Top tips from local chalet owners Elena & Steve
It's the busiest time of the season for most companies here in resort, but luckily we managed to grab a few minutes with Elena Dryden from Skibug, who has been running her chalet business here with partner Steve, since 2012.
She's taken time out of her busy schedule to share some of her tops tips on the ski area, the best places to grab a bite to eat or a coffee and fun things to do away from the pistes.
Hi Elena, tell us a little bit about your business, how did it start and when?
Skibug was started 10 years ago as subsidiary brand of a larger company. It’s now a stand alone business based in La Plagne with 4 chalets there and additional chalets in Tignes, Les Arcs and the 3 Valleys.
How long have you been running the company?
We took over the management of Skibug for winter 2010/2011, we did this for 2 years before being asked if we’d be interested in buying the brand. We jumped at the chance, bought the business and haven’t looked back. It became ours in July 2012.
What makes this resort a special place to be for you?
The variety of skiing, the accessible off piste and the more down to earth attitude of the resort in general.
What are the best bits about working here?
The best bits about the job are living and working in such a beautiful environment, meeting the varied and interesting guests and catching powder days in the Paradiski.
What's your favourite piste or off-piste area & top tip to go skiing?
Our favourite piste is probably Mont de la Guerre from the top of Les Verdons down towards Champagny. It’s a long red piste with incredible views and isn’t always open so it’s a real treat when it is. Our favourite off-piste would have to be the North Face of Bellecote, so many routes down. Cul du Nant towards Champagny le Haut for it’s backcountry peace and quiet or Les Bourtes down towards Belle Plagne for its challenging powder face under the bubble lift.
Where would you send someone who was after that something 'something special' in La Plagne, to stay, eat or drink?
Apart from Skibug? Hotel Cocoon in Plagne 1800 is a touch of 4 star luxury with an incredible eating experience in one of their little huts out the back. The chef cooks in front of you on a fire as you all sit round it in a cosy and intimate space.
Your personal favourite place for lunch or dinner?
Au Coin de Feu in Plagne Soleil and l’Arlequin in Aime 2000 in equal measures, both are amazing for different reasons.
Where will we find the best coffee or hot chocolate?
Inversens Cafe near Roche de Mio does the best hot choc and for a cheeky 1 euro espresso, you can’t beat La Cheminee in Plagne Centre. (Or Steve can do a fine Aeropress coffee at home!)
What has been your best ever day in this resort?
A skitouring/splitboarding morning up Mont Jovet followed by the fantastic pizza down at Chalet de La Roche.
Do you remember your first trip to La Plagne? What brought you here?
After a season in Ste. Foy we arrived in La Plagne the next winter to manage Skibug, we couldn’t believe how big the area was after the small but amazing Ste. Foy.
What's your favourite thing to do in resort when not skiing or snowboarding?
Apart from walking our Irish Terrier, Marvin? Airboard with Christophe from Reflex Ski School is incredible fun, down to La Roche from Aime 2000 on an inflatable board. Check it out, you’ll love it.
What do you do in the summer?
We head back to the UK, then we have a welcome rest after the winter and usually a holiday somewhere. There’s usually some maintenance to do in some of the chalets so we’ll pay a visit to France, do some mountain biking and generally hang out and take it easy after a full on winter.
Which is your favourite shop in resort?
Snow Planet for the best snowboarding kit and Planks for the coolest ski gear.
Where are we most likely to find you for après-ski?
We’re normally in Bar La Mine in 1800, the team that run it are awesome, we also live very close to it so it’s a little too easy to get there sometimes. For a few cheeky beers after a few runs down into Plagne Centre we’ll head to La Cheminee, another great team in there, very French, very friendly and a free Genepi before you leave on most occasions.
Skiing or snowboarding? What's your preference & why?
Steve is a snowboarder, I'm predominantly a skier but snowboard when I fancy a change.
If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in resort?
Oh, tricky one this as there’s so much to do, I guess it would have to be the bobsleigh track from the 1992 winter Olympics which is now open to the public for a not to be missed experience. There’s 3 different and increasingly exhilarating ‘bob’ activities to choose from and you can buy a video of the experience at the end.
Find out more about Skibug and take a look at their chalets in La Plagne (Dionnee, Nichoir, Marine & Luciole), Les Arcs (Eagle's Nest), Tignes (Sauterelle) and the 3 Valleys (Papillon & Chenille).
Find out all about what is happening in La Plagne and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsEach of the La Plagne resorts, as well as the surrounding villages, holds a number of events throughout the year. Ice climbing competitions and ski races take place in the winter months, in addition to the usual après-ski parties featuring live bands and DJs. The summer, on the other hand, attracts a number of trail running and cycling competitions, as well as live concerts.
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