Paradiski Area

La Plagne

In total what is billed as La Plagne is actually ten different linked centres, six at higher elevation and four lower satellites, which, with over 210kms of skiing rising from Montchavin or Champagny at 1250m right up to the Glacier de Bellecote at 3250m. With so many links the network and transport system must be good and La Plagne generally delivers. If L’Espace Killy scores with the better skiers then La Plagne is the intermediate’s equivalent and there is scope to cover large areas of terrain on a regular undemanding basis, predominately on the comprehensive choice of blue runs which comprise more than half of the complement of 117 runs. Plagne Centre (1970m) and Plan Bellecote (1930m) are the main hubs, with their own satellites some of which are not attractive; others are typically anonymous large blocks, while further up there the villages tend to echo a more traditional feel. Belle Plagne (2050m) is one such centre, albeit a modern interpretaion of the Savoyard theme which is linked to Plagne Bellecote by a gondola which runs until 1 am. As its name suggests Plagne Soleil is set in a sunny central bowl with good access to the lift network linked to both Belle Plagne. The villages of Montchavin (1250m) , Les Coches (1450m) and Champagny en Vanoise (1250m) are all lower, with Champagny linked to the other side of La Grand Rochette and the Roche de Mio. Champagny nestles in a more secluded wooded setting but has direct feeds back into the Belle Plagne and Plagne Centre lift networks, with the most efficient access link perhaps being from the top gondola station over Les Verdons.

Accommodation & Après Ski

It is fairly well equipped with shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, and Plagne Village, too is a more charming nucleus of smaller apartments and chalets, while Plagne Centre is overlooked by Aime La Plagne and both offer functional apartment complexes.

Try La Mine bar in 1800, or Scotty’s Bar in Plagne Centre at the bottom of the Stade Olympic run which has a large outdoor area and regularly draws in big crowds with DJ’s and live music taking centre stage. If you feel a little homesick, then the only place to head to is the ‘Spitting Feathers Bar’, an English pub-style bar that will leave you feeling like you have just walked into your local back home. They even play premier league football up on the big screens and other sporting events as well as having three separate happy hours every day. Perhaps the best bit about the Spitting Feathers bar is that you can grab the free minibus back to wherever you are staying in La Plagne.

Les Arc

Les Arcs is commonly associated with the cutting edge of snow sports – from the world famous Flying Kilometre – where everything from skiers to mountain bilkers hurl themselves down the specially prepared near vertical piste, and recreational skiers can do so too – although not from the top, so also it pioneered the ski evolutif learning method on short skis, but this purpose built resort is still simply a great place to ski, with a good record for snow holding and a vast range of pistes for all abilities. Purpose built over 30 years ago, it is set over three levels – Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 and each has its own local amenitites – from bars and restaurants, while lower down the valley, as well as the funicular link to the rail head of Bourg St Maurice itself (it takes only seven minutes), there are a number of attractive smaller villages and hamlets joining into the Les Arcs circuit such as Peisey- Nancroixn Vallandry and Le Pre Villaroger. The sheer choice and variety of skiing is excellent with lifts rising high on the Aiguille Rouge to give skiing on the Glacier du Varet to offer some challenging skiing up here. There are scenic tree lined runs, good off piste, and nursery slopes from the door -especially so up at Arc 2000. Snowscooting is another sport on offer.

Accommodation & Après Ski

The Les Arcs après scene focuses on the legendary L’Arpette Restaurant, which is packed as the lifts close – it has to have one of the finest sunset views anywhere in the Alps. Back in resort, 1800 is the liveliest of the villages and Red Hot Saloon or Chez Boubou are the places to head to if you’re staying there. Après in the other villages is much more laid back, but some decent bars and happy hours can still be found. Usually there is great live music in the Hotel du Golf.