Top 10 things for non-skiers to do in La Plagne winter 2019

Non-skier things to do in La Plagne

Can't ski, won't ski? It's not all downhill you know

Imprint: By Tracy Wise, Updated 13 August 2026

When your family and friends want to go skiing, but it really isn't your cup of tea, don't panic.

You don't have to be a skier to fall in love with La Plagne. Whilst the resort is famous for its world-class slopes, it's also packed with unforgettable experiences for visitors who'd rather keep their feet off the pistes. From soaring cable cars and scenic mountain vistas to snowshoe walks, indulgent spas and cosy cafés with spectacular views, there's plenty to enjoy at every pace. Whether you're travelling with skiers or simply looking for a different kind of alpine escape, here are the best things for non-skiers to do in La Plagne.

Hire a guide or go on a tour

Escape into the mountains on a snowshoe (raquette) adventure and discover peaceful landscapes beyond the ski pistes. Guided half-day, full-day and evening excursions typically include equipment and transport, taking you through forests, valleys and high alpine terrain. La Plagne offers beautiful winter walking routes around Montalbert, Montchavin and Les Coches, with stunning views towards Mont Blanc. The Enchanted Pastures trail is especially popular with families. Easy walks can be enjoyed in hiking boots or snowshoes, depending on conditions. For a greater challenge, experienced skiers can try ski touring, following marked routes or exploring further afield with a guide.

ESF mountain guides

Location
Plagne 1800

The best way to get to know the ski area quick is with a guide. They'll show you the best places in resort so you can start enjoying your holiday immediately.
ESF mountain guides

Location
Plagne Villages

One of the best ways to make the most of your holiday is to hire a ski guide.
ESF mountain guides

Location
Plagne 1800

Hiring a ski guide is a fantastic way to get to know your way around the ski area and fine the best place in resort quickly without wasting time.
ESF mountain guides

Location
Plagne Villages

One of the best ways to make the most of your holiday is to hire a ski guide so you can get to know the best areas of resort quickly without wasting time.
Backcountry ski guides

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A private ski or snowboard session for all ability levels – on and off-piste. It’s all about fun, improvement and discovering new off piste terrain.
Moonbike adventures

Location
Plagne 1800

Feel the need… the need for speed? These electric snow bikes are three times lighter than a snowmobile, whisper-quiet and seriously powerful - a ride you won’t want to miss.

Après-ski with everyone else

You don't have to ski to enjoy "après-ski". Meet up with the rest of your group in a local bar and share stories from your day over a beer. Alternatively for a different kind of activity you can all head to the floodlit rink at Bellecôte - the natural rink is perfect for beginners with a special area reserved just for novices. Or grab a sled and head to one of the free sledging zones.

See our Nightlife Guide

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.
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 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.
Le Bowling Bar

Location
Belle-Plagne

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.
Igloo Igloo Bar

Location
Plagne Centre

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.
Vins & Un

Location
Aime La Plagne

Vins & Un Bar is a charming wine and tapas bar in La Plagne, perfect for those looking to unwind after a day on the slopes. With a cosy, inviting atmosphere, this friendly spot specialises in over thirty different wines, offering something to suit every taste, whether you’re a connoisseur or just enjoying a glass with friends.

Nordic skiing

Still looking for something to occupy your time? There's always cross-country skiing to try. An extremely popular mountain sport, known as 'ski de fond' in France, there are around 453km of cross-country tracks available in the Paradiski area. From conventional track-based skiing, skating or back-country touring, there's something for all levels. You can hire equipment and arrange lessons locally, and the views are to die for!

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

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

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.
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.
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.

Book a table up the mountain

You don't have to ski when you go up the mountain. There are a number of piste-side restaurants that offer some slap up French cuisine with a glass of fine local wine. Many restaurants have well priced lunchtime set menus offering the same cuisine as their main menus, but often with considerable discounts. Some offer wine tasting sessions also.

Chalet de la Grande Rochette Restaurant

Location
Aime La Plagne

Easy to get to on skis, snowboard, or on foot.
Le Chalet du Friolin Restaurant

Location
Montchavin

You can dine on the sun terrace with fantastic views of the mountains or in the warm and cosy dining room with log fireplace.
Le ChairLift Restaurant

Location
Plagne Villages

A great spot for a lunchtime stop during your day out on the mountain, serving international as well as local Savoyarde cuisine.
Les Inversens Restaurant

Location
Plagne Bellecote

Restaurant serving simple French and local specialities. Their terrace has stunning panoramic views.
Les Pierres Blanches Restaurant

Location
Les Coches

This restaurant, bar and terrace at the top of the Pierres Blanc chairlift offers stunning views over the surrounding mountains, perfect both for summer and winter.
Chalet des Verdons Sud Restaurant

This is a mountain chalet-style restaurant in the middle of the pistes.

Visit some local highlights

There are a surprising number of cultural attractions, our highlights include something to do with your skiing friends and family. Located at the top of the Plagne Bellecôte glacier at 3,417m is the grotto. The colours inside range from blue to green, plus you'll find sculpted animals and statues, a truly beautiful sight and one not to miss. Or drop into the local Ecrins cinema, grab a box of popcorn and catch up on the latest releases - look for VOST or VO (version originale) for English language films.

Vanoise National Park

Location
Champagny-en-Vanoise

The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Archaeological Museum

Location
Aime La Plagne

The exhibits in this museum range from the Neolithic all the way to the present day.
Grottes des Glaces

In the Chiaupe glacier at the top of Bellecôte (3,417m), an ice cave has been dug every winter since 2005.

Treat yourself

If all of that sounds far too active and you really just want to pamper yourself and read your book, or stare at the view, there are numerous spas and treatment rooms you can enjoy. Many hotels have exclusive luxury spas which are open to non-guests for a fee, and mobile massage companies will arrange to visit you at your chalet or apartment.

Le Carlina Spa

Location
Belle-Plagne

Located in the Carlina Hotel, this spa offers beauty treatments using SNŐ products.
Araucaria Nuxe Spa

Location
Aime La Plagne

This NUXE spa in Hotel Araucaria is equipped with a sauna, steam room, balneotherapy shower and Jacuzzi.
Deep Nature Spa

Location
Belle-Plagne

Discover a 1,500m² wellness area in the heart of Belle Plagne resort.
Bellecôte Spa

Location
Plagne Bellecote

Sauna, hammam, beauty treatments and massages.
Les Balcons Spa

Location
Belle-Plagne

Enjoy some pampering treatments, available by appointment, at this spa in the Les Balcons de Belle Plagne.
Massage Me

Massage Me work across the French Alps and can offer a whole variety of massages and treatments in your own chalet, apartment or hotel.

Things to do in La Plagne

For an unforgettable adrenaline rush, experience La Plagne’s Olympic Bobsleigh track, choosing from the Speed Luge, Bob Raft or the high-speed Bob Racing, which reaches up to 120km/h. Thrill-seekers can also try Airboard, speeding head-first down a 5km descent, or enjoy evening skidoo tours, husky sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides. For spectacular alpine views, take a tandem paragliding flight or helicopter tour. If you prefer something more relaxing, unwind at the heated outdoor pool in Plagne Bellecôte or the aquatic centre in Montchavin/Les Coches, or stay active at Plagne Centre’s sports complex with its gym and climbing wall.

See our Activity Guide

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.
Snowshoeing

Location
Plagne Villages

Leave your skis and snowboard behind and go off the beaten track on snowshoes!
Moonbike adventures

Location
Plagne 1800

Feel the need… the need for speed? These electric snow bikes are three times lighter than a snowmobile, whisper-quiet and seriously powerful - a ride you won’t want to miss.
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.
Taxi ski service

Location
Plagne 1800

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