What's new this winter in La Plagne
From the ski area to what's fresh in the resort
As winter begins to take hold in we take a look at all that's new in town and on the slopes.
Early signs of snowfall here in The Alps are creating much excitement for the upcoming winter season. The ski industry here is raring to go and this winter looks like being an exceptionally busy one. La Plagne ski area opens on the 13 December 2025 and ski passes are now on sale.
Winter tyres
A reminder that from 1 November to 31 March you'll need to have winter tyres on your vehicle (M&S marking, or all weather (four season) tyres), OR at least snow chains or socks in the vehicle when driving in the mountain regions in France, following a law introduced in November 2021.
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On the slopes
Roche de Mio Gondola – the new centrepiece
Opening December 2025, the fully redesigned Roche de Mio gondola improves skier flow and provides easier access to the high-altitude terrain. Featuring an intermediate station at Col de Forcle (2,273 m), it links to Roche de Mio (2,739 m) and connects both Plagne Bellecôte / Belle Plagne and Champagny-en-Vanoise. From 1,930 m to 3,080 m, skiers enjoy two consecutive gondolas (Roche de Mio and Les Glaciers), cutting journey times to the Live 3000 peak.
- 168 x 10-seat cabins
- Journey time: 7–9 minutes
- Capacity: 3,140 skiers/hr
- Tallest pylon: 37m
- Investment: €40 million
Puy du Fou Blue run
In a historic partnership, Puy du Fou and La Plagne bring history to the slopes. Following last winter’s Viking longship being placed on the slopes, this year features Ancient Rome’s ‘Sign of Triumph’. With a further four elements planned, skiers can enjoy a fun, immersive journey through time, inspired by Puy du Fou shows.
Ski area safety
La Plagne, with one of the world’s largest off-piste areas, makes safety a top priority. Each winter, the resort takes proactive measures against accidents. Its ‘guardian angel’ drone, a 2 kg next-generation DJI device with thermal camera, laser rangefinder, and AI-assisted infrared, monitors hazards, assesses avalanches, and aids rescues. Rapidly deployable, it’s operated year-round by four trained staff for slope safety and ski lift maintenance.
In resort
In with the new…
Saying goodbye to the Christina Hotel and hello to PopAlp, Plagne Centre’s vibrant new hotel. Step inside to enjoy Pop Art-inspired décor with a mountain twist, a cosy fireplace lobby, a gondola suspended above the staircase, and a brasserie serving 150. With 50 rooms and seven apartments, there’s space for couples, families, or groups. Phase two (2027) will add a spa, conference room, residence, and underground parking. Open winter and summer, it's the perfect base for your alpine adventures.
Other landmarks that have been given a second life include the Hotel Graciosa - taken over by VIPSki, it's now a high-end hotel-residence with 16 luxury suites. And Les Sittelles hotel in Montalbert is now run by Sunweb, seeing the common areas renovated with an après-ski bar open to the general public.
The overnight train is back
Leaving from a train station in Paris and waking up the next morning at the foot of the mountain is the magic of the night train! With the aim of continuing to reduce scope 3 of its carbon footprint (indirect emissions), the CDA via Travelski is implementing a decarbonising solution for tourist transport to the French Alps. This Paris <> Bourg-Saint-Maurice night train has 660 couchettes and a bar-restaurant carriage. It stops at the three stations that serve La Plagne. Runs from 19 December 2025 until 20 March 2026, it's approx 9.5 hour trips have sleeping compartments which can be privatised, and some are women only.
Some switch arounds within the restaurant scene
Joya, a longtime local favourite, has returned under new management, as has Le Dou du Praz, which continues to offer its lively terrace and a delicious menu that welcomes everyone.
New names and faces
Now under new management since the summer, Spitting Feathers has become La Rambard. Keeping its warm and welcoming “friendly pub” atmosphere, perfect for an après-ski drink close to the pistes.
Over in Bellecôte, the former Le Capricorne has been taken over by La Grotte du Yeti, an international party bar. Expect lively après sessions with DJs on the terrace, where the fun is sure to kick off early.
Events
Every winter we can expect live music on the slopes, snow sports and entertainment combined to deliver the best a ski resort can offer. Keep an eye on our events calendar for all the big events and info.
Stand up
New to the resort this year is the world’s highest stand-up show. In partnership with Métro Comedy Club, Paradiski transforms the Vanoise Express cabins, suspended 380m above the ground, into a unique comedy stage. During the 4-minute crossing, holidaymakers from Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, and La Plagne enjoy intimate, one-off performances by renowned comedians in French and English - a truly unforgettable aerial experience.
