Skiing in La Plagne Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Look up any guides to the best skiing in the Alps and, chances are, La Plagne will come in there somewhere. After it, it has all the statistics to back up its place among the best ski resorts in the world. That doesn’t mean, however, that it should cost an arm and a leg to have a great holiday there. With last minute ski deals, the right tour company, and some careful planning, you’ll find that a fabulous ski holiday on a budget is definitely doable.

About La Plagne

With a snow topped glacier at 3,250m and pistes that go all the way to up 1,250m, guaranteeing skiing from the doorstep, La Plagne’s 225km of marked runs and a cable car linking another 200km through its neighbour Les Arcs, La Plagne forms a major part of the most popular ski destinations in the Alps: Paradiski.

Composed of ten separate villages – six purposely built as ski villages (Plagne Centre, Plagne Villages, Aime 2000 and Plagne Soleil, Plagne 1800 and Belle Plagne), and four charming traditional farming villages (Montalbert, Montchavin, Les Coches and Champagny) – La Plagne offers a variety of experiences. There are plenty of affordable options for accommodation and skiing for those savvy enough to book last minute ski deals.

What to Expect

Unlike its high-end neighbours, there’s nothing too intimidating about La Plagne. Not the prices, nor the degree of difficulty of the skiing to be had. Should you among those who’ve managed to grab last minute ski deals to any of these villages, you’ll have your choice of wide, gentle slopes suited to holidaymakers with various degrees of expertise. And don’t worry, while most of the pistes are safe and easy, there are still a few for the daring and adventurous, too.

As for après-ski and entertainment after dark, there are quite a few restaurants around, but you’ll need to make sure you know where you’re going. While all the villages are linked by pistes and terrain for the sake of good skiing, some of them are quite distant from each other, so knowing where to go and what transport is necessary is wise. La Mine bar, for instance, is a traditional English pub with a mining theme in Plagne 1800, while le Saloon is way below in Belle Plagne - not quite the best route for bar-hopping!

Not Just Skiing

Of course, while good skiing is a given, it doesn’t mean it’s the only activity available. For instance, there is a great 1500-metre long Olympic bob (reopening in July 2015) run that one can taxi down to, or bobsled race on for a modest fee. There are also pistes for bulleting down on a luge as well.

Activities for families are readily available, especially in summer. These include white-water rafting, helicopter tours, mountain biking and quad biking. So next time last minute ski deals for La Plagne turn up in your inbox, give the idea some thought!

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 deals 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.