Ski holidays in La Plagne

The Paradiski area is one of the largest and most renowned ski domains in the world, offering a winter sports paradise that connects three major resorts: La Plagne, Les Arcs, and Peisey-Vallandry. With over 425km of interconnected slopes, Paradiski caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from gentle beginner runs to challenging off-piste terrain for seasoned experts. The area is well-served by a highly efficient lift system, including the impressive Vanoise Express, a double-decker cable car that spans the valley and links La Plagne with Les Arcs in just a few minutes, offering seamless access to the entire ski domain.

Plagne Centre, Aime Le Centre, Plagne 1800, Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil areas provide a wide variety of blues and reds, ideal for the beginner or intermediate skier as well as being a good start for those looking to rediscover their ski legs.

Paradiski is celebrated both for its altitude and its diverse and varied terrain, making it a favourite among skiers and snowboarders alike. The region boasts wide, open pistes that are ideal for carving, as well as more secluded tree-lined runs and thrilling snow parks for freestyle enthusiasts. Off-piste opportunities are abundant, with breath-taking powder fields and backcountry routes that offer a true adventure for experienced riders. The high altitude of the ski area, with runs reaching up to 3,250 metres on the Bellecôte Glacier, ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the season, often from December to late April.

Plagne Centre offers arguably the best variety of easy skiing on this side of the Paradiski with a wide variety of blues and reds, ideal for the beginner or intermediate skier as well as those looking to rediscover their ski legs. The adjacent Belle Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte provide more reds for a bit more of a challenge and also has access up to the Bellecôte Glacier via the Roche de Mio cable car. This peak is worth going to for the beautiful views alone, together with a couple of testing blacks for the brave when conditions permit. The amazing north face of the Bellecôte off-piste run can also be accessed from here, offering you some of the best off-piste around, although this should only be skied with a qualified guide.[HH1]

Only a lift away is the south facing sun kissed area of Champagny with long wide corduroy pistes offering miles of skiing down to 1250m and an extra little treat to the main ski area. 

For beginners
Plagne Centre is an excellent destination for beginner skiers, offering a welcoming environment and a variety of gentle slopes to help newcomers build confidence. The resort is home to several wide, easy green and blue runs, ideal for those just starting out. The conveniently located beginner areas, such as the "Cool Ski Zone," feature dedicated slopes with slow lifts, giving learners a stress-free space to practice. There is a mini-beginners area in the very centre next to the Grand Rochette lift for little ones trying out skis or boards for the first time and an ‘Indien’ zone with magic carpet to ease the upward journey. Oxygene Ski School also has its own private beginner’s area. With its ski-in, ski-out convenience, Plagne Centre makes it easy for beginners of all ages to access the slopes and enjoy a smooth progression from the learning areas to the slightly more challenging runs above, all while surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.

Snow parks
Plagne Centre offers exciting snow park options for freestyle enthusiasts looking to test their skills. Before trying any tricks, see how you get on in the mini half-pipe situated just above the village of Plagne Bellecôte.

The primary snow park in the area, Riders Nations, is located towards Montchavin –Les Coches and designed to cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. The park is divided into different zones, with jumps, rails, and boxes of varying sizes, allowing freestyle skiers and snowboarders to progress at their own pace. The park is regularly maintained, ensuring smooth runs and safe conditions, and often attracts a fair crowd if you like an audience.

For the little ones, Buffalo Park is a couple of lifts away and the Funslope at the top of the Arpette provides a 1.6km long adventure for skiers of all ages and abilities. 

Whether you’re a seasoned freestyler looking to try out some new tricks or 3ft tall and new to skis, Plagne Centre's access to a variety of well-maintained snow parks makes it a great spot for all.

Off Piste
La Plagne is a haven for off-piste enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of terrain that ranges from easily accessible powder fields to more challenging backcountry routes. The resort's high-altitude location, with peaks reaching up to 3,250 metres, ensures excellent snow conditions and plentiful opportunities for fresh tracks throughout the season. The resort is spread over a large area, much of which is not touched by lift systems resulting in more powder that doesn't get tracked nearly as quickly as some other more 'macho' resorts.

One of the most popular areas for off-piste skiing is the north face of the Bellecôte Glacier, which provides long, steep descents through pristine powder and dramatic alpine scenery. This challenging terrain is best suited for advanced skiers and should only be attempted with a guide due to its complexity and avalanche risk.

For those looking for less extreme but still exciting off-piste routes, the forests around Montchavin and Les Coches offer fantastic tree runs, while the open bowls near Champagny provide more mellow descents with breath-taking views. 

La Plagne also offers several ski touring options for those looking to explore the untouched wilderness at a slower pace. It is essential to always ski off-piste with the proper safety equipment and a local guide who knows the terrain. Whether you're an expert seeking adrenaline-pumping descents or looking for hidden powder stashes, La Plagne’s off-piste options are vast and thrilling.

Boardercross
With the La Plagne Ski pass you have access to two border cross pistes to get the heart racing and fire up the competitive spirit within the group. One in the Champagny-en-Vanoise sector, the other located in next to the Snow Park on the way to Montchavin –Les Coches. Carved in natural gullies with compression and banked turns, these are the perfect spots for thrills (& spills!) on skis or snowboard.

Cross Country Skiing
La Plagne offers a variety of scenic cross-country skiing trails that cater to both beginners and more experienced skiers looking to explore the beauty of the French Alps. The resort provides over 80km of groomed Nordic trails, with routes winding through peaceful forests, across open alpine meadows, and along the base of dramatic peaks. One of the most popular areas for cross-country skiing is the plateau at Dou du Praz, easily accessible from Plagne Centre, offering a mix of easy and moderate circuits with stunning panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding valleys.

For more seasoned cross-country skiers, the trails in the nearby Champagny-le-Haut area provide longer and more challenging routes through an award-winning nature reserve, delivering a truly immersive wilderness experience. In addition to classic cross-country skiing, La Plagne offers opportunities for skate skiing, with trails groomed specifically for this style. Whether you're looking for a leisurely day in nature or a vigorous workout, La Plagne's cross-country skiing network provides a tranquil and rewarding way to experience the winter landscape. Oxygene Ski School offers individual and group lessons, together with equipment rental for those new to the sport.

There are some amazing mountains in La Plagne including: Mont Blanc, Belledonne, Lauzière, Aiguilles d'Arves, Massif des Cerces, Aravis Range, Mont Cenis, Bauges, Chartreuse, Vanoise, Beaufortain.

La Plagne Ski Hire

Smooth booking and fitting
In La Plagne we have teamed up with our friends at Oxygene to offer their services directly from the Graciosa. With pre-booked equipment ready to collect as soon as you arrive to the ski room, hiring kit has never been easier. Of course, if you have any issues with your ski hire, need a different size or help with fitting, the onsite Oxygene technicians will be there to assist. Read more about our ski hire information.  

Be careful of other suppliers offering great discounts online
We guarantee the quality of the equipment fitted in the comfort of your chalet and we have wrestled the price down to be extremely competitive. Others online might promise cheaper equipment but at what price ? is it available when you arrive? how far away is the shop and how do you get there ? how easy is it to change ? what happens when it breaks ? when do I have to drop the kit back ? Your time in resort is precious, don’t waste it sorting out your equipment.

Don’t forget to pre-book
We highly recommend pre-booking your ski hire as kit can be limited. This process is really easy to do and can be arranged through myVIP after you’ve made your accommodation booking, or simply get in touch with one of our friendly team for guidance, here is the list of guide prices. 

La Plagne Lift Passes

Possibly one of the most important aspects of a ski holiday, the lift pass is vital unless you plan to walk up the mountain before skiing down!

Pre-book your lift pass directly with us before you travel. Your lift passes will be delivered to your chalet before breakfast on the first morning, in plenty of time for you to make it up the first lift. Prices below are for the 24/25 season.

Prices shown below are a guide and may fluctuate due to exchange rates

La Plagne Ski School

A happy time in ski school, whether you are 6 or 60, will make for a happy holiday. We can’t guarantee that you won’t fall over but we can do everything in our power to find the right person to pick you up.

Ski & Snowboard Lessons at The Graciosa Suites
We’re excited to partner with Oxygene in La Plagne to offer exclusive lessons with smaller groups of up to six participants, taught by handpicked English-speaking instructors. These professionals will meet you at the ski room door, making it easy to connect with like-minded guests of similar ability. It’s a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills and share a laugh in the lounge over afternoon tea.

A Focus on Fun and Progression
With smaller groups and attentive, English-speaking instructors, lessons are tailored for both enjoyment and progress. The relaxed, stress-free environment allows for individual attention, ensuring you get the most out of your time on the slopes. Don’t be surprised if your instructor joins you later in The Graciosa bar for a drink and some light-hearted chatter about the day’s adventures.

Group Lessons: Key Details
Group lessons run Monday to Friday from 10.00 AM–12:30 PM and cost £295 per person. We keep things simple when categorizing groups: by type (skier or snowboarder), ability (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced), and age group (under 6, 6–12, or 12+).

Private Lessons
For a truly bespoke experience, book your own private instructor for five mornings (10.00 AM–12:30 PM) during your stay at £1195.

Ski School for Little Ones
If you’ve opted for full-day or half-day childcare, our nannies will liaise with the instructors to ensure your child is ready for the slopes with gloves, goggles, and sunblock. They’ll also collect your little skier or boarder in time for lunch.

Book Early to Avoid Disappointment
Ski lessons are highly sought after, so we strongly recommend booking well in advance of your arrival. Group classes can be added via my VIP SKI shortly after securing your accommodation. For private lessons or additional assistance, feel free to email or call us.

Group Booking Terms
A minimum of four participants is required for our exclusive group lessons to proceed. In cases where fewer guests are enrolled, we’ll provide options:

• For three  participants, an additional supplement of £100 each maintains the group.
• For two participants, a supplement of £295 each applies.
  
  

Alternatively, you can transfer to an Oxygene group of the same skill level at no extra cost. These larger groups meet in the resort centre, a short walk from The Graciosa, and may include skiers from across the resort. Rest assured, we’ll always strive to keep our own classes running whenever possible.