It's very cold, so wrap up warm and get outside to find new year adventures.
January in La Plagne: What's on and weather
Quiet slopes, great atmosphere and some special events
After the Christmas holidays are over, January is the quietest part of the main winter season in La Plagne. This means you have the slopes to yourselves, rarely have to queue for a lift and can enjoy pistes in great condition.
The quiet conditions on the mountain don’t translate to quiet nights in the town. There are fewer families and more adult visitors, meaning it can be easier to get a table at a restaurant, and the bars are buzzing with plenty of live music and party nights to keep you entertained whilst you warm your hands on a glass of vin chaud.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout January.
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
There is regular snowfall - on average 13 days - and subzero temperatures keep it nice and fresh. In January the average daytime temperatures generally fall between a high of -3°C and a low of -11ºC, getting around five hours of sunshine. Definitely pack those thermals!
It’s almost always one of the snowiest months in resort, but the lower down areas such as Montchavin and Montalbert don't always benefit quite as much from the early storms. But up in the main areas of Plagne Centre, Bellecôte, Belle Plagne, Villages, Soleil and Aime there is by this time of year usually a deep and wide cover that will guarantee good riding for the rest of the season.
Nightlife in La Plagne
At this time of the season we are looking forward to some live music sessions, whether from local bands or even one of the open mike nights and jam sessions that the local bars often hold. So, whether you fancy yourself an Adele, Bob Dylan or a Satriani, there's definitely somewhere you can 'entertain' the crowds.
Of course, that's if we've made it home from one of the many après-ski events taking place every evening across town.
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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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.
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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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Igloo Igloo Bar
The ‘coolest’ igloo-themed bar and live music venue, popular with residents and visitors
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.
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Le Luna Bar
Trendy lounge bar and pub with a lively atmosphere
Tucked away in the heart of La Plagne, Le Luna Bar is a friendly, rustic pub where good times come naturally. With its warm wooden interior and laid-back mountain charm, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes. Whether you’re stopping by for an après-ski drink, a pre-dinner aperitif or a lively evening out, the welcoming team will make you feel right at home.
Ski Schools in La Plagne
With all those empty pistes, no lift queues and perfect conditions, we like to get out into the mountains on our skis and snowboards as much as possible. If you visit the resort in January you can buy a lift pass and join one of the local ski schools' many ski or snowboard lessons taking place around the resort.
Ski School Lessons in La Plagne
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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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Private ski lessons
Move to the next level with a private ski or snowboard lesson just for you
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.
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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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Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Group ski lessons
Quality instruction and packages for skiing and snowboarding with lift pass and equipment
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.
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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
There is so much going on in January in La Plagne, you can head up to the bobsleigh and skeleton trac, pull on some raquettes (snowshoes) and venture forth into the wilderness, or try your skills on the super slalom or the fun slope - open for all ages.
Wintersport Things To Do in La Plagne
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Snowshoeing
Half day, wilderness day and evening snowshoe walks in the Paradiski area
Leave your skis and snowboard behind and go off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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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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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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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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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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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.
January events in La Plagne
The events keep on coming in January, it does not slacken the pace now that Christmas and New Year are out of the way. There are events and competitions up on the pistes, and some even taking place in the resorts. Keep an eye on our events calendar to ensure you don't miss out, and check out the tourist office for information on what's on and where.
Events in La Plagne
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Xplore Alpes Festival Film Tour
Film festival screenings to highlight the world of outdoor sports
Enjoy a film festival showing prize-winning outdoor films.
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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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Family Race, La Plagne Montchavin-Les Coches
Family-friendly race
Free, fun competition for families to take part in. Following the success of the summer version of this event, the Winter Family Race has been created.
