What's New in La Plagne winter 2016-17

La Plagne continues to evolve season after season and workmen are still out there putting finishing touches to some of these changes and new features that you can expect to see this year. Here's a run down of what's new in La Plagne this winter.. 

The Ski Area

The biggest change comes at the highest of altitudes; the La Plagne Glacier is set to become a un-groomed playground of natural pistes. Trails will still be marked and will still range from blue to black but the runs will no longer be groomed meaning that the glacier is now a zone for good skiers and snowboarders only.

The glacier isn’t the only place going au naturel, in total across the resort 10 runs have switched from being pisted to ungroomed. The change affects mostly black runs including Rochette, Mercedes, Malatray, and Palsembleu, but the red Gavotte run is also going to run wild this year. [Piste Maps]

Another big change is the construction of the new chairlift Envers running from the bottom of the Adrets chairlift up to Aime 2000. La Plagne veterans will recognise the route as that of the old Coqs chair, removed several years ago. The lifts reintroduction comes a year after the Montalbert cable car opened up the whole right corner of the piste map. This year skiers coming back from Montalbert will have the option of continuing down to the La Roche or taking a shortcut via the Envers chair back to Aime 2000 and Plagne Centre. This will hopefully relieve the pressure on the narrow Cornegidouille run which last season became increasingly busy, icy and dangerous.

Unfortunately delays in construction of this high-tech new lift mean that it will not be opening until February 2017.

The last big change to the ski area occurs underneath the Arpette chairlift. The seldom-used Eldorado luge course has been removed and what used to be the St Jacques blue run is now the longest Fun Slope in Europe. An awesome run which looks like something between a boarder cross and slope style course it features jumps, rails, banked turns, rollers and one awesome spiral turn into a tunnel. This is going to be a lot of rider’s new favourite run. [Read more about the ski area].

Around Resort

Less exciting news, but much needed, is the redevelopment of Plagne Centre. More than €1 million has been invested to make the resort centre more accessible and safer for pedestrians. New heated paths have been laid in the main square to allow ease of access despite snowfall, stairs have been built where previously there were steep slopes and pedestrian areas have been separated more clearly from pistes.

Family run La Plagne favourite, Oxygene ski school continues its development this year not only with expansion into the Three Valleys but also with their new Chalet Fitting service in La Plagne. Guests can now book their rental equipment online and instead of having to visit the shop in resort can instead await the arrival of the dedicated chalet fitters in the comfort of their own accommodation at a time that suits them. Designed to reduce hassle and save time for holidaymakers this service is going prove very popular and the best part? It comes at no extra cost to the guest. [Find ski schools in La Plagne].

New accommodation is always appearing in La Plagne and this year is no different with award winning chalet company Alpoholics opening a new ski in ski out chalet in Plagne Centre. On the edge of Plagne Village the Odalys which has been under construction for over a year will be opening 500 of its 850 beds along with some of its facilities with the rest of the building due to open December 2017.

Après Ski Activities

For those seeking adrenaline La Plagne has got you covered with the arrival of the Super Tyro! The 600m long zip line is not for the faint hearted, it runs from Aime 2000 to Plagne Centre, not along the piste but above the valley. Riders whizz along at speeds of up to 90km whilst dangling 140m above the ground. At €20 a go this is going to be a very popular activity. Ride it if you dare! [Find more winter activities]

The bars of La Plagne are stepping up their game this year as well, La Mine in 1800 has refurbished over the summer to include an extended bar which now holds 11 beers and 1 cider on tap. New products include a fruit beer a strong Belgian beer and two local ales brewed in Morzine. Spitting Feathers bar in Plagne Bellecote have also had a refurb inside too and is looking great. 

Chauffe Marcel is the newest après spot slope side in Plagne 1800. With their outdoor venue, killer sound system and DJ’s pumping electro pop tunes this is the place for anyone wanting to après French style.

The Bergerie bar which has gone from strength to strength with their outdoor après over the last two seasons is set to return for a third year with a brand new outdoor bar, DJ booth in a telecabine and singer Laura Maidment performing acoustic sessions as well as adding her voice to the DJ après sets each Wednesday and Friday.

Lastly the king of live music, Scotty’s bar is mixing up their schedule this year, undisputed Après Gods The Dominoes are switching their Wednesday slot for a Tuesday one. It won't slow them down though as they will now be playing an evening gig as well as the afternoon one each week, that’s right a double band set every Tuesday, get your dancing shoes on! [Find more bars in La Plagne].

So with not long left until those lifts start running we’re looking like we’re in for another great season in La Plagne with a new lift, gnarlier runs, adrenaline fuelled fun and as always great après ski all we need now is waaaaay more snow and we’re gonna have some fun.

See you on the slopes (and in the bars) for winter 16/17!!