La Plagne in April
Is La Plagne good in April: While late-season ski holidays can often be a bit of a lottery in terms of snow cover, La Plagne’s high, snow-sure pistes mean you can book without worries. In particular, the higher alpine stations all sit around or above the all-important 2000m mark (see videos below), which means snow is assured even in this, the last month of the season. That said, conditions can vary from year to year as the video edits amply demonstrate so, as with all other ski and snowboard holidays, you should check the updated La Plagne piste and conditions updates for the most recent data from the resort. If you’re booking a last-minute trip, you’ll also find weather forecast links in the guide. But just what is the snow like in La Plagne in April? Read on to find out.
Below is our take on the typical conditions you can expect to find in La Plagne in April – including video reports from previous seasons to give you a better idea of what to expect. Let’s try answer that age-old question – Is La Plagne good for April skiing?
Note – La Plagne 360 guides are human-written, not generated by ChatGPT or similar AI software.
La Plagne weather – a basic guide
The Jet Stream is hugely influential in La Plagne’s weather and, in a typical year with a typical Jet Stream, this meteorological phenomenon brings the majority of the resort’s snow. Read more about the Jet Stream effect on La Plagne’s weather. Sure, snow can come from other directions and sources (for example, from a Retour d’Est) but a strong, healthy Jet Stream will always result in a good winter. The maths of this is very simple – moisture-laden winds barrel into the continent off the Atlantic. As this moisture hits the mountains, it is forced upwards, condensing into clouds and resulting in precipitation (a process that’s also known as orographic lift). This explains why the windward sides of mountains usually get the most snow. In an average season, La Plagne receives 508cm of snow spread over 45 snowfall days culminating in an average snow depth of 215cm.
Does La Plagne have good snow in April?
Is La Plagne snow-sure in April? April brings hotter, longer, sunnier days which means you’ll be riding a mix of conditions with transforming snow. Typically, pistes can be quite hard in the morning, gradually softening through the day into a more corn-like texture. To find the best conditions at any time of day, it’s a good idea to follow the sun (see video below). It’s also worth remembering 70% of La Plagne’s pistes lie above 2000m so, in terms of being snow-sure, few resorts come close. Historical snow data reveals April as the least snowy month in La Plagne with a mean total of 48cm of snow falling over six days. That said, this late in the season – and after the four previous months of snowfall – the average base depth is noted at 104cm (note this figure is the total average inc the low resorts and glacial areas).
What is the effect of La Plagne snow cannon and resort height on snow in April? La Plagne has a reported 600 snow cannons that can pump out snow to ensure good cover – particularly around the lower resorts if the home runs start to suffer. That said, the resort tends to use cannon sparingly this late in the season. In truth, if you want to be on the safe side, you should aim to find accommodation around the 2000m mark for the best conditions as the lower villages can be considerably less reliable this late in the season. Instead, go for the high alpine stations like Plagne Villages, Plagne Soleil, Plagne 1800, Plagne Centre, Aime 2000, Plagne Bellecôte and Belle Plagne. Read this guide for people new to La Plagne for more information and where to stay in La Plagne.
In terms of snow, you’ll always find the best conditions with the widest, deepest cover above 2000m – although the La Plagne lift company do their best to keep the lower runs open – even in a low-snow year. One exception to this is the south-facing Champagny which is almost always the first to close its lower pistes – meaning if you’re staying here, you’ll usually need to download on the lift. However, if you climb above 2000m (ie to all the runs above the gondola top station) you should be ok. Don’t forget, April storms are very much the norm so it’s very possible there will be at least one dump (often major) through the last month of the season. La Plagne usually wraps up operations at the end of the final week of April.
What are the typical snow conditions in La Plagne in April – useful links
OnTheSnow historical snowfall for La Plagne
Snow Forecast historical snowfall for La Plagne
Ski Weather EU historical snowfall for La Plagne
The weather forecast for La Plagne
La Plagne live piste and lift conditions
Typical La Plagne April weather
How is the weather in La Plagne in April? While it’s often tempting to think April will bring wall-to-wall sunshine and cloudless skies, late-season storms are very common – particularly in a resort as high as La Plagne. Consequently, you should still pack the same outerwear you would for a mid-season trip to be sure you’re covered for all eventualities. Dressing in layers is always the best policy to remain comfortable in the mountains. As temperatures ride, you can shed a layer – should they drop, you can add another. See our ski holiday packing guide for more information and a downloadable checklist to prevent forgetting anything. The videos below detail the mixed conditions you can find around the resort from 1250m up to the higher reaches.
What is the typical April La Plagne weather – useful links
The weather forecast for La Plagne
La Plagne live piste and lift conditions
Is La Plagne busy in April?
Is La Plagne busy in April? Easter is usually the least popular of the holiday periods in all ski resorts so, unlike February and Christmas, you can still find quiet areas around the resort. Should the resort happen to be busy, check the guide below to avoid the queues and find the quietest runs. As a general rule, the main Plagne Centre and Bellecôte bowls will be busiest so you should head for the outlying areas if you want to avoid queuing. The Easter holidays vary from year to year so you should check the European holiday dates. Outside Easter, the resort will usually be very quiet – especially so in the last week(s) of the season before the end of April closing date.
How busy is La Plagne in April – useful links
Guide to avoiding school holidays in La Plagne
Making the most of a busy La Plagne
Where are the quietest areas in La Plagne
Where are the busiest areas in La Plagne
La Plagne live roads and conditions
Is La Plagne cold in April?
How cold is La Plagne in April? Longer days and the general warming of April sun mean you can often be riding in a t-shirt or sweatshirt on the hottest afternoons. Don’t be fooled though – April frequently brings late-season dumps (as has been increasingly common in recent years), so you’ll still want to pack the same outerwear that you would for a colder winter trip. Also, it’s worth bearing in mind that the temperature drops sharply when the sun drops behind the mountains so you’ll definitely be glad of warm outerwear in the late afternoon and at night for your La Plagne aprés ski antics. According to data gathered over the last 15 years, the average temps at the higher resort stations vary between minimum av -2.4′ and maximum av -1.5′ – although you should expect fluctuations above / below these averages (as high as +15′ and as low as -10′).
What are the typical temperatures in La Plagne in April – useful links
The weather forecast for La Plagne
La Plagne live piste and lift conditions
La Plagne April holiday prices
Is a La Plagne ski holiday expensive in April? Outside the Easter period, you can find some great deals on La Plagne ski holidays in April. Even then, Easter is usually the quietest holiday time so deals can still be found. In particular, you can often bag great prices on chalet accommodation as operators look to wind down their season, fill remaining beds and clear stock. Easter is always a little strange in that the exact dates change year-to-year so check the links below to find the best bargains (also check the link above to check European holiday dates).
What are typical La Plagne ski holiday prices in April – useful links
La Plagne ski holiday accommodation
La Plagne all-inclusive holidays
La Plagne ski holiday transfers
La Plagne April transfers and roads
Are La Plagne roads busy in April? Aside from the Easter holidays transfer Saturdays, the roads in and around La Plagne should be quiet for the majority of the month. Even then, of all the holiday periods, Easter tends to be the least popular as many people often start thinking more about their summer breaks and have already packed up their winter kit. The exception to this can be if you’re lucky enough to get one of the (now surprisingly common) late-season dumps which, as ever, can cause problems if drivers come unprepared for winter conditions. If you do happen to arrive on a snowy day, there’s always the option of taking the train from Geneva or Chambéry – a very easy journey. Click here for La Plagne by train schedules and online booking. The rail track follows much the same route as the roads but can be considerably quicker if traffic congestion builds. See the guide below.
What are typical La Plagne April roads and transfers conditions – useful links
La Plagne live roads and conditions
La Plagne typical transfer times
An overview of April La Plagne conditions
Compilation of April snow reports
Tips to find the best snow conditions in April
Follow the sun
Despite the transforming snow conditions that are common through April, you can always find optimal pistes if you follow the trajectory of the sun. By hitting the east-facing runs in the morning then south-facing and ending on west-facing pistes, you should find the best snow.
What is the snow like in April?
Season 2018/2019
As mentioned above, storms are quite common across the Alpine resorts through April. This video gives a great example of both the sunny days and great off-piste powder riding that so often happen towards the tail-end of the season. Filmed mostly around Champagny, Montchavin and Bellecôte.
Is the April snow good in La Plagne?
Season 2018/2019
Video showing the warmer conditions you can expect in La Plagne in April, filmed mostly on the higher runs of the Champagny and Plagne Bellecôte sectors.
What is the snow like in April in La Plagne?
Season 2018/2019
April often brings some of the best riding on the quietest pistes – sometimes with the added bonus of powder days if you get lucky. Powder footage filmed mostly in Montchavin and Bellecôte, sunny footage primarily around Plagne Centre and Aime 2000. This video also shows the effect the Easter holidays can have on the resort – in particular the end of the edit at the Bergerie lift (usually one of La Plagne’s busiest lifts and one to avoid).
Is La Plagne always sunny in April?
Season 2018/2019
This video shows huge mix of weather conditions you can often expect through April from blizzards up high to rain lower down. Click this link to learn the effect of altitude on snow. It also details the Subli Cimes themed events held across the area as well as the journey across to Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express.
Does it snow in April in La Plagne?
Season 2018/2019
After the storms and powder of the previous week, conditions again change in La Plagne with a return to more spring-like conditions. This video was filmed primarily around Belle Plagne, Plagne Centre and Montalbert and amply shows the 2000m metre rule at work ie staying high for the best snow.
Does Champagny-en-Vanoise have snow in April?
Season 2018/2019
The end of the season in all ski resorts brings a more relaxed air to proceedings with saisonnaires and resort staff gradually winding things down and taking time out to party. This video shows the Kamicaisse soapbox race, usually held on the lower slopes of Plagne Bellecôte as well as the water ride at Le Bonnet. It also shows the conditions in the south-facing Champagny-en-Vanoise sector, traditionally the first of the La Plagne areas to close. However, again, if you follow the 2000m rule, you’ll see a stark contrast in conditions higher up.
Is snow guaranteed above 2000m in April?
Season 2018/2019
The 2000m rule explained showing the improved conditions higher up in La Plagne as well as the end-of-season Subli Cimes events held across the area. Filmed around Plagne Centre and Aime 2000.
Does La Plagne get fresh snow in April?
Season 2018/2019
Yet more mixed April conditions from blizzards to warm days in the sun, filmed during the last week of the season in La Plagne – almost always the quietest week in the resort yet still with good cover. This video also gives an idea of the size of La Plagne.
What is the April weather like in La Plagne?
Season 2017/2018
A look back at the epic 2018 season which saw winter storms continue well into April bringing incredible late-season conditions across La Plagne. This year also saw record-breaking snow depths through the entire winter. Filmed mostly around Plagne Centre, Plagne Bellecôte and Plagne Soleil.
La Plagne ski holidays in April – good or bad?
April is one of the best times to take a ski holiday in La Plagne. With lengthening days, warmer temps and an assured base built over the previous months, conditions are some of the best of the year. Couple this with significantly quieter pistes and lifts and it’s clear to see the attraction of holidaying at this time of year. In particular, the weeks following the Easter break can be deserted – plus you’ll often find end-of-season parties in the bars around resort. Even better, many pubs and restaurants offer reduced prices as they try to clear stock for the upcoming inter-season. In short, if you can spare the time, April is a great month in La Plagne – and you’ll also likely get lucky with (at least) one end-of-winter storm resulting in epic powder days.
La Plagne month-by-month snow and conditions
To get a better idea of what to expect from your La Plagne ski holiday, check our other snow and conditions guides that detail typical snow and conditions month by month: La Plagne in December, La Plagne in January, La Plagne in February and La Plagne in March. There’s also an abbreviated, shorter version at when is the best time to ski in La Plagne.
La Plagne suitability by skill level
If you’re wondering if La Plagne is the right resort for your level of skiing or snowboarding, take a look at these guides that outline the advantages and disadvantages of a La Plagne holiday, split by skill level.
Is La Plagne good for beginners?
Is La Plagne good for intermediates?
Is La Plagne good for experts?
Follow La Plagne 360 on social media
FB: La Plagne Facebook guide
T/X: La Plagne Twitter guide
YT: La Plagne video guides
La Plagne accommodation deals
La Plagne piste map
