Choose La Plagne for Last Minute Ski Holidays

Many companies offer last minute ski holidays that, if you don’t mind where you go, can see you skiing in a host of wonderful ski areas in Europe or America. Last minute ski holidays are usually offered at a discounted rate and may well include added extras such as free lift passes or transfers to resort.

In La Plagne, one of the French Alpine ski resorts, there are hundreds of ski chalets to stay in, many of which are offered on last minute ski holidays.

Introducing La Plagne

La Plagne is made up of six different areas, Aime la Plagne, Belle Plagne, Plagne Village/Soleil, Plagne Bellecote, Plagne Centre and Plagne 1800. The main part of resort is Plagne Centre and it is here that you will find the majority of the shops, bars and, of course, chalets and hotels. It might be functional and purpose-built but it is convenient and popular for its ski-in, ski-out chalets. There is good night life here and very competitively priced accommodation.

Plagne 1800 is prettier and home to more of the luxury chalets. Very much more traditional than other parts of La Plagne, the nightlife is quieter here but there is a free shuttle bus that can get you around if you want to have a night out elsewhere.

The Surrounding Villages

You may find yourself staying in one of the smaller surrounding villages. Champagny en Vanoise is a traditional village on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. It oozes charm and is the perfect place for those that enjoy Nordic walking and cross country skiing. There is a pretty church here and it has a very "local" feel.

Plagne Montalbert

This stunning little village sits right on the edge of the forest, which is home to wildlife including marmots and ibex. A typical Savoyard village, Plagne Montalbert has a quaint atmosphere, some busy bars and restaurants, and a wonderful community spirit. There is even an 18th century bread oven and a water mill too, which you can tour with a local expert.

Montchavin

This is the lowest of the surrounding villages, meaning the snow can be a bit hit and miss at times. When the snow is good though, you can ski right into the village. There are some lovely restaurants here and an authentic alpine ambience.

Les Coches

Not as picture postcard pretty as the other villages in the area, this one is purpose built but nonetheless offers some good amenities. It is home to the Vanoise Express cable car, which provides skiers access to Les Arcs and connections to a huge ski area.

If you're looking for last minute ski holidays, remember that even some of the smaller resorts and their surrounding villages should not be discounted.

Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays in La Tania and other fantastic locations. If you're looking for last minute ski holidays in catered or self catered chalets, we can help. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday call Ski Amis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.