Skiing in Plagne 1800
As well as its impressive pistes and location, the balance of tradition and accessibility set Plagne 1800 apart as a fun, vibrant but also lower-key resort. Modern amenities like ski-in, ski-out accommodation, reputable ski schools and a variety of exciting après-ski hotspots make this a premier destination for any ski fanatic. It’s also incredibly popular with families thanks to its dedicated children’s areas, nurseries and numerous “kids will love this” activities that are guaranteed to keep the little ones entertained away from the slopes.
Whether your idea of a good time involves cruising the resort’s incredible slopes, soaking in the picture postcard-worthy mountain views or simply sitting back and enjoying the cosy atmosphere away from the chaos of everyday life, Plagne 1800 offers an unforgettable experience. In short, it’s the kind of place where you can ski all day, unwind by a roaring fire in the evening and wake up to crisp mountain air and snow-dusted chalets - just the way a winter holiday should be.
Plagne 1800's enjoys a vibrant après-ski scene that involves everything for everyone; from après-ski drinks at a lively bar to indulging in delicious French cuisine at one of numerous eating spots. The resort offers a perfect combination of stunning alpine beauty, diverse skiing terrain, excellent facilities, and vibrant après-ski options, making it an ideal destination for a memorable winter getaway.
Plagne 1800's enjoys a vibrant après-ski scene that involves everything for everyone; from après-ski drinks at a lively bar to indulging in delicious French cuisine at one of numerous eating spots. The resort offers a perfect combination of stunning alpine beauty, diverse skiing terrain, excellent facilities, and vibrant après-ski options, making it an ideal destination for a memorable winter getaway.
The ski season in La Plagne 1800 typically runs from December to April, and the resort offers a wide variety of slopes for skiers of all levels. The resort has a total of 91km of slopes, with the longest run stretching for 7km. There are also a variety of off-piste and free riding options for more experienced skiers. A La Plagne ski pass gives access to the resort's modern lift system, with a total of 50 lifts, including chairlifts, gondolas, and surface lifts.
La Plagne 1800 also offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly apartments. Many of the accommodations offer ski-in/ski-out access, making it easy for visitors to hit the slopes. There are also a number of shops, supermarkets and ski rental shops in the village, making it easy to stock up on supplies or rent ski equipment.
Plagne 1800 is part of the La Plagne ski area, which is linked to Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express – a double-decker cable car and arguably the sparkly jewel of the massive Paradiski domain that conveniently links the valley between Les Arcs and La Plagne in only 4 minutes. Sitting at a decent altitude of 1,800m (which explains the name!), Plagne 1800 boasts access to slopes reaching up to a dizzying 3,250m at the Bellecôte Glacier. This high-altitude setting basically guarantees fantastic snow conditions throughout the season, with skiing available from December to late April and glacier skiing from October to May.
The Paradiski area itself offers a whopping 425km of pistes serviced by over 160 state-of-the-art lifts. In La Plagne alone, there are 225 runs catering to all levels and abilities, including its famous tree-lined, north-facing slopes, which provide excellent snow retention and shelter from the wind.
Freeriders should 100% make a beeline for the Bellecôte’s North Face, while beginners and intermediates will love the wide, perpetually groomed pistes on offer throughout the entire resort. With such a vast ski area to explore, you’ll always find fresh snow and new runs to discover.
Plagne 1800 is what can only be described as a skier’s paradise, with a fun selection of slopes and terrain to suit every type of rider. Here’s why you should book your next ski holiday to Plagne 1800:
- Beginners will love the gentle green and blue runs right in the Plagne 1800 area, which are particularly perfect for building confidence. The Belle Plagne zone is also great for learners, with wide, forgiving pistes making progression almost feel easy!
- Intermediate and more experienced skiers are also spoilt for choice with seemingly endless red runs across La Plagne. The Funiplagne area is particularly popular, offering stunning descents with varied terrain to keep things exciting.
- Confident skiers should pit their wits and skills against the Roche de Mio and Bellecôte Glacier – home to challenging black runs and thrilling off-piste sections.
- Freeriders will love spending entire ski days playing on the natural terrain, with the North Face of Bellecôte standing out as one of the most legendary off-piste descents in the area. Ski tourers will also find great routes beyond the marked trails, offering a chance to escape the crowds and explore the untouched backcountry.
Snowboarders will be in their element in Plagne 1800, thanks to its mix of wide and open pistes, accessible off-piste areas and dedicated freestyle zones. Here’s why snowboarders should choose Plagne Centre for their next holiday:
- Park rats should make a beeline for the Plagne 1800 Snowpark, where they can master all the moves under the mountain sun on the area’s many jumps, rails and halfpipe.
- The Belle Plagne Boardercross is another must-visit, offering an adrenaline-pumping course perfect for thrill seekers wanting to feel the wind in their hair!
- Beginner snowboarders have more than enough to explore with a decent selection of slopes for confidence-building. In contrast, advanced riders can take on the steep, powder-filled routes of Bellecôte and beyond. Even better... the resort’s modern lift system is completely snowboarder-friendly – aka no awkward T-Bars here!
Thanks to its high altitude and north-facing slopes, Plagne 1800 enjoys excellent snow conditions throughout the season. The whole Paradiski area is known for its reliable snowfall, so you can expect well-covered pistes and fresh powder all winter long.
The Bellecôte Glacier is a standout feature within La Plagne. With snow-sure skiing from early autumn to late spring, Plagne 1800 is a great choice for early or late-season trips. The resort also benefits from modern snow-making facilities, which cover over 70% of the pistes and ensure top-tier conditions even in milder spells.
Freeriders will be more than happy exploring the almost endless off-piste opportunities. The North Face of Bellecôte in particular is any
backcountry rider’s dream, while the
glacier offers several high-altitude powder stashes for more experienced skiers to play on. With a mix of well-maintained slopes and
thrilling backcountry terrain, Plagne 1800 has something for every level of
skier.
Plagne 1800 offers a cosy and welcoming après-ski scene that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day on the slopes. While it might not have the wild and high-energy nightlife of some of the Alps’ larger resorts, the resort still serves up a fun evening. Here are some of our highlights:
- Start your evening with a vin chaud or craft beer at one of the village’s charming bars, like Le Saloon Bar, where you can enjoy live music and a lively crowd of fellow ski fanatics.
- Foodies will love La Bergerie – a local favourite offering authentic Savoyard cuisine in a rustic chalet setting. Indulge in melted cheese fondue, tartiflette and raclette - *all* the cheese goodness and the ultimate comfort food after a long, but rewarding, day on the slopes.
- If you’re after something a little different, head to Bar La Mine – a mine-themed tavern with live music, a buzzing dance floor and even a real mine cart! Yes, you read that right…
- If you’re looking for a relaxed night out, why not take an evening snowshoe walk or unwind by the fire with hot chocolate? Après-ski in Plagne 1800 is all about enjoying the simple pleasures – think good food, great company and unbeatable mountain views.
Plagne 1800 is well-equipped to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. From ski hire shops offering top-tier equipment to expert ski schools catering to all ages and abilities, everything you need is at your ski tips.
After a full day on the mountain, unwind at one of the resort’s spa and wellness centres, like Spa Bellecôte. Many hotels and chalets offer saunas, hot tubs and massage services - perfect for easing tired muscles ready for another day of ski action! You’ve got plenty of shopping options, too, including supermarkets mountain boutiques and local craft stores for souvenirs. A free shuttle bus connects Plagne 1800 to other villages in the La Plagne area, making it easy to explore beyond your base.
With a wide range of facilities to keep children entertained and, most importantly, safe, Plagne 1800 is a fantastic choice for families. The resort’s ski schools offer lessons to kids as young as 3, headed up by patient instructors who specialise in teaching beginners and nervous first-timers. Many schools also provide fun, games-based learning to help little ones build confidence on the snow.
Good news for parents... There are also nurseries and daycare options for younger children, meaning the grownups can enjoy some time on the slopes knowing their mini-mes are in good hands. The Piou Piou Club is a popular choice, and it offers a mix of skiing and playtime for toddlers.
Off the slopes, Plagne 1800 has plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. There are play areas with sledging slopes and climbing frames, as well as family-friendly activities like ice skating and snowshoeing. The resort also hosts events and workshops for children, from arts and crafts to treasure hunts, so small skiers won’t have time to be bored.
