© Elina Siparanta
Quiet slopes, great atmosphere and some special events
It's very cold, so wrap up warm and get outside to find new year adventures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leave your skis and snowboard behind and go off the beaten track on snowshoes!
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
State-of-the-art Taxi Ski chair makes the slopes accessible to everyone
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.
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.
This company offers ski joering excursions where you're pulled along by a horse on your skis. It doesn't matter what level of skier you are or your age, this is something the whole family can try.
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.
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.
If you're looking for a special way of celebrating Valentine's with a loved one then La Plagne is a great choice.
Gather at the snow front to see a special ski show and torchlit display, followed by fireworks, music and tombola.
Join the masses in one of the biggest Nordic skiing events of the year. There are races to suit everyone from a 1.5km children's race, right up to a 42km marathon race.
As mentioned above, January is one of the best months to come to La Plagne, both in terms of prices and also the fact the resort will be very quiet for the next two to three weeks. If you can make it, it would be great to see you out here! Check out our events calendar for more ideas.
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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