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    France, Europe

    La Plagne

    La Plagne: 225km piste, 1,960m vertical, 11 villages. Part of 425km Paradiski. Tarentaise, France. 7 Dec to 26 Apr.

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    Season 2026 - 2027
    Opens
    12 Dec 2026
    Closes
    25 Apr 2027
    Days open
    134
    Annual snow
    6m
    Snow record
    59cm
    2026-27 so far
    10% of a typical winter603cm
    Explore 31 winters of snowfall→
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    La Plagne operates across 1,207 to 3,167 metres with 225 kilometres of piste, 137 runs and 1,960 metres of vertical drop. The terrain divides 62 per cent beginner, 26 per cent intermediate and 12 per cent advanced across 11 villages spread between the valley floor and 2,100 metres altitude. Over 70 per cent of skiing sits above 2,000 metres, with glacier access at 3,080 metres via the Glaciers 2 gondola. Average annual snowfall reaches 518 to 600 centimetres, supported by 359 snow cannons covering 50 kilometres of piste.

    The ski area contains 137 marked runs including 8 green, 73 blue, 35 red and 17 black pistes, with extensive off-piste terrain on Bellecôte's north face. Seven purpose-built altitude villages between 1,800 and 2,100 metres provide ski-in ski-out access, whilst lower villages at Montchavin (1,250 metres), Montalbert and Champagny-en-Vanoise offer traditional Savoyard character. Plagne Centre at 1,970 metres functions as the central hub, connecting all sectors. The resort built a bobsleigh track for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics that remains operational at La Roche.

    La Plagne recorded 2.5 million visitors per season in 2014, making it the most visited ski resort globally at that time. Villages range from functional architecture at Plagne Centre and the Aime 2000 'Paquebot' to quieter family bases at Plagne 1800 and Belle Plagne. The Bellecôte glacier sector provides high-altitude skiing, though the Chiaupe Glacier closed to skiing after the 2022-23 season for environmental preservation. Montchavin-Les Coches holds Famille Plus certification, whilst Champagny borders Vanoise National Park.

    The resort forms half of Paradiski, linked to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry since 2003 via the Vanoise Express cable car travelling at over 40 kilometres per hour across the Ponturin Gorge. Paradiski covers 425 kilometres of piste with 129 lifts and 258 runs, ranking as one of the largest linked ski areas in the Alps. The 2025-26 season runs 7 December 2025 to 26 April 2026. La Plagne alone suits beginners to advanced skiers, with dedicated CoolSki zones offering free beginner lifts at multiple villages and extensive intermediate cruising terrain.

    1960m
    Vertical
    137
    Runs
    225 km
    Piste
    6m
    Annual snow
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    The Terrain

    137 runs across 225 km of piste

    La Plagne covers 225 kilometres of piste and 137 runs, falling 1,960 metres from the 3,167 metre top to the 1,207 metre base. Beginners dominate at 62%, followed by 26% intermediate and 12% advanced, with no expert grading. The area is made up of several purpose-built villages, and the lift system is huge: 18 six-seaters, 11 gondolas, 27 T-bars and nine quads among others. With such a high share of easy terrain and mostly high-altitude slopes, it is a practical choice for groups where the abilities vary.

    Roche de Mio gives access to long runs down to Plagne Bellecote, with a red or blue choice, and Mont de la Guerre is the longest red in the resort, dropping nearly 1,200 metres without a lift. The Emile Allais piste offers fast, wide carving for advanced skiers, and the Bellecote glacier black runs are left ungroomed. Verdons and Col de Forcle are gentle options for progressing beginners. La Plagne also links to Les Arcs by the Vanoise Express, extending the options for strong skiers. It works for families, beginners and cruising intermediates, while experts should add the Bellecote glacier.

    Terrain split
    137
    runs
    137 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner85 runs · 62%
    Intermediate36 runs · 26%
    Advanced16 runs · 12%
    Expert0 runs · 0%
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    Time it right

    When to visit La Plagne

    The 2025-26 season operates 7 December 2025 to 26 April 2026, with Paradiski connections including Vanoise Express running 13 December 2025 to 25 April 2026. Typical season length spans 135 to 140 days from mid-December through late April. The resort opened 24 December 1961 with two drag lifts and four slopes, developing progressively as villages were added through the 1970s and 1980s. Pre-season weeks in early December offer discounted lift passes before Christmas holidays commence.

    Annual snowfall averages between 518 and 600 centimetres, with the snowiest period occurring in December's second week bringing approximately 50 centimetres and 3.3 snowy days. Over 70 per cent of terrain above 2,000 metres ensures reliable coverage from December through April. Snowmaking covers 50 kilometres via 359 cannons, approximately 23 per cent of total piste length. South-facing exposure brings sunshine to many sectors, though Champagny's orientation results in slightly less snow retention than north-facing areas.

    January and February deliver peak powder conditions and coldest temperatures, with high-altitude sectors maintaining dry snow throughout winter. March brings spring skiing with morning freeze-thaw cycles creating firm corduroy early and softer conditions by afternoon. April extends the season on upper slopes above 2,500 metres whilst lower villages transition to slush. December typically sees base depths building, with Christmas week offering 136 operational days historically. Mid-season maintains the deepest snowpack.

    Ice climbing competitions and ski races run through winter months, alongside après-ski events with live bands. The 6000D trail running race covers 69 kilometres with 3,400 metres elevation gain during late July, established in 1990. Summer lift operations from early July to late August serve hikers and mountain bikers, with the Glaciers gondola offering pedestrian access to 3,080 metres. Night skiing is not available in La Plagne itself but operates in linked Les Arcs sectors on designated evenings.

    Season 2026 - 2027
    12 Dec 2026
    Opens
    25 Apr 2027
    Closes
    134
    Days open
    6 m
    Annual snow
    The record

    Historical snowfall at La Plagne

    Daily snow reports at La Plagne go back to 1996, 31 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.

    60 cm
    Snowiest day
    23 Nov 2025
    59 cm
    This winter · 2026-27
    so far
    603 cm
    Typical winter
    average of complete seasons
    Explore historical snowfall →
    Winter totals
    cm
    Past wintersThis winter
    Getting there

    Getting to La Plagne, and where to stay

    La Plagne occupies the Tarentaise valley in Savoie, southeastern France, with villages distributed between 1,207 and 2,100 metres across four communes: Aime, Bellentre, Champagny-en-Vanoise and Mâcot-la-Plagne, merged as La Plagne Tarentaise commune in January 2016. The resort sits directly above the valley town of Aime at 650 metres, facing Mont Blanc with southern exposure across much of the domain. Vanoise National Park, France's first national park created in 1963, borders Champagny village providing access to protected alpine terrain.

    Aime-la-Plagne in the valley sits 10 minutes from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the Haute-Tarentaise capital at approximately 12 kilometres distance. Moûtiers lies 15 kilometres north along the N90, serving as the main valley junction town. The historic Basilique Saint-Martin in Aime dates from the 11th century as a Romanesque monument. Albertville, host of the 1992 Winter Olympics, sits 40 kilometres northwest. The area's mining heritage includes lead and silver extraction that ceased in 1973, with Plagne 1800 village occupying the former mining settlement.

    Road access follows the A43 motorway from Chambéry or Grenoble to Albertville at approximately 77 kilometres, then the N90 dual carriageway to Moûtiers and Aime. From Aime, the D220 climbs to altitude villages in 30 to 40 minutes by road. Geneva lies 149 kilometres distant via A41 and A43 motorways, requiring approximately 2 hours 30 minutes driving. Lyon sits 196 kilometres away, roughly 2 hours 30 minutes via A43. Paris is 645 kilometres north, around 6.5 to 7 hours via A6 motorway.

    Geneva Airport at 150 to 155 kilometres offers the most international connections with 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes transfer time depending on traffic. Chambéry Airport at 125 kilometres provides the shortest transfer at 1 hour 45 minutes but fewer flight options. Lyon Airport lies 195 to 200 kilometres distant with 2 hours 30 minutes transfer time, whilst Grenoble Airport sits 196 kilometres away. Aime-la-Plagne railway station serves TGV and regional trains with connections to Paris Gare de Lyon in approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, Chambéry, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Eurostar Snow Train operates Saturdays during winter from London St Pancras via Lille to Aime-la-Plagne and neighbouring valley stations. Local buses connect the station to resort villages in 30 to 40 minutes.

    Where to stay

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    Hotels and lodges near La Plagne, powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

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    Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street

    Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street

    The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.

    31 Oct 2026
    Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years

    Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years

    A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.

    30 Oct 2026
    What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass

    What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass

    Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.

    30 Oct 2026
    Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace

    Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace

    Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.

    30 Oct 2026
    Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing

    Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing

    Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.

    29 Oct 2026
    Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup

    Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup

    Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.

    29 Oct 2026
    Arapahoe Basin Opens First for North America’s 2026/27 Ski Season

    Arapahoe Basin Opens First for North America’s 2026/27 Ski Season

    Winter has officially started in North America, and it is one blue run long. On Wednesday 28 October, Arapahoe Basin fired up the Black Mountain Express at around 10:30 am after a surprise announcement just hours earlier, becoming the first major North American resort open for 2026/27. Cold nights, a dusting of natural snow and a lot of snowmaking made it happen in the resort’s 80th winter. More terrain is promised as the snow guns keep running.

    28 Oct 2026
    Sulden am Ortler Pushes Its Season Start Back a Week to 7 November

    Sulden am Ortler Pushes Its Season Start Back a Week to 7 November

    Sulden am Ortler has called off its 31 October opening. The South Tyrol ski area has pushed its 2026/27 start back to Saturday 7 November, citing current weather and snow conditions and saying it will use the extra week to get the slopes in the best possible shape. The season is still scheduled to run through 2 May 2027. Elsewhere in Europe, around a dozen areas are already open, led by Sölden’s 30 kilometres of groomed runs.

    28 Oct 2026

    La Plagne Lift System

    La Plagne operates 74 lifts comprising 2 aerial trams, 11 gondolas, 2 eight-seat chairs, 18 six-seat chairs, 9 quad chairs, 5 surface lifts and 27 T-bars. The Télémétro funicular connects Plagne Centre to Aime 2000, whilst the Vanoise Express double-decker cable car spans 1.8 kilometres to Les Arcs with 200-person capacity cabins. The lift network transports 129,000 skiers per hour across the domain. Sixteen beginner lifts operate free of charge without requiring a pass.

    The new Roche de Mio gondola opened December 2025 as a €36 million installation linking Plagne Bellecôte to Roche de Mio summit at 2,714 metres via Col de Forcle mid-station. The 10-seat gondola doubles capacity to 3,140 people per hour from the previous 1,440, reducing journey time from 16 to 8 minutes. It features 168 cabins running across line with the tallest pylon reaching 37 metres. This replaces a 40-year-old installation and bypasses Belle Plagne for improved flow to Champagny and Grande Rochette sectors.

    The Glaciers 2 gondola installed in December 2023 ascends from Roche de Mio to Live 3000 at 3,080 metres, replacing infrastructure dating from 1978. The installation includes Aérolive open-air panoramic cabins offering unfiltered alpine exposure. The Grande Rochette funicular departs Plagne Centre, whilst major gondolas serve Montalbert and Belle Plagne sectors. The eight-seat Arpette chairlift at Bellecôte opened in December 2005 as the resort's first eight-seater, accessing Europe's longest Funslope.

    Infrastructure modernisation continues after decades of lift evolution, with the resort reducing skiable vertical by approximately 100 metres following glacier lift reconfiguration. The Chalet de Bellecôte quad chair replaced an old double in the same upgrade cycle. Peak-season queues can form at Bellecôte sector lifts including Arpette, Blanchets and Colosses chairs during February holidays. Most villages connect via free pedestrian gondolas and the Télébus system, supplemented by regular shuttle buses operating every 15 minutes between major centres.

    74lifts across 7 types

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    2
    Aerial Trams
    11
    Gondolas
    2
    8-Person Chairs
    18
    6-Person Chairs
    9
    Quad Chairs
    27
    T-Bars
    5
    Surface Lifts
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    La Plagne lift system

    La Plagne is served by 74 lifts, listed here by type. Check which lifts are turning against the live conditions before you plan your first laps - early lifts and high-speed chairs get you to the best snow fastest.

    More La Plagne intelligence: trail map, snow report, webcams, resort overview.