La Plagne sits above the awe-inspiring Isère Valley, a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts. This region has a crazy skiing history and was 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. At one point, there was talk of joining these huge areas to create one mega resort, although that idea has since been ditched – mostly due to the establishment of the Vanoise National Park. Also, a resort on that scale probably wouldn’t have been practical when you consider the sheer size of the place and the distances involved. That said, these world-famous resorts are still unbelievably close to each other – so much so, it almost feels like they’re within touching distance. This is a truly special corner of the Alps.

One of the best 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.

Important: in almost all cases, these trips are easiest by car or with a taxi / transfer company. However, there are a few that can still make sense on skis, so long as you accept luggage limitations. For example, Courchevel, Brides-les-Bains (thereafter Méribel) and Pralognan-la-Vanoise can be quicker and easier to reach by getting to the base of Champagny and taking a connecting ride than by going the long route around the front of the mountain via Moûtiers.

For the others (if you don’t have a car), you’ll usually go via La Plagne valley bus down to Aime then take a train, bus or taxi. Alternatively, you could just book a La Plagne ski transfer between resorts for the simplest option. Obviously, the easiest, zero-stress trip of all these options is to Les Arcs on the Vanoise Express.

If you’re planning a few days exploring rather than a one-off day trip, you’ll want to book accommodation. These are massive resorts, so doing half days (or even single days) really won’t do them justice. Booking a night in a hotel or apartment will also remove the stress of getting back to La Plagne in time (not so much of a concern if you have a car). Here’s our main hub for La Plagne accommodation where you’ll also find search options for other resorts.

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.

This is the stuff that tends to catch people out. All these trips are very doable, but you’ll have a way better time if you plan your route around how you’re going to get there, traffic, weather and where you start from in La Plagne.

By car: Having a car gives you the greatest flexibility in terms of when you travel and ease of access. You may still want to stay over for a night in the resort – but this would be an option rather than a necessity.

By transfer provider: Another very do-able option and most private transfer companies will happily take you. However, to make the trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, staying over is going to be your best option (in most cases). Then your driver can come pick you up the next day.

By public transport: From the main La Plagne altitude resorts, you can take the bus down to Aime. From there, journeys are easy (especially by train, then resort buses). For the areas at the end of the valley (La Rosière, Sainte-Foy, Tignes-Val d’Isère), head in the direction of Bourg-St-Maurice. For Trois Vallées (Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens), Pralognan and Valmorel, go the other direction towards Moûtiers. Both these gare routières double as train and bus stations with regular links up to the resorts.

Champagny connections via piste / lift routes: For the more adventurous, it’s possible to ski over much of your journey to some resorts. Going via Champagny gives relatively easy access to Pralognan, Courchevel and Brides-les-Bains (thereafter Méribel via the Olympe gondola connection). All these resorts are do-able so long as you have a ride sorted from – and back to – Champagny. However, even with their proximity, you’d be better off spending a night to make the most of your trip (just take a change of clothes in your backpack). Can these trips be done in a day? Sure. Should you do them in a day? Except for Pralognan, probably not.

Bourg-St-Maurice connections via piste / lift routes: Likewise, the resorts further up the valley (La Rosière, Sainte-Foy, Tignes-Val d’Isère) are accessible via the funiculaire from Arc 1600 down to Bourg-St-Maurice. From here, regular buses run to all resorts. However, these really aren’t suitable for day trips – better to book accommodation and take a change of clothes in your backpack.

Multi-resort exploration: If you’re doing multiple day trips and want maximum flexibility, having a car will be a game-changer. Here’s our recommended partner for car hire.

Bottom line: In pretty much all cases, if you don’t have a car, you’re going to be way better booking an overnight in these resorts. With a car, things are much, much easier and day trips become viable.

La Plagne’s neighbouring resorts are all well-connected by the road network, allowing for easy scenic drives. These times depend heavily on traffic and weather and where in La Plagne you start from.

If you’re not driving, this is usually the point where organising transport properly saves the day. Here’s our guide to La Plagne ski transfers. Note: a lot of these places are reachable via the Champagny pistes or Les Arcs funiculaire > then bus – but they really aren’t day trips if you do it that way. You would be way better booking a night in the stations. As ever, having a car will give you much better flexibility.

The region is well-served by a comprehensive rail network. From Aime in the valley below La Plagne, you can take a train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the gateway to Les Arcs, Val d’Isère, Tignes and La Rosière. You’ll need to take one of the regular valley buses to Aime first – or just ride over to Arc 1600 and take the funiculaire.

In the other direction, you can take the train to Moûtiers which gives access to the Trois Vallées resorts and Valmorel. The final connections will be via bus.

In all cases, an overnight stay is really the only realistic call, but they’re all possible. I know. I’ve done them. 

Going by car is definitely your best option for flexibility and ensuring you get decent time on the hill – plus, crucially, making sure you get home again. In the ideal scenario, you’d do these trips with a two-night stay in your destination resort. By car, it’s your call (but probably better to spend at least one night in your destination resort). 

Les Arcs is connected to La Plagne by the impressive Vanoise Express cable car. The lift leaves La Plagne from a little above Montchavin and gives direct access to Les Arcs’ Peisey-Vallandry area.

In this sector of Les Arcs, you’ll find some excellent blue and red runs. This part of the resort also has one of the biggest beginner areas in the Alps, located on a huge plateau above Peisey. For more advanced riders, Les Arcs’ comprehensive, fast lift network will let you explore deeper into this incredible resort. 

If you’re an early intermediate or above, it’s normally worth investing in the full Paradiski lift pass extension so you can roam across both resorts and fully explore Paradiski.

Tignes sits alongside Val d’Isère in the Espace Killy ski area (now renamed Tignes-Val d’Isère for simplicity). It’s known for high-altitude skiing and snow-sure conditions through the season – plus incredible off-piste, much of which it shares with Val.

The Tignes Grande Motte glacier offers summer skiing, although poor snowfall and a retreating icepack have shortened the season – a season that used to run year-round, the full 365 days of the year.

Incidentally, if you do visit Tignes, the Tignes BunJRide experience in Tignes Val Claret is well worth doing. Full details in the video and on the link.

I did a season in Tignes yet I still didn’t manage to explore the full off-piste in this area. It’s a huge resort with limitless backcountry riding. The nightlife is pretty good too, so this resort makes a convincing case for an overnight stay. 

Val d’Isère is a world-class resort located a short distance from La Plagne. It’s renowned for challenging terrain, impressive snowfall, epic off-piste and a vibrant après-ski scene.

With over 300 kilometres of slopes shared with Tignes and a highest point of 3,456 metres, Val d’Isère offers great skiing for all levels. Val also offers glacier skiing, although in recent years, reduced seasonal snowfall and the retreating icepack has shortened its summer season.

I did a season in Val d’Isère and, much like Tignes, I still didn’t get around to doing even half the off-piste routes in this huge resort. It’s also a great party town so doing an overnighter would be a good call. 

La Rosière is located on the Franco-Italian border. You can ski across to the Italian resort of La Thuile, which makes this a fun one for a change of scenery.

The area offers over 160 kilometres of pistes shared with La Thuile, with terrain suitable for all levels and great views across the valley.

This one would be possible with an early start – but, as with the others in this list – an overnight stay would allow you to get so much more from your trip. Again, doing it by car opens up way more options. 

Sainte-Foy is a hidden gem for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, amazing snow, seemingly limitless off-piste, incredible views and much lower queues. With charming village vibes, uncrowded slopes and excellent terrain, it offers a calm day out compared to the larger resorts.

Its 41 kilometres of pistes might seem modest, but most people come for the off-piste riding rather than the piste mileage.

There’s a reason that those-in-the-know tend to keep this information to themselves. Yep, we’re spilling proper seasonnaire secrets here. Sainte-Foy is incredible. 

Pralognan-la-Vanoise is the least well-known area in this list. It sits at the end of the valley just across from Champagny and it remains oddly under the radar – mostly because of its high-profile neighbours.

Despite being comparatively small, Pralognan offers snow-sure skiing and snowboarding for the majority of the season, with runs culminating at the 2,355m summit.

This one is easily do-able on skis via the Champagny link – but don’t rely on buses. You would be much better sorting a ride or getting a taxi between Champagny and the lift base. Or, alternatively, do a night in this charming, traditional small village. 

Courchevel is part of the world-renowned Three Valleys ski area and is known for luxury and refinement. With meticulously groomed slopes, excellent dining options and high-end accommodation, Courchevel tends to cater most to discerning skiers.

Courchevel alone has 150 kilometres of pistes and a high point of 2,738 metres, giving great skiing. However, as part of Trois Vallées, Courchevel gives access to over 600km of pistes in total (the world’s biggest interlinked ski area).

If you’re doing Trois Vallées as a day trip, it’s worth sorting transport properly – especially on the way back, to avoid stress. Here’s our main hub for transfers. This trip is easily possible on skis riding first to Champagny > taxi > Courchevel Le Praz. However, with this route, you’ll need to be mindful of lift times and taxis back as you’ll need to make last lift out of Champagny into the main area (unless you’re staying in Champagny, of course). 

By car, you’ll descend the hill road then head to Moûtiers. From there, the 3V resorts are all clearly signposted. For Courchevel, head in the direction of Bozel (a town widely rumoured to soon be linked into the main area).

Méribel sits in the heart of the Three Valleys and it is famed for picturesque alpine charm and varied skiing terrain. With over 600 kilometres of pistes across Trois Vallées and a highest point of 2,952m at Mont Vallon, it offers something for everyone.

Méribel is an awesome resort. To make the most of this trip, you would either want to do an overnight stay or have transport options sorted well in advance. This trip is do-able either via Champagny > Brides-les-Bains and the Olympe gondola or – better option – via car to Moûtiers then the hill road or the gondola out of Brides. Both are a better idea with an overnighter. 

I also did season in Méribel and, even after five months spent in the resort, there are still parts of Trois Vallées I haven’t ridden yet. 3V is a monster of a ski area. Méribel also has banging nightlife so an overnight stay is definitely the best option. 

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and is known for strong snow conditions. It also has the highest pub in Europe – the Frog – well worth a visit. The ski area spans over 600 kilometres of pistes across Trois Vallées, with the highest point at 3,230 metres.

Over the last few years, Val Tho has been consistently voted the World’s Best Ski Resort. And for good reason. It has everything. 

This one really isn’t manageable as a day trip. You would be better doing an overnight stay to make the best of the area and explore the epic nightlife. 

Valmorel is a really attractive resort known for its traditional Savoyard architecture. With over 150 kilometres of pistes and a highest point of 2,832 metres, it offers a good mix of terrain in a great setting.

Ironically, you’ll have driven past this resort just before you reached Moûtiers on your way to La Plagne. However, this one really requires a hire car and an overnight stay to make the most of it. 

Another of the Tarentaise resorts that barely gets a mention, Valmorel is hugely underrated. When it’s good here, it’s off-the-charts good. 

The key is to choose what works best for you. In all cases, these resorts are very easy by car but if you want to make more of an adventure of it, they’re also all possible via public transport or, in some cases, using the Paradiski lift network then local buses. It all really comes down to your level of flexibility and personal preference. 

Getting to Les Arcs from La Plagne

Best option: Vanoise Express on skis. You then have the option to stay over a night (if you want).
Why: Driving? What driving??? You’ve got the Vanoise Express lift link
 

Getting to Trois Vallées from La Plagne

Best option other than car: On skis via Champagny > then taxi up the valley road to Courchevel Le Praz or further on to Brides-les-Bains. Brides is the easiest and quickest access point up to Méribel using the Olympe gondola (by road, the trip actually takes longer). It’s also a really nice village to spend the night – and considerably cheaper than Méribel town itself. 
Why on skis: By road, you’re in for a bit of a hike via Moûtiers. Of course, you’ll be more limited in terms of what you can take with you but, if you’re only staying one night, this shouldn’t really be a problem. 
Applies to: Courchevel and Méribel. Val Thorens is too far by taxi (although you could still get there using the lift network).
 

Getting to Tignes / Val d’Isère from La Plagne

Best option other than car: Valley bus down to Aime > train or bus to Bourg > then mountain bus to Tignes / Val. You can also do this trip by skiing over to 1600 and taking the funiculaire down to Bourg then bus up to the resort (I’ve done this many times). However, the logistics of this trip make an overnight essential (very easy, very chilled). You’ll have zero time in resort if you don’t. 
 

Getting to La Rosière from La Plagne

Best option other than car: Valley bus to Aime > train or bus to Bourg > resort bus up to La Rosière. Your alternative is to ski over to Arc 1600 > take the funiculaire to Bourg > bus to La Rosière base resort. If you’re in Les Arcs, this trip really isn’t a big deal. If you’re in La Plagne, you’ll lose at least an hour making the journey to the funiculaire. 
 

Getting to Sainte-Foy from La Plagne

Best option other than car: The same for all the resorts at the head of the valley: La Plagne valley bus to Aime > train or bus to Bourg > resort bus up to Sainte-Foy. Your alternative is to ski over to Arc 1600 > take the funiculaire to Bourg > bus to Sainte-Foy base resort.
 

Getting to Valmorel from La Plagne

Best option other than car: Valley bus down to Aime > train or bus down the valley to Moûtiers > connecting bus to Valmorel base station. This trip also takes a while meaning you’ll need to do an overnight stay (even by car, you’ll probably want to stay over).

Using this La Plagne guide to visit nearby resorts, you can unlock a brilliant trip. Explore different terrain, chase conditions, tick off famous resorts and still come back to La Plagne as your home base. La Plagne’s position is unique sitting basically plum in the centre of these resorts. 

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.

These are, after all, some of the best, most-renowned and highest-rated resorts in the world. 

You just need a little creativity to go ride them. As stated – your best option is always going to be with a car but all are totally doable if you remain flexible.