Just as with all resorts the world over, the conditions in La Plagne can vary hour by hour and day by day – especially later in the season when the sun is strongest you’ll likely find the state of the snow can change considerably. With such a huge variety of terrain spread over such a massive area and different altitudes, the snow often transforms from morning to afternoon. While staying high will obviously help, below is a top tip to help you find the best snow in La Plagne when temperatures rise and the snow becomes less predictable – no matter the time of year.

Follow the sun for the best snow

While it’s undeniably true this tip works best later in the season, occasional weather blips befall all resorts and the idea of following the sun is applicable in all resorts. The tip below is so simple – yet it’s surprising how few people think of it.

Early morning best snow in La Plagne

We’re all aware of the trajectory of the sun – it rises in the east, sets in the west. This basic rule means that east-facing slopes will always be the first to soften (unless you’re in the deepest, darkest mid-winter when the sun’s strength is considerably less). However, if the resort is experiencing harder, icier conditions after a night/day, freeze / thaw cycle, you’re always best going first to the east-facing runs as they will experience more sun exposure earlier.

As the sun moves, follow it

This same theory of sun exposure continues through the day – and depending on the time of year, it can make a substantial difference to the quality of snow you’re riding. As the east-facing runs begin to deteriorate, start moving towards the runs with a more southerly exposure. They will begin to soften as the sun’s strength takes effect. As you can see from the map image above, the La Plagne valleys make it relatively simple to follow the sun.

At the end of your day, west-facing pistes will normally be best

As mentioned earlier, this information is very much dependent on the time of year and the snow conditions in resort at the time but, as a rule (and particularly in late season), the west-facing runs will be best later in the day as they’re the last to be hit by the sun. This can make the difference between riding icy, shadowed pistes or finding softer snow.

Reverse for powder days

No rule is entirely failsafe – and the idea of following the sun should be reversed for powder days. But, let’s face it, these are few and far between and – when it’s like that – it should be easy enough to work out where to ride following our La Plagne off-piste guides.

La Plagne month-by-month information

While winters are definitely becoming more erratic and harder to judge, some times are more snow-assured than others. Check our month-by-month La Plagne guides for more information: La Plagne in December, La Plagne in January, La Plagne in February, La Plagne in March and La Plagne in April. There’s also an abbreviated, shorter version at when is the best time to ski in La Plagne.

More La Plagne videos

Visit the iRide YouTube channel for more great La Plagne videos produced La Plagne 360 showing all facets of the area filmed through the season over multiple years.