There are a huge range of adrenaline-filled activities to keep you busy on a summer trip.
Why La Plagne is great in summer
La Plagne is a perfect summer holiday destination with a wealth of activities on offer
For mountain lovers, summer can be a long, drawn-out affair. Not only has the snow disappeared but our beloved peaks seem a far-distant memory. However, there is a solution – so long as you’re willing to take the plunge and try a summer holiday in the mountains.
Most ski resorts (La Plagne included) have a lot to offer through the summer months, way beyond their typical winter operations. As you’d expect from a destination geared towards the outdoors and an active lifestyle.
Unfortunately, the summer ski glacier retreated a long time ago so skiing is no longer possible but there are many, many other high-octane pursuits available. And, anyway, if you find yourself really, really desperate the Tignes glacier is just a two-hour drive away.
If you’re the sort of person who’s drawn to the wide-open landscapes and fresh air the mountains offer, here are a few reasons why a trip to La Plagne this summer might just be the holiday for you.
Transformed summer landscapes
There is something truly amazing about visiting a ski area you know well in winter guise only to see it in summer mode. Runs which you raced down in winter transform into gentle slopes and walking trails. The lush green plains contrast with the steep mountainsides and provide an exhilarating backdrop to the multitude of activities going on in and around resort.
Don’t be under any illusions, even though you’re at considerable altitude, temperatures get seriously warm in summer. Do bear in mind that it can still get cold at night, and pack accordingly.
Watersports in La Plagne
With the summer snow-melt, the Isère river in the valley below La Plagne becomes a raging torrent and offers the chance to try various white water experiences including rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hydrospeed and other combination sports.
The flow of the Isère is largely controlled much further up the mountain at the hydro-electric dam below Tignes but, even then, the rapids here are amongst the best in the world. Indeed, the river once played host to the world canoe-kayak championships.
Various excursions are possible but our recommendation would be the 22km route between Bourg St Maurice and Centron. This itinerary offers a huge variety of white water tests including the Aime rapids, Pucelle Gorge, Virgin’s Gorge and Centron rapids and at various sections ranges between II and IV on the European difficulty scale. This is definitely an experience best suited to the adrenaline-junkies.
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Rafting In The Alps
Half and full day white water rafting for all abilities from eight years-old
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
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Hydrospeeding
Half-day white water swimming/hydrospeeding. This is fast, fun and unforgettable
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
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Franceraft Savoie
Well-established water sports and white water sports specialists in the Savoie
This company offers a whole host of watersports activities in and around the local area.
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Watersports
Rafting & watersports in the heart of the Alps
Try your hand at rafting and other watersports in La Plagne with an experienced guide.
Mountain Biking in La Plagne
Unlike neighbouring Les Arcs, in La Plagne the trails are much less about downhill steeps and are instead aimed at mountain bike touring. If you’re relatively new to the sport, the resort offers the perfect terrain to cut your teeth and prepare yourself for tougher downhill descents while still enjoying the beauty and splendour of the mountains.
If speed and tricks are more your thing, there is a dedicated bike park above Plagne Bellecôte/Plagne Centre. The trails are served by the Colosses and Colorado chairs out of Bellecôte and Centre respectively. There’s also E-mountain biking on offer in Plagne Centre, Montalbert and Bellecôte.
And, should you somehow tire of all that and fancy trying something completely different, you’ll also find a testing pump track in Bellecôte.
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About mountain biking trails in La Plagne
Guide to best biking trails with varying degrees of difficulty and duration
La Plagne is made up of a number of different villages: Champagny, Belle Plagne, Plagnes Villages, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Centre, Aime, La Roche, Les Coches, Montchavin, Montalbert and Longefoy.
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Blue MTB trails
Easy trails for beginner mountain bikers looking to develop their riding skills
There are blue graded mountain bike trails in La Plagne, which are slightly more difficult than the green.
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Black MTB trails
Not for the faint hearted, these are technically difficult trails for experts only
There are just a few black mountain bike trails in the La Plagne and Champagny sides of the resort. One is for downhill and the other for enduro or cross-country enthusiasts.
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Red MTB trails
More technically challenging riding for intermediate riders plus some enduro trails
There are red mountain bike trails in La Plagne, ranging from loose moonscape rocks at the top of La Roche de Mio to tree-lined reds and enduro trails over in Champagny.
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Green MTB trails
Family friendly trails and practise areas if you're new to the sport or just fancy a cruisey one
La Plagne has green-graded mountain bike trails, one of which connects as a liaison to Bourg St Maurice and the neighbouring resort of Les Arcs.
Things to do in La Plagne
Via Ferrata
Secured climbing itineraries equipped with metal supports to ensure the protection of the users – in essence, a safe introduction to mountain climbing. La Plagne has three via ferrata courses open during the summer months. Access is free, however, you do need a harness and mountain helmet.
Zipwire
La Plagne has two zipwire experiences, each tailored to different sensations. The Super Tyro in Plagne Centre reaches speeds up to 90km/h over a 140m ravine. The second zipwire is located next to Belle Plagne on a 2km track through the trees. There are a total of 10 zipwires on this course ranging from 50-110m in length at a maximum of 45m off the ground. For an extra surprise, the course terminates with a 9m base jump.
Karting
There are two types of karting experience available in La Plagne during the summer months – mountain kart and déval’kart. Mountain karting is available in Bellecôte while the Déval karting takes place in Montalbert.
Things To Do in La Plagne
See all Things To Do in La Plagne-
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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Rafting In The Alps
Half and full day white water rafting for all abilities from eight years-old
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
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Hydrospeeding
Half-day white water swimming/hydrospeeding. This is fast, fun and unforgettable
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
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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.
Walking in La Plagne
As the snow retreats, La Plagne’s ski area transforms with routes you’d normally recognise as pistes suddenly becoming walking and hiking trails. There are literally hundreds of options for making your way around the mountain from the forested glades of Montchavin and Montalbert at 1,250m right up to the lofty heights of the glacier at 3,250m.
In addition to the extensive walking trails, the resort has also invested heavily in dedicated trail running tracks with varying difficulty ratings.
Obviously, running up mountains isn’t for everyone and a lot of people prefer a more leisurely pace so La Plagne reopens many of its main lifts through the summer to give pedestrian access to the summits, allowing even non-hiking types the chance to ascend to altitude and take in the breathtaking views over the Isère valley, Mont Blanc, Les Arcs and Les Trois Vallées.
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About walking and hiking routes in La Plagne
La Plagne has an excellent range of walking and hiking routes
Each route provides spectacular alpine views and will give you the opportunity to explore the mountains, from the challenging high mountain trails to the easier strolls and walks.
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Gentle walks in La Plagne and the Paradiski
La Plagne has a number of gentle walking routes with easy terrain covering short distances
A bus service will take you between the La Plagne towns and the beginning of routes, as well as allowing you to catch lifts that will give you access to various gentle high mountain walks.
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Hiking routes in La Plagne and the Paradiski
Head out on the mountain and explore the mountains and take in the picturesque views
With a range of challenging and easier hiking routes in La Plagne you can really get out amongst nature whatever your level.
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Short family walks in La Plagne and the Paradiski
La Plagne has many walks, hikes and trails that are suitable for children and families
With lovely views of the mountains and interesting terrain, a walk can be exciting for everyone.
