Les Bois black piste: Les Bois has recently been upgraded to a black but, in truth, on steepness alone, it’s not as intimidating as that rating suggests. The challenges tend to come from the piste being quite narrow, plus it can get icy — especially on the lower sections.

The most likely reason for the grade change is simple: lower-level riders were trying to make their way down, getting into difficulty, and the black rating pushes it firmly into “expert” territory, which puts most people off. Whatever the reason, you’ll hear wildly different opinions about this run. Some riders think it’s a nightmare: a narrow track on a steep-ish gradient, with too many people. Others (this writer included) really like it.

La Plagne expert piste Les Bois: As a general rule, if you’re into side-hits and like to drop off the main line into the trees, you’ll probably enjoy Les Bois — especially after fresh snow. That’s why it often gets a shout as one of La Plagne’s best black runs, depending on your perspective.

Beginners should avoid it. It can get bumpy, sections can turn icy, and the track is narrow with trees either side for most of the way. Add in people stopping in awkward spots and it can feel far more “black” than the gradient suggests.

After a winding top section, the final third mellows out with a nice run-in to Champagny where you can take the Champagny gondola back up.

One last heads-up: because of the southerly aspect and low altitude, this run and the Mont de la Guerre red are often two of the earliest pistes to close in La Plagne.

Les Bois black piste: A quick pros and cons table. Just our opinion — this one’s brilliant on the right day but it can feel challenging when it’s icy or crowded.

Connecting pistes and lifts: Where you can go next once you finish Les Bois.

Les Bois piste stats: Length, altitude and gradient at a glance.