I hope you all got out this weekend and made the most of the last few quiet days of the month because come Monday morning it was all change across La Plagne. Gone were the empty pistes and the quiet chairlifts and in their place came the half-term crowds.
The snow arrives & the half term holidays too
Top tips on where to find quieter pistes this week
I had hoped we had one more week before the crowds descended and though that’s still true for the British, it seems elsewhere in Europe the holidays are in full swing and families have made their way to resort. The change was noticeable from first lifts on Monday, resort had much more of buzz to it and the crowds gathering at the ski school meeting points couldn’t be ignored. By 10am the queues at all the central chairlifts were pretty epic and the race was on to get to quieter edges of the piste map.
Luckily before the crowds came, the snow did, so the sting of waiting in a lift queue this week will be somewhat soothed by the runs being amazing once you get to them and if you were lucky enough to get out over the weekend you would have had the best of it all. Saturdays are always the quietest day of the week but this one was also one of the most beautiful snow days of the season. The pistes had been groomed Friday night and then a foot of fresh snow had fallen leaving us with the most beautiful of all things – powder pistes! That is marked runs that ride like smooth and dreamy off piste snow.
The mountain was quiet and the lifts opened in a staggered formation throughout the day so that if you were paying attention you could get first tracks down each area of the mountain as and when it opened. I started my day cruising through fresh stuff all the way down to Montalbert where the snow had fallen thick and true all the way down to the village. Later I hit up Colorado just as the Capella opened up, as I was doing that I saw the Verdon Nord chair start moving and so belted over to there to get fresh tracks all the way down the Champagny side. Powder days don’t come for free though, I contended with some very chilly, very strong winds in the afternoon, some dodgy visibility throughout the day and I had some serious back leg burn by the end but my god was it worth it. Here’s hoping the weekend to come is as good.
In the meantime to enjoy this week and avoid the crowds as much as possible you’re going to want to get out at ‘off peak’ times, that is 9-10am 12-2pm and 3-5pm when the mountain is noticeably quieter. Also pay attention to where the ski school hot spots are and avoid if you can. For instance all the Plagne Centre ski schools converge on the Bergerie chairlift dead on 10am, so you do not want to be there when they are!
Mainly though, you just want to focus on the snow conditions not the crowds, when you feel yourself lamenting the busy pistes just take a look at the forecast and cheer yourself up with the thought of snow, snow and more snow all week long, we’re due another full day of snow on Wednesday with 9cm falling at centre and then snow showers scattered throughout the rest of the week. So no matter how much ski traffic there is through the day the pisteurs are going to be able to work their magic overnight and we’re going to have beautiful runs all week.
Whilst out and about keep watch for changes around resort, keep one eye on the fabled new Envers chairlift! Due to open in December and then in February, the new chairlift is still yet to run (although it does now have its chairs on and was even spotted moving the other day) hopefully La Plagne will get that open this week and cut down the massive half term congestion forming at the La Roche chair. Also keep checking on the Funslope as it’s yet to be completely finished, and wait with bated breath for them to open Mont de la Guerre run aka ‘best run in La Plagne’ (this is the week for it I can feel it).
Fingers crossed for all that and I hope you have a great week crowd dodging and powder riding!
Airport Transfers in La Plagne
Transfers for La Plagne
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva to La Plagne from CHF 525 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy exclusive vehicles, direct door-to-door travel and flexible collection times from four major airports. With premium Mercedes options and experienced alpine drivers, private transfers offer a comfortable and personalised journey to La Plagne.
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Shared Airport Transfers
Geneva to La Plagne from CHF 82.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Travel directly to your accommodation with a convenient minivan connection, scheduled departures and experienced alpine drivers. Ideal for families and guests staying away from central resort stops, this shared service combines affordability with added convenience.
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Shared Airport Transfers
Low-cost and professional shuttle bus transfer service to La Plagne
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to La Plagne from €349 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Travel from Geneva Airport to La Plagne with an experienced Alpine transfer service operating since 2012. Enjoy a private, door-to-door journey with professional drivers who know the mountain roads and flight monitoring to help manage delays. Choose between standard and VIP minibuses, with complimentary child seats available for families. Free onboard Wi-Fi and handy pick-up reminders add an extra touch of convenience to your journey.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to La Plagne from €438 per minivan one-way (weekend rate)
With over 5,000 rides completed and 95% of clients returning, this private transfer service is designed around the needs of skiers, from reliable airport pick-ups to comfortable journeys to your accommodation. Experienced, professional English-speaking drivers, vehicles prepared for Alpine winter conditions and no extra luggage fees for skis or snowboards help make travelling easier. With airport meet and greet, door-to-door transfers, secure online booking and a focus on punctuality, you can organise your La Plagne transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Quick and secure way to organise transfers from local airports and stations
A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
Ski Hire in La Plagne
Ski Hire in La Plagne
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Lokaskis Terra Nova
Ski & snowboard hire in Hôtel Terra Nova Plagne Centre, next to the Boulevard Lift
Want to rent skis or snowboards in La Plagne? Just visit the Skiset Lokaskis Terra Nova store!
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Elpro Soleil
Ski hire shop ideally located in Plagne Soleil
In the heart of the resort, Elpro Plagne Soleil is ideally located close to the ski slopes and ski lifts.
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Les Drus
Skiset - Les Drus is located in the centre of Plagne Soleil
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Plagne Soleil!
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Montalbert
Ski rental in centre of the village close to La Grangette lift
Ski and snowboard hire located in the centre of the village near the newspaper shop. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
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Pierre Leroux Sports
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in La Plagne
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
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Plagne Bellecôte Centre
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
Their store is ideally situated at Plagne Bellecôte Centre, easily accessible from the snow front and very close to the ski lifts. This means you can pick up your equipment and be on the slopes within minutes, maximizing your time for exceptional skiing.
Ski Schools in La Plagne
Ski School Lessons in La Plagne
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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 - Plagne Soleil
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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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
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 - Plagne Villages
Quality, affordable group ski lessons
Group lessons offer a friendly way to learn skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports in La Plagne Villages, 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
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
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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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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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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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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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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Patinoire (ice rink), La Plagne - Centre
The ice rink is temporarily closed for this winter season
Outdoor ice skating fun for all the family in the resort of Plagne centre
