© La Plagne
This month sees the start of the winter season
It may be the last month of the year, but the ski lifts are open and Christmas is on the horizon.
We can expect sports competitions, opening parties, and there will obviously also be lots of festive celebrations including a visit from a certain Père Noël. As you are no doubt aware, most things in December revolve around the last two weeks of the month, schools break up and travellers from near and far descend on the valley. There are a plethora of events coming up, from parades to special Christmas menus and New Year's blowouts.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout December.
In recent years, December has brought some of the most consistent snowfall (and some of the best conditions) of the entire season, so now’s the time to start planning those festive breaks. Whilst there will be snow up the mountains, a white Christmas is never a guarantee in the resort itself. However, it's definitely cold with temperatures averaging from -10°C to -2°C, with around 12 days of snowfall. Make sure thermals are on your Christmas list.
La Plagne’s lifts will again start turning mid-month heralding the start of another season. The altitude resorts are always first to open so you’ll want to be in accommodation above 1800 for easy access. In this first week, you can expect the hill to be empty – literally ride down, ride up – zero queues. At this time of year, it’s mostly just locals and saisonnaires out riding. Best of all, the ski schools are non-existent this early in the season. Terrain-wise, expect everything from Roche de Mio down into the Bellecôte bowl and over to Plagne Centre/Aime to be open. The glacier bubble also occasionally runs, though it's rare for this area to be open so early.
Christmas and New Year is a popular time for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the holidays begin. Fortunately, the ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:
If, like a lot of people, you like to follow several hours of exercise with several hours of drinking, especially during the festive season, you can hit up any of a number of local après-ski sessions. Down at the bottom of the slopes you'll find a range of eateries and bars offering great music, delicious food and happy hours. For late-night entertainment, the clubs hold special nights on most days of the week.
Always a big night full of revellers popping Champagne corks. The restaurants will be busy, so it would be best to make a reservation to ensure you can get a table, and many of the bars and clubs are ticket-only, so if there's somewhere you plan to see the New Year in, make sure you've planned ahead.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Christmas is synonymous with school holidays. As hundreds of children and their families descend on the pistes, the valley puts on a show for them. There are lots of activities to keep the little ones entertained on and off the mountain. For more ideas on what to do check out our Activities and Things to Do pages.
Leave your skis and snowboard behind and go off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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.
State-of-the-art Taxi Ski chair makes the slopes accessible to everyone
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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.
The skating rink in Les Coches is back on ice for new adventures! Closed for a few years, this covered skating rink is a great activity for your apres-ski (or your kids').
Wherever you're staying in La Plagne, usually at this time of the year a Christmas market pops up with stalls in small wooden huts, selling wares of all kinds, plus food and drinks. A perfect spot to pick up a last minute gift, or something to take home. You can browse local, handmade gifts, jewellery, soaps and a lot more while you indulge in some vin chaud or a local beer. Of course there will be all kinds of activities for the whole family to get involved in, and Santa will be showing his face at some point in the lead up to the big day.
In addition to this, the mountain is opening up and there'll be plenty to do up on the slopes.
Celebrate the first day of the winter season! The lifts in La Plagne are all set to whir into action signalling the start of what we hope will be an epic ski season in the Paradiski.
Father Christmas has relocated his workshop to the Alps this year and will be finishing off his last-minute preparations here in La Plagne.
Get your last minute stocking-fillers and festive treats at the Montchavin-Les Coches Christmas market.
Enjoy the amazing 360° music and firework spectacular and festivities in La Plagne at New Year
Downhill sections range from 2 to 4km, depending on your category.
A fun event where you can watch ice climbing demos by some of the best climbers in the world, and even have a go yourself.
December is a magical time of year to come to La Plagne. Book your holiday now and enjoy Christmas in the snowy Alps.
Find out all about what is happening in La Plagne and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsEach of the La Plagne resorts, as well as the surrounding villages, holds a number of events throughout the year. Ice climbing competitions and ski races take place in the winter months, in addition to the usual après-ski parties featuring live bands and DJs. The summer, on the other hand, attracts a number of trail running and cycling competitions, as well as live concerts.
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