On a so-cold-you can-see-your-breath Winter evening, I arrived in Plagne Villages as night was drawing in. I came in search of a new fine dining experience and I was not disappointed.
My journey began on a pedestrian track crunching through snow off piste towards an igloo. When asking local villagers if they knew where the igloo was, many looked confused and were not even aware an igloo existed just a mere fifteen minutes walk away.
As luck would have it, two kind strangers pointed me in the right direction. The lack of clear signposts at the beginning only added to the mystery and romance of this unusual place to dine out. Blacksheep’s igloo really feels like La Plagne’s best kept secret! Once I made it on to the right pedestrian track through the snow, small hand-painted glowing signs sporadically placed along the path lit the right way towards the igloo. When I finally reached my destination, it was well worth the walk.
Once inside the cold walls of the igloo, Vincent warmly welcomed me inside offering me snacks and a flowing supply of winter-warming mulled wine. While I waited for the fondue to be prepared, I kept warm by the fire just outside the igloo which was incredibly atmospheric hearing the fire crackle and spark amongst the still snowy soundscape.
Vincent also kindly gave me a tour of the man-made igloo which was far bigger than expected as it has capacity for up to 50 guests for a dining experience. Alongside the larger dining area, there are lots of beautiful little snug rooms to hang out in and soak up the amazing alpine atmosphere. If you so choose, there is also the opportunity for up to 27 guests to spend a full night in the igloo cosied up in your own private room in the igloo with luxurious fur blankets provided to stay warm throughout the night.
For dinner, fellow guests and I dined on a decadent five cheese fondue served with delicious bread and local meats. To end the night on a sweet note, we were served meringues and ice cream and a shot of homemade liquor made from locally grown herbs that is sure to put colour on your cheeks and keep you warm inside the igloo!
Conversation and music was free-flowing amongst happy guests all evening. When speaking to two lovely guests, I learned they travelled all the way from Marseilles for one night only so they could take part in this exciting igloo experience.
Whether you are staying locally in La Plagne or travelling from much further afield, it is absolutely worth the journey to the igloo because Blacksheep have really created something very special. Despite the igloo’s cold exterior, it provides the warmest, friendliest and most delicious unique dining experience on offer in La Plagne.
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A restaurant experience in the igloo costs 49 euros per person, less for children under 10 years. You can also opt to spend the night too. Contact Blacksheep directly to book your own igloo experience, click on the website link above.
