Make the most of early season skiing

Enjoy an early season ski break this year

Imprint: By Ian Huyton, Updated 29 June 2026

Here's some more great reasons to make that early ski season trip.

Traditionally the winter ski season begins the last weekend of November or the first weekend in December, and for those of you lucky enough to be there you can count yourselves among the first skiers of the winter.

The start of December can be a great time to ski, the temperatures are usually cold and the snow can be fantastic. The potential downsides are that the snow cover might be poor on the lower slopes and only the main lifts tend to be open.

A lot of your decisions will depend on snow conditions and lift opening. It's important to keep an eye on the forecast, but whether it's sunshine or snow if the temperatures are cold enough, for sure the resorts will have their best snowmaking efforts in operation on the lower slopes.

Whatever the weather, you'll find enough snow to give your legs a good warm up.

Budget Hotels in La Plagne

For those opening their doors to guests in early December, you may well be offered a lovely discount for being this year's guinea pigs as they try out their new chalet staff. Hotels and apartment rental companies can also be a little bit more flexible on duration of stay at this time of year.

Les Nereides Apartment Residence

Location
Belle-Plagne

The Residence Les Néréïdes offers ski-in, ski-out access combined with close proximity to the centre of the resort.
Les Hauts Bois Premium Apartment Residence, Aime La Plagne

Location
Aime La Plagne

In respecting the architecture and the use of traditional Savoyards materials, this Pierre and Vacances Premium residence offers luxury apartments, the majority of which offer splendid, clear views of the resort and the surrounding peaks.
Emeraud Apartment Residence

Location
Belle-Plagne

The residence comprises 2 wood, stone and slate buildings located 50m from the ski lifts and all the shops and services.
Les Constellations Apartment Residence

Location
Belle-Plagne

Residence Les Constellations is made up of 6 large chalets with slate roofs and wooden facades. You can leave directly on your skis and the residence has the advantage of a quiet setting in the heart of the resort's activities.
Le Mont Soleil Apartment Residence, Plagne Soleil / Village

The architecture of the Le Mont Soleil Residence, with its wood-covered façades, is inspired by traditional chalets.
Le Quartz Apartment Residence

Location
Belle-Plagne

The Pierre & Vacances Quartz Residence at Belle Plagne is a totally renovated ski residence that offers high comfort apartments in a great location.

Ski Hire in La Plagne

At this time of year the ski hire shops have just gotten all their new skis and snowboards ready for this winter's customers. This a great opportunity to take some time to chat to the experts, they will unusually have some time, and try something new. And if you don't like it, take it back and swap for something else.

Centre

Location
Plagne 1800

Ski and snowboard rental in the main shopping gallery in Plagne Centre. Coming from Plagne Village, there is a free cable car (télébus) opened from 8.30am to 7pm. From Plagne Soleil a free shuttle bus can drive you to the shop each 15 minutes. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
Les Coches

Location
Les Coches

No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your first skiing day.
Belle Plagne Sports II

Location
Belle-Plagne

Want to rent skis or snowboards in La Plagne? Just visit the Skiset Belle Plagne Sports 2 store!
Plagne Soleil

Location
Plagne Villages

Florian and his team will give you a warm welcome and guide you through your choice of equipment.
Centre Sport

Location
Champagny-en-Vanoise

In the heart of the resort, Centre Sport is ideally located close to the ski slopes and ski lifts.
Plagne Bellecôte Centre

Location
Plagne Bellecote

Their store is ideally situated at Plagne Bellecôte Centre, easily accessible from the snow front and very close to the ski lifts. This means you can pick up your equipment and be on the slopes within minutes, maximizing your time for exceptional skiing.

Ski Schools in La Plagne

Not all tour operators are up and running in resort until just before Christmas, so the resorts tend to be quieter, which means it'll just be you, some locals and day trippers. With this in mind the lift pass companies often do special rates for those coming to ski before Christmas, and you can get a private ski lesson booked in to make sure your skills on the slopes are in top condition before the season really gets going.

Private ski lessons

Suitable for beginners and experienced skiers. Private lessons are a great way to improve your technique, learn new snow sports or just regain your confidence as more intensive work can be done when the instructors are able to give you more of their time.
Group ski lessons

Whatever your standard, this ski school is able to help you improve and gain confidence on your skis or snowboard. They offer group lessons from the age of three, upwards.
Group ski lessons

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Group ski lessons

This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Group ski lessons

Whatever your standard, this ski school is able to help you improve and gain confidence on your skis or snowboard. They offer group lessons from the age of three, upwards.
Private ski lessons

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.

Nightlife in La Plagne

Early season temperatures tend to be colder, and the forecast is for snow. So, pop into a cosy mountain restaurant or bar and order a well-deserved mulled wine to warm up, or make your way down to one of the bars and hotels at the foot of the slopes.

At this time of year, resort staff outnumber holidaymakers in the bars. It's opening party season and there is something going on almost every night. News usually travels by word of mouth, so pop into a bar for après ski, get friendly with the staff and find out where the party is later on. With fewer people about than in peak season, you will find some busy bars, some quiet ones and some that are still closed.

See our Nightlife Guide

Araucaria Bar

Location
Plagne Centre

Après-ski takes on a whole new dimension at the Araucaria Bar in La Plagne. Set at the heart of the hotel’s spacious lobby, this elegant bar invites you to settle in around its stunning oak and marble counter for an evening of relaxation and refined alpine charm.
La Tête Inn

Location
Belle-Plagne

La Tête Inn Bar is the friendly meeting place at the heart of Belle Plagne, where good food, great drinks, and a warm mountain atmosphere come together. Created by passionate locals, this cosy bar-snack spot offers a relaxed, welcoming setting that’s perfect for après-ski drinks, a quick bite, or a laid-back evening with friends.
Bar Fort Colorado

Location
Plagne Centre

Step into a Wild West adventure at Bar Fort Colorado, perched right on the snow front in La Plagne Centre. This lively après-ski spot is perfect for anyone looking to unwind after a day on the slopes, offering a fun, rustic atmosphere straight out of a frontier tale. With its Wild West-themed fort, the bar is a unique sight amidst the Alpine scenery, making it a memorable stop for both first-timers and regulars.
La Mine Bar

Location
Plagne 1800

La Mine Bar is a charming English pub nestled in a chalet in the heart of Plagne 1800, offering a unique après-ski experience with its authentic mining-themed décor. Step inside and you’re transported to a cosy, atmospheric setting where rustic charm meets lively entertainment, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors.
Bar Le 5 à 7 Siete

Location
Plagne Villages

Le 5 a 7siète is a welcoming bar and restaurant at the heart of Plagne Soleil, offering a warm Alpine atmosphere that celebrates the art of the mountains and the best local artisans and producers. Perfectly positioned, it’s the ideal spot to relax after a morning on the slopes or to enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends and family.
La Bodega Bar

Location
Belle-Plagne

At 2050 metres, La Bodega is the go-to spot in Belle Plagne for good food, drinks, and lively evenings. Conveniently located in the centre of the resort and just steps from the slopes, it’s ideal for relaxing after a day on the mountain.

Things to do in La Plagne

In addition to skiing and opening parties, there's always plenty to do away from the slopes, such as ice skating, husky sledding or some early present shopping at the Christmas market.

See our Activity Guide

Snowshoeing

Location
Plagne Villages

Leave your skis and snowboard behind and go off the beaten track on snowshoes!
Rafting In The Alps

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
Hydrospeeding

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
Heliskiing/boarding

For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
Taxi Ski Service

Location
Plagne 1800

State-of-the-art Taxi Ski chair makes the slopes accessible to everyone
Helicopter tours

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.