mogul pitches down from Roche de Mio to Les Bauches
Advanced:
Attempt the two beautiful long black runs from Bellecote to a lift below Col de la Chiaupe
Off-piste:
Favourite off-piste areas include the Face Nord be Bellecote departing from 3200m and arriving at 1500m at the entrance to the Vanoise National Park, returning via the Vanoise Express. A guide is always recommended
