THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LA PLAGNE

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La Plagne resort guide

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Other great ski resorts near La Plagne you could visit

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La Plagne is located in the magnificent Tarentaise Valley, a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts so consequently, there are many other great ski resorts near area you could visit. This region has a rich skiing history and was even honoured to host the skiing and sliding events of the Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics.

The Tarentaise is home to some of the world’s highest and most renowned ski resorts. Indeed, at one point there was talk of joining all these areas to make one truly uber resort – although that idea has since been ditched, partly due to the establishment of the Vanoise National Park. If nothing else, it probably wouldn’t have been practical when you consider the vast distances involved – although some ski tourers still take the route from Tignes to Trois Vallées.

While La Plagne is undoubtedly a gem in its own right, several neighbouring resorts offer their own unique charm and exceptional skiing opportunities. To get a better idea of the terrain on offer here, check our La Plagne 3D map video, Paradiski 3D map video, Tarentaise 3D resorts map video and Tarentaise resorts 3D static maps.

Combining a La Plagne holiday with nearby resorts

What ski resorts are near to La Plagne

One of the remarkable aspects of choosing La Plagne as your base is its proximity to other outstanding resorts. Below are a few world-renowned resorts near La Plagne that deserve your attention and could be combined on your trip. Note – of these, Courchevel, Brides-les-Bains and Pralognan-la-Vanoise are by far the easiest to access via Champagny. For the others, you’ll need to get the La Plagne valley bus down to Aime (or taxi / La Plagne ski transfers).

Les Arcs (the 2nd half of Paradiski)

Les Arcs: Connected to La Plagne by the impressive Vanoise Express cable car, Les Arcs offers an extensive ski area with over 400 kilometres of interconnected pistes (in total with La Plagne sharing the Paradiski area). From its highest point at an altitude of 3,226 meters, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère: A world-class resort located a short distance from La Plagne, Val d’Isère is renowned for its challenging terrain, impressive snowfall and vibrant après-ski scene. With over 300 kilometres of slopes (shared with Tignes) and a highest point of 3,456 meters, Val d’Isère promises an exhilarating skiing experience. Note, Val also offers glacier skiing although in recent years seasonal snowfall has often curtailed the service.

Tignes

Tignes: Situated alongside Val d’Isère in the Espace Killy ski area, Tignes boasts high-altitude skiing and guaranteed snow throughout the season. With its vast ski area encompassing over 300 kilometres of pistes (shared with Val above) and a highest point of 3,456 meters, Tignes offers a playground for snow enthusiasts seeking excitement and adventure. The Tignes Grande Motte glacier offers summer skiing – although, again, poor snowfall and a retreating icepack have shortened the season that used to run 365 days a year.

Incidentally, if you do visit Tignes, you really need to do the Tignes BunJRide experience in Tignes Val Claret. Full details in the video above. This is unlike anything you’ll have ever done before – a 40m drop off a ramp attached bungee chords to ride to the base.

Courchevel

Courchevel: Part of the world-renowned Three Valleys ski area, Courchevel stands as a symbol of luxury and refinement. With meticulously groomed slopes, exquisite dining options and superb accommodation, Courchevel caters to the discerning skier. Its 150 kilometres of pistes and a highest point of 2,738 meters provide a delightful skiing experience. Note – as part of Trois Vallées, Courchevel offers over 600km of pistes.

Méribel

Méribel: Nestled in the heart of the Three Valleys ski area, Méribel is renowned for its picturesque alpine charm and diverse skiing terrain. With over 600 kilometres of pistes (Trois Vallées) and a highest point of 2,952m at Mont Vallon, Méribel offers something for everyone, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging off-piste adventures.

Val Thorens

Val Thorens: As the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens promises exceptional snow conditions and an extensive ski area spanning over 600 kilometres of pistes (Trois Vallées total). With a highest point of 3,230 meters, Val Thorens is a paradise for snow lovers and adrenaline seekers alike.

La Rosière

La Rosière: Located on the Franco-Italian border, La Rosière offers a unique international skiing experience. Its highest point reaches an altitude of 2,642 meters, and you can even ski across to the Italian resort of La Thuile. This family-friendly resort boasts panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, with over 160 kilometres of pistes (shared with La Thuile on the Italian side) suitable for all skill levels.

Sainte Foy

Sainte Foy: For those seeking a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, Sainte Foy is a hidden gem. With its unspoiled natural beauty, charming village ambiance and uncrowded slopes, Sainte Foy offers a tranquil skiing experience. Its 41 kilometres of pistes cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders – although that pales into insignificance compared to the resort’s immense off-piste riding.

Valmorel

Valmorel: Nestled in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley, Valmorel is a picturesque resort known for its traditional Savoyard architecture. With over 150 kilometres of pistes and a highest point of 2,832 meters, Valmorel provides a delightful skiing experience in a charming alpine setting.

Pralognan-la-Vanoise

See the other resorts near La Plagne

Pralognan-la-Vanoise: By far the least well-known area in this list is the small village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise which is located at the end of the valley just across from Champagny. How this area has remained such a secret is somewhat of a mystery considering its high-profile neighbours. Despite being comparatively small compared to its sister resorts, Pralognan offers snow-sure skiing and snowboarding for most of the season with runs culminating at the 2355m summit.

Reaching La Plagne’s neighbouring resorts by car

La Plagne’s neighbouring resorts are well-connected by roads, allowing for convenient and scenic drives. From La Plagne, approximate distances and journey times are as listed below. Bear in mind, these times are very much dependent on road, traffic and weather conditions.

La Plagne to Les Arcs – 25 km, 30 minutes but really, why bother when you can take the Vanoise Express?

La Plagne to Val d’Isère – 80 km, 1.5 hours

La Plagne to Tignes – 70 km, 1.5 hours

La Plagne to Courchevel – 55 km, 1.5 hours

La Plagne to La Rosière – 20 km, 30 minutes

La Plagne to Méribel – 50 km, 1 hour

La Plagne to Val Thorens – 45 km, 1 hour

La Plagne to Sainte Foy – 30 km, 45 minutes

La Plagne to Valmorel – 40 km, 1 hour

La Plagne’s neighbouring resorts by train

The region is well-served by a comprehensive rail network, providing easy access to the resorts. From Aime in the valley below La Plagne, you can take a train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the gateway to Les Arcs and nearby resorts (you will need to take one of the regular valley buses to Aime). Travel times vary depending on the destination, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. in the other direction, you could alight at Moûtiers which gives access to the Trois Vallées resorts and Valmorel (further connection required by bus).

Planning the Ultimate Ski Holiday

Using this La Plagne guide to visit nearby resorts, you could unlock the ultimate ski holiday. Immerse yourself in the diverse skiing opportunities, explore different slopes and terrains and savour the unique atmosphere of each resort.

Whether you’re looking for challenging pistes, stunning vistas, lively après-ski or a peaceful alpine retreat, the neighbouring resorts near La Plagne offer a world of possibilities. So venture beyond the slopes of La Plagne and embrace the wonders that await you in the magnificent Tarentaise Valley.