Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by boat
Travel tipsBoat travel—especially on a cruise—offers a distinctive and all-inclusive vacation. Still, there are benefits and drawbacks to take into account, much as with any kind…
Menu
Skip to content 
La Plagne, located in the French Alps, exemplifies the appeal of winter activities and alpine scenery. Located in the scenic Tarentaise Valley of Savoie, this prestigious ski resort attracts over 2.5 million visitors annually. The remarkable statistic, documented in 2014, affirmed La Plagne’s position as the preeminent ski resort worldwide, a designation that underscores its lasting allure and outstanding amenities.
The resort’s geographical scope is as remarkable as its acclaim. La Plagne encompasses an altitude range that exemplifies alpine magnificence, from the elevated Glacier de la Chiaupe at Bellecôte’s peak at 3,250 meters (10,660 feet) to the little town of Montchavin at 1,250 meters (4,100 feet). This vertical range offers stunning vistas and guarantees a varied skiing experience suitable for all skill levels.
La Plagne encompasses an extensive area of 100 square kilometers (39 square miles) in four municipalities: Aime, Bellentre, Champagny-en-Vanoise, and Mâcot-la-Plagne. This expansive area is an ideal destination for skiers, with 225 kilometers (140 miles) of well-maintained slopes. The resort features 134 pistes, meticulously classified to suit all ability levels, from beginners experiencing their initial descents to advanced practitioners pursuing the highest challenges. La Plagne has 15 black runs for experts, 30 red runs for experienced skiers, 72 blue runs for intermediates, and 10 green runs for novices, ensuring that every tourist may find their ideal slope.
Outside the designated paths, La Plagne entices the intrepid with its vast off-piste regions. The North Face of Bellecôte distinctly attracts individuals pursuing the exhilaration of unspoiled powder and demanding landscapes. This facet of La Plagne’s offerings introduces an element of exhilaration and discovery for skiers seeking to transcend the confines of conventional resort skiing.
The contemporary infrastructure of La Plagne exemplifies engineering and design, harmoniously integrating usefulness with the alpine landscape. Central to this network are two advanced cable cars. The Telemetro, a crucial component of the resort’s transportation network, effectively links Plagne Centre with Aime-La Plagne, enabling seamless transit between these significant locations. Nonetheless, it is the Vanoise Express that genuinely captivates the imagination. Inaugurated in 2003, this engineering marvel connects La Plagne to the adjacent resort of Les Arcs, with a remarkable velocity exceeding 40 km/h (11 m/s; 25 mph), ranking among the fastest in its category globally. This linkage resulted in the extensive Paradiski region, greatly augmenting the skiing opportunities for patrons.
An extensive network of lifts complements these cable cars, enhancing accessibility and reducing waiting times. The resort features 8 gondolas, offering pleasant and picturesque ascents up the mountain slopes. The chairlift system is noteworthy, with a total of 36 lifts designed to accommodate various capacities and requirements. This comprises two 8-seater chairs for high-traffic zones, eleven 6-seaters, nineteen 4-seaters, and five 2-seaters, each meticulously positioned to cater to various sections of the resort. For novices and in regions where the terrain necessitates, 38 drag lifts comprise the uplift system, guaranteeing accessibility to all parts of La Plagne for skiers and snowboarders.
The history of La Plagne is a captivating one of perseverance and foresight. Established in 1961 out of need, the resort was designed as a vital support for the faltering local economy. The region’s valleys, once thriving with agricultural and mining endeavors, encountered a crisis due to the loss of these traditional businesses, leading to an exodus of youth seeking improved possibilities. Amidst economic instability, the municipalities of Aime, Bellentre, Longefoy, and Macôt consolidated under the leadership of Dr. Borrionne, the mayor of Aime, to establish a new direction.
On December 24, 1961, La Plagne commenced operations for the public, although in a limited capacity with just two drag lifts and four slopes. This modest start, however, signified the commencement of a remarkable odyssey. The resort’s potential was swiftly acknowledged, and its expansion was rapid. Emile Allais, a distinguished ski champion, was instrumental in transforming La Plagne into a premier resort via his experience and vision.
The resort’s swift ascent to fame was illustrated in 1966 when it garnered national media attention. Guy Lux, a renowned French television presenter, selected La Plagne as the venue for “Interneiges,” a live contest among French ski resorts. This exposure not only highlighted La Plagne’s amenities to a broad audience but also solidified its status in the cultural consciousness of French winter sports.
La Plagne, along its evolution, maintained a dedication to innovation and sustainability. This dedication is seen in recent actions, including the proposal to terminate ski access to the Chiaupe Glacier at the conclusion of the 2022/23 winter season. This initiative, intended to “rewild” the glacier to maintain snow conditions, illustrates La Plagne’s recognition of environmental issues and its proactive stance on conservation. This modification may somewhat decrease the skiable area at the highest elevations; nonetheless, access to the Bellecôte glacier, which remains notably positioned above 3,000 meters, will be preserved, guaranteeing that La Plagne continues to provide high-altitude skiing opportunities.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | La Plagne, Savoie, France |
| Resort Altitude | 1,250 m to 3,250 m |
| Ski season | Mid-December to late April |
| Ski pass prices | Approx. €50-€60 per day (varies by season and age) |
| Opening times | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (varies by lift and season) |
| Number of pistes | 135 |
| Total piste length | 225 km |
| Longest Run | 10 km (Mont de la Guerre) |
| Easy Slopes | 72 (Green and Blue) |
| Moderate Slopes | 47 (Red) |
| Advanced Slopes | 18 (Black) |
| Directions of Slopes | North, South, East, West |
| Night skiing | Available on select slopes |
| Snow Making | Extensive coverage with over 700 snow cannons |
| Total Lifts | 95 |
| Uphill Capacity | 210,000 skiers per hour |
| Highest Lift | 3,250 m (Bellecôte Glacier) |
| Gondolas/Cable cars | 11 |
| Chairlifts | 36 |
| Drag Lifts | 48 |
| Snow Parks | 2 (including a half-pipe) |
| Ski rentals | Available at multiple locations throughout the resort |
| Après-ski | Numerous bars, restaurants, and entertainment options |
Currency
Founded
Calling code
Population
Area
Official language
Elevation
Time zone
Located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, Vernet-les-Bains is an enchanting hamlet that attracts visitors with its scenic beauty and cultural legacy. This picturesque community, called [vɛʁnɛ le bɛ̃]…
Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, a charming commune located in the Pyrénées-Orientales region in southern France, with a population that integrates seamlessly with its breathtaking natural environment. This appealing area, located at the junction…
Aix-les-Bains, a scenic commune located in the southeastern French department of Savoie, with a population of 31,100 in 2020, rendering it the second-largest city in the area. This picturesque resort…
Arles, a city rich in history and culture, is located in the scenic region of Provence in southern France. Arles, as a sub-prefecture of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte…
Avignon, a city rich in history and cultural importance, is located in southern France as the capital of the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This historical city is…
Bordeaux, with a population of 259,809 as of 2020, is ideally located along the banks of the Garonne River in southern France. This port city functions as the capital of…
Caen, a commune located in the northwestern area of France in Normandy, with a population of 108,200 residents, rendering it the most populated municipality in the Calvados department. Located with…
Cannes, an idyllic commune located on the French Riviera, is a gem of the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Located around 45 kilometers southwest of Nice, this renowned…
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, often known as Chamonix, is a French alpine commune located in the Alps, with a population of around 8,906 according to the most recent census. This charming town is…
Amnéville, a commune in the Moselle department of France's Grand Est region, with a population of around 10,000 inhabitants. This appealing area, located in the historical and cultural region of…
Situated in the core of the Pyrénées mountains, Ax-les-Thermes is an enchanting commune in the Ariège department of the Occitanie region in southern France. This scenic alpine hamlet, located at…
Niederbronn-les-Bains, a commune located in the Bas-Rhin department of Grand Est in northeastern France, with a rich history and a vibrant spa culture that consistently draws visitors from afar. This charming village, located between Bitche and Wissembourg adjacent to the German border,…
Rennes-les-Bains, a French commune located in the southwest of the Aude department within the Occitanie region, has a population of 210 residents as of 2021. The charming town, referred to…
Le Monêtier-les-Bains, a charming French commune located in the Hautes-Alpes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, with a population that flourishes within the breathtaking alpine scenery. This picturesque town, located…
Enghien-les-Bains, an appealing commune located in the Val-d'Oise region of France, with a population of roughly 11,000 inhabitants. Located in the northern suburbs of Paris, this charming village is just…
Divonne-les-Bains, an attractive commune located in the Ain department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Eastern France, has a significant history and a lively contemporary atmosphere. This scenic spa town, commonly…
Dax is a notable commune located in the Landes department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southern France. This appealing city, with a population of 21,347, functions as the core of an urban…
Located in the Massif Central area of Aubrac, Chaudes-Aigues is a notable commune in the Cantal department in south-central France. This little village, with its limited population, has achieved fame…
Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, an idyllic commune located in the Orne region of northern France, with a storied past and is recognized as a prominent spa town. The precise population statistics are not…
Bagnères-de-Luchon, a French commune located in the Haute-Garonne department in the Occitanie region, with a population of 2,152 residents as of 2021. This charming town, often known as Luchon, is…
Corsica, a captivating Mediterranean island situated southeast of the French mainland, with an estimated population of 355,528 as of January 2024. This scenic island, the fourth-largest in the Mediterranean Sea,…
Located in the French Alps, Courchevel is a premier ski resort, enchanting guests with its immaculate slopes and opulent facilities. This globally recognized location is situated in the scenic Tarentaise…
Val Thorens, situated at an elevation of 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) in the French Alps, exemplifies human creativity and the appeal of alpine exploration. This notable ski village, with around…
Nantes, a dynamic commune located in western France, is the sixth most populated municipality in the nation, with a population of 323,204 as of 2021. This vibrant city is conveniently…
Nancy, with a population of 104,260 as of 2021, is strategically located in northeastern France and functions as the prefecture of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in the Grand Est region. Nancy,…
Morzine, located in the French Alps, is a scenic alpine commune that borders Switzerland in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Southeastern France. In 2020, this picturesque mountain…
Montpellier, a dynamic city in southern France, is ideally located on the Mediterranean Sea and has a population of 299,096 according to the 2020 census. This vibrant urban center, the…
Marseille, the dynamic prefecture of the Bouches-du-Rhône department and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, is the second most populous city in France. As of the January 2021 census, this Mediterranean locale…
Méribel, an idyllic ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps, is a premier winter sports destination. Located at 45.401°N 6.5655°E, this captivating area has around 2,000…
Lille, a city of considerable historical importance and modern significance, exemplifies the intricate cultural fabric of northern France. Lille is strategically located along the Deûle River, adjacent to the French-Belgian…
Lyon, the third-largest city in France and the core of the nation's second-largest urban region, exemplifies the profound heritage of French history and culture. Situated at the junction of the…
Nice, a lively city situated on the French Riviera, serves as the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes department in France. With a population of approximately one million distributed across an extensive area of 744 km²…
Paris, the capital and greatest city of France, serves as a symbol of culture, history, and innovation in Western Europe. As of January 2023, Paris has an official projected population of 2,102,650 individuals and covers an area exceeding…
Saint-Tropez, a scenic commune located in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in Southern France, has a population of 4,103 in 2018. This captivating seaside town, located 68…
Val-d'Isère, situated in the French Alps, is a scenic commune in the Tarentaise Valley of the Savoie department, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. This alpine locale, with…
Toulouse, the fourth-largest city in France, is a dynamic metropolis located in the Occitania region, with a population of 504,078 residents inside its municipal limits as of 2021. This prosperous…
Toulon, an important city on the French Riviera, is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur area of southeastern France. As of 2018, with a population of 176,198, it is the 13th…
Tignes, a commune located in the scenic Tarentaise Valley of the Savoie department in southeastern France, with a population of over 2,200 permanent inhabitants. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region, this…
Strasbourg, a city of considerable historical and modern importance, is strategically located in eastern France, functioning as the prefecture and principal metropolitan hub of the Grand Est area. Strasbourg, located…
Serre Chevalier, an impressive ski resort located in southern France, is strategically situated near the Italian border inside the Hautes-Alpes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This extensive resort, with…
Rennes, located in the core of Brittany in northwestern France, represents the profound heritage of French history and culture. Rennes is situated at the junction of the Ille and Vilaine…
Reims, a city rich in history and cultural importance, ranks as the twelfth most populated commune in France, with a population of 179,380 as of 2021. Located in the Marne…
France, predominantly located in Western Europe, has a population of around 68.4 million as of January 2024, rendering it one of the most populated countries in the European Union. This…
Boat travel—especially on a cruise—offers a distinctive and all-inclusive vacation. Still, there are benefits and drawbacks to take into account, much as with any kind…
The 7 Wonders of the 21st Century feature amazing successes redefining human creativity and engineering capability. From the calm Temple of Buddha's Origin in Leshan,…
Millions of visitors come to Spain annually because of its vibrant culture, fascinating past, and amazing scenery. Still, the real spirit of Spain is found…
Discover the vibrant nightlife scenes of Europe's most fascinating cities and travel to remember-able destinations! From the vibrant beauty of London to the thrilling energy…
From Alexander the Great's inception to its modern form, the city has stayed a lighthouse of knowledge, variety, and beauty. Its ageless appeal stems from…
© All Rights Reserved. By Travel S Helper