It may be the last month of the year, but the ski lifts are open and Christmas is on the horizon.
December in La Plagne: What's on and weather
This month sees the start of the winter season
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.
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
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.
Opening parties
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.
New Year's Eve
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.
Bars & Clubs in La Plagne
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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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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 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.
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Bar Le 5 à 7 Siete
Wine bar with a warm and cosy atmosphere where you can settle in around the log fire
Le 5 a 7siète is a welcoming bar and restaurant at the heart of Plagne Soleil, offering a warm Alpine atmosphere that celebrates the art of the mountains and the best local artisans and producers. Perfectly positioned, it’s the ideal spot to relax after a morning on the slopes or to enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends and family.
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La Mine Bar
A great spot for après-ski with family and friends with live music, DJ sets and live sports
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.
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Bar Fort Colorado
Popular piste-side après-ski bar with regular events only 50m from the Colorado chairlift
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.
Ski Schools in La Plagne
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:
- group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early, so make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment
- if you're not in ski school, be an early bird - arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15
- ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break
- avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains by pre-booking your lunch reservation - some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service
- seek out the peripheral areas - avoid La Plagne’s busiest hubs, especially Bellecôte and Plagne Centre after 10:00, as lift queues can be long. Bergerie and Arpette lifts are notoriously crowded and serve congested runs. For quieter skiing, head to lower-traffic areas like Champagny, Montalbert, or Montchavin (though Montchavin can get busy with inter-resort traffic)
- get off-piste - competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry
Ski School Lessons in La Plagne
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Private Ski Lessons - Plagne Villages
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 - Plagne Soleil
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.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
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.
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Group Ski Lessons - Plagne Villages
Quality, affordable group ski lessons
Group lessons offer a friendly way to learn skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports in La Plagne Villages, 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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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.
Winter Things To Do in La Plagne
Family fun
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.
Wintersport Things To Do in La Plagne
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Snowshoeing
Half day, wilderness day and evening snowshoe walks in the Paradiski area
Snowshoeing is a great way to discover La Plagne beyond the ski slopes, with guided walks through snow-covered forests and open mountain landscapes. Suitable for beginners and those looking for a different winter activity, these outings let you explore the mountain environment, discover local wildlife and enjoy views of Mont Blanc. With snowshoes and poles provided, you can enjoy a change of pace and experience the quieter side of the Alps.
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Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
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.
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Sit-skiing Lessons
Assisted skiing seat for a helping hand on the pistes
Adaptive skiing offers a great way for people with physical or sensory disabilities, reduced mobility or coordination to enjoy the slopes and experience the mountains in La Plagne. Whether you’re trying skiing for the first time, returning to the sport or looking for a way to ski with greater independence, specialist lessons and equipment can be adapted to suit your needs.
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Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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Moonbike adventures
Moonbike adventures with English speaking guides in La Plagne
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.
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Snow Panthers Activity Company, La Plagne Centre
Specializing in organising snowmobile excursions
Your chance to enjoy the mountains after the slopes have closed whilst on your very own skidoo.
Read more about Snow Panthers Activity Company, La Plagne Centre
December events in La Plagne
Christmas in La Plagne
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.
Events in La Plagne
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Christmas in La Plagne
Christmas fun with Santa
Father Christmas has relocated his workshop to the Alps this year and will be finishing off his last-minute preparations here in La Plagne.
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New Year's Eve
Welcome the New Year in La Plagne with Snow on Fire
Enjoy the amazing 360° music and firework spectacular and festivities in La Plagne at New Year.
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La Grande Odyssée
Europe's biggest husky dog sledding competition
The Grande Odyssée is Europe's largest husky dog race, an epic event that sets teams of dogs and mushers against each other as they attempt to cross fourteen resorts across the Savoie region including Megeve, Bernex, La Plagne, Val Cenis and Bonneval-sur-Arc.
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Interneige
60th anniversary of the logo x Revival Interneige
The logo’s anniversary will be celebrated during a revamped and festive edition of Interneige.
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UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships
The 22-metre-high ice tower in Champagny-en-Vanoise hosted the last edition exactly 10 years ago!
Ice climbers from all over the world will head to La Plagne to compete.
