Spring is officially in the air as we enjoy longer sunnier days. Don't forget your sunscreen!
April in La Plagne: What's on and weather
Skiing in a t-shirt and long lunches - there's a lot to love about spring in La Plagne
The Easter holidays bring families back to the valley for a short end of season break in the mountains. The warmer spring days also brings a party-vibe to the town and the sun / snow conditions obviously warrant a longer lunch break on a sunny terrace to top up the tan, and après-ski seemingly starts a little earlier.
To make the most of the longer sunny days we like get out on our touring skis and split-boards, get away from the lifts, and find that last bit of untouched snow. Also, this is the perfect time to tick the world-famous Vallée Blanche off the bucket list. Whilst some locals are brave enough to bring out their bikes for a quick trip into town, in general it's still too cold and icy to risk any road biking adventures.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout April.
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
As winter draws to a close for another year, the snow on the lower slopes is usually much heavier by midday. The temperatures can still dip below freezing, usually falling between a low of -5ºC and a high of 4ºC, plus there's still the chance of snow as April averages eight days snowfall, and therefore a powder day isn't out of the question.
Closing parties
There is still time to enjoy some après-ski parties before the season comes to an end, and if you're here late enough in the season there are some wild closing parties.
Bars & Clubs in La Plagne
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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 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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Vins & Un
Cosy wine bar with a large selection of wine and beers located in Aime 2000
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.
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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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Le Bowling Bar
Lively bar with bowling alley, pool, live sports on big screen TVs and activities for the kids
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.
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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.
Ski Schools in La Plagne
Easter is a popular time for families so the slopes are noticeably busier. With so much of the area open, queues will be less of a problem though you’re still well-advised to get up and out early to avoid the usual bottlenecks. 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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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.
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Private ski lessons
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
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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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
Quality instruction and packages for skiing and snowboarding with lift pass and equipment
Group lessons offer a friendly way to learn skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports in La Plagne Soleil, 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
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.
Winter Things To Do in La Plagne
Before the season ends make sure you make the most of the alternative sports and activities to get involved in whilst you're here. Take a look at some of the adventures the local activity companies have on offer.
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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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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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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Snow Grooming Driving Experience
Drive a piste basher and get a diploma to prove it to your friends!
This is a real treat for anyone who ever wanted to ride in a piste basher or snow grooming machine. These huge machines are available for a 20-minute ride for adults and 10 minutes for children.
April events in La Plagne
In resort and up on the slopes there's always something on, so make sure you keep you eye on what's on in April - check out our events calendar.
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.
