La Plagne is a great French resort for all abilities and ages, that offers something for everyone. You can reach it from most major airports in around 2.5 hours and the snow train is also an option as from Bourg St Maurice it is just a short 40 minute trip up the hill.
Linked with Les Arcs, La Plagne offers a huge range of skiing and with the recent addition of the Vanoise express linking both resorts together, it is definitely a resort that should be ticked off the list. La Plagne has its pros and its cons like any other but with so many options available, how do you choose where to stay? Below you will find reviews of three of the main villages to help you decide where suits your needs best.
Belle Plagne - 2050m:
Being one of the highest villages in this resort it offers a snow-sure option to those that may worry. Situated at 2050 meters this is higher than many other resorts in the Tarentaise area. The village is directly linked with the Plagne Bellecote by the telecabine which is open until 10pm to help people get back to their respective villages after the main lifts close. It is one of the better designed villages for access and the whole village is linked together via a covered walkway. The majority of accommodation here is ski in/ski out as well, which is a great plus point. For those that choose to drive out to the resort, underground parking is available.
Plagne Centre - 1970m:
Plagne centre is the "original" resort which was first opened in 1961. Plagne Centre has it all; a large shopping centre, good bars and restaurants, and the majority of the catered chalets are operator-run too. There are a number of lifts that take you to every side of the bowl, which allows you to get around the whole of the ski area very easily. Plagne Centre is great for all abilities but it is renowned for getting very busy at peak times especially where the ski schools meet, so you want to avoid this if possible. It is not the prettiest of the villages but it is a great choice for those wanting easy access to skiing, great shopping and decent nightlife.
Plagne 1800:
If you are looking for a quiet, relaxed and charming village with an ‘at home’ feel, then this is the one for you. Plagne 1800 is a great resort for beginners or families and it is where a lot of chalets are.
There are two lifts out of the resort and a free lift for beginners too with a ski school meeting point. There are good bus links up to the other villages and a few nice restaurants and bars too. This is not the village for you if you want to be in the hustle and bustle of La Plagne, and it can also be quite a long slog to get over to Les Arcs from Plagne 1800 too!
All in all, Belle Plagne is the resort for great ski access and altitude, Plagne Centre is for those wanting to be in the thick of it and Plagne 1800 is the perfect choice for families.
Anna Campbell writes for a range of topics and industries including travel and health. Anna is a keen traveller in her spare time, and is particularly passionate about spending her winter holidays in snug ski chalets http://www.luxury-ski-chalets.co.uk/. Anna currently lives and works in Brighton with her pug Charlie.
