Here's some more great reasons to make that early ski season trip.
Make the most of early season skiing
Enjoy an early season ski break this year
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.
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Les Nereides Apartment Residence
A 4 star Belle Plagne aparthotel
The Residence Les Néréïdes offers ski-in, ski-out access combined with close proximity to the centre of the resort.
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Emeraud Apartment Residence
A three star aparthotel in Belle Plagne
The residence comprises 2 wood, stone and slate buildings located 50m from the ski lifts and all the shops and services.
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Les Hauts Bois Residence
A premium aparthotel in 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.
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Le Quartz Apartment Residence
A 4 star aparthotel in 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.
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Le Mont Soleil Apartment Residence, Plagne Soleil / Village
A 4 star aparthotel in La Plagne
The architecture of the Le Mont Soleil Residence, with its wood-covered façades, is inspired by traditional chalets.
Read more about Le Mont Soleil Apartment Residence, Plagne Soleil / Village
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Les Constellations Apartment Residence
A three star aparthotel in 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.
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.
Bars & Clubs in La Plagne
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Araucaria Bar
Modern and spacious lobby bar inside an alpine-style hotel right on the slopes
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.
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La Tête Inn
Lovely pub-style bar in Belle Plagne with a cosy atmosphere
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.
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Monica's Pub
Slopeside bar and restaurant with live music, DJs and a huge selection of beers
Le Monica’s is a popular restaurant in the centre of Plagne Soleil, known for its large sunny terrace and varied menu. Its pizzas are a standout, offering excellent quality and generous portions at good prices. Perfectly placed beside the Bergerie lift and accessible from the Ecartés blue piste, it’s ideal for daytime stops. In the evening, shuttle buses make access easy, and the basement bar keeps the atmosphere lively after dinner.
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Igloo Igloo Bar
The ‘coolest’ igloo-themed bar and live music venue, popular with residents and visitors
Welcome to Igloo Igloo Bar, one of La Plagne’s most vibrant après-ski spots, where live music and DJ sets set the tone for an unforgettable evening. This lively bar is the perfect place to let loose after a day on the slopes, offering a fun, energetic atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors alike.
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Le Bowling Bar
Lively bar with bowling alley, pool, live sports on big screen TVs and activities for the kids
Le Bowling Bar in La Plagne offers a unique blend of fun, relaxation, and friendly competition, making it a must-visit for visitors of all ages. Combining the excitement of bowling with the welcoming atmosphere of a bar, it’s the perfect spot for unforgettable evenings with friends or family. Whether you’re a keen bowler or simply looking for a place to unwind, the venue caters to everyone with a lively, relaxed environment and plenty of entertainment.
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La Bodega Bar
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.
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.
Ski Hire in La Plagne
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Allais Ski Boardshop
Located next to Odalys Pelvoux and the main ticket office in Plagne Centre
Want to rent snowboards in La Plagne? Just visit the Skiset Allais Ski Boardshop store!
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Centre Station
Ski & board hire conveniently close to the main lift pass office in Plagne Soleil
Want to rent skis or snowboards in La Plagne? Just visit the Skiset Centre Station store!
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Montchavin Les 3 Glaciers
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
The shop in Montchavin is based in the prestigious 3 Glaciers residence. You can easily get to us on a free resort bus from Montchavin Centre, just in front of the Police Municipale. By car, take the direction for VVF and 5 hair pin turns later you’ll find their building. You can also get to the shop via the pistes and we have a pick-up service for those arriving by train to bring you up to the shop (please book this service online).
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Montchavin
Ski and snowboard shop near the Petit Montchavin chairlift
Ski hire located in the Montchavin village, next to the ski school. Established since 1972 and evolved to a modern shop with specialised boot fitting and expert team.
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Robino 3 R
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in La Plagne
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 1st skiing day.
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Slalom Sports
Just opposite the main ticket office and the foot of the pistes
Claude welcomes you to his store Slalom Sports in Les Coches. The store is situated just 100 metres from the ski-pass office and the slopes.
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.
Ski School Lessons in La Plagne
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Group Ski Lessons - Plagne Centre
Quality, affordable group ski lessons
Group lessons offer a friendly way to learn skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports in La Plagne Centre, with over 200 qualified instructors providing tuition in English and other languages. From beginners to advanced skiers, you can develop your skills alongside others at a similar level, following the French ski-level system to choose suitable lessons, build confidence and track your progress. This structured approach has successfully taught hundreds of thousands of skiers over the years.
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Private Ski Lessons - Plagne Centre
Move to the next level with a private ski or snowboard lesson just for you
Private lessons offer personalised tuition in English and other languages, with over 200 qualified instructors covering everything from skiing and snowboarding to off-piste and adaptive skiing. You can focus on your own goals while following the French ski-level system, a structured approach to learning that helps you choose the right levels and lessons, build confidence, and track your progress. The French approach has successfully taught hundreds of thousands of skiers over the years.
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
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.
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Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Private Ski Lessons - Plagne 1800
Move to the next level with a private ski or snowboard lesson just for you
Private lessons offer personalised tuition in English and other languages, with over 200 qualified instructors covering everything from skiing and snowboarding to off-piste and adaptive skiing. You can focus on your own goals while following the French ski-level system, a structured approach to learning that helps you choose the right levels and lessons, build confidence, and track your progress. The French approach has successfully taught hundreds of thousands of skiers over the years.
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Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
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.
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.
Things To Do in La Plagne
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Adaptive Ski Lessons
Adaptive skiing lessons offer a way for people with disabilities or reduced mobility to discover skiing and enjoy the slopes in La Plagne. With specialist instructors and adapted equipment, including sit skiing and standing skiing with a Trottiski, lessons are tailored to your individual abilities, needs and experience. Whether you're trying skiing for the first time or looking to develop your skills and independence, you can enjoy personalised tuition and build confidence at your own pace.
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Kids' Snow Camp & Ski Lessons Villages
Lessons and ski camps for different age groups in La Plagne
Children's ski camps and multi-day lessons in La Plagne offer a friendly way to learn skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports, with over 200 qualified instructors providing tuition in English and other languages. From little ones taking their first steps on snow to older children and teenagers looking to develop their skills, there are courses to suit different ages and abilities. Following the French ski-level system, children can build confidence, progress at their own pace and work towards recognised milestones. This structured approach has successfully taught hundreds of thousands of skiers over the years.
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Rafting In The Alps
Half and full day white water rafting for all abilities from eight years-old
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.
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Childcare & Babysitting
Independent nannies and babysitters based in La Plagne
Book and choose your own experienced ski nanny in La Plagne online. Register for free, share your holiday dates and childcare requirements, and receive profiles of available in-resort nannies within three days. Review their experience, qualifications, DBS checks and references, then speak to your preferred nannies as many times as you like, even before leaving the UK. With the freedom to choose your own nanny and arrange childcare around your ski plans, it's a convenient way to organise childcare for your holiday.
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Kids' Snow Camp & Ski Lessons Soleil
Lessons and ski camps for different age groups in La Plagne
Children's ski camps and multi-day lessons in La Plagne offer a friendly way to learn skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports, with over 200 qualified instructors providing tuition in English and other languages. From little ones taking their first steps on snow to older children and teenagers looking to develop their skills, there are courses to suit different ages and abilities. Following the French ski-level system, children can build confidence, progress at their own pace and work towards recognised milestones. This structured approach has successfully taught hundreds of thousands of skiers over the years.
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Hydrospeeding
Half-day white water swimming/hydrospeeding. This is fast, fun and unforgettable
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.
