225 km
1250 m - 3250 m
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Test report La Plagne (Paradiski)
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort La Plagne (Paradiski)
Total result: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Test La Plagne (Paradiski)
The review La Plagne (Paradiski) was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Further evaluation criteria
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In detail: Test report for ski resort La Plagne (Paradiski)
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
The La Plagne ski resort alone offers 225 km of runs. Since 2003, La Plagne has been connected to Les Arc/Peisey Vallandry with the two-story Vanoise Express cable car. Together, the resort is called Paradiski and offers an enormous 425 km of slopes.
Runs/slopes
Altitude difference
2000 m (Valley 1250 m - Mountain 3250 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
102
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 8 ← 8
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 8 ← 8
La Plagne offers a large variety of runs. The majority of runs are easy and intermediate. There are also many difficult runs and a lot of freeriding terrain for experts. The slopes lead down from 3250 metres altitude. Up on the Bellecôte Glacier, there are first-class snow conditions and the view is heavenly. In the lower areas, runs through the forest entice skiers. Those looking for even more variety can take the cable car to Les Arcs.
Runs/slopes
Total 225 km
Easy
139 km
(62 %)Intermediate
59 km
(26 %)Difficult
27 km
(12 %)
Longest run
6 km
Run location
Glacier, above tree line, under tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run available
In the La Plagne ski resort, the guests are transported with modern, comfortable lifts. Almost half of the chair lifts are rapid, detachable lifts. However, the chair lifts do not have weather covers or seat heating. The connection to Les Arcs is with a 200-person two-storey cable car (Vanoise Express).
Number of ski lifts
102
Total capacity
138869 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
76.6 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
2
9
35
35
21
Additional
6
The ski resort is very snow reliable. 70% of the La Plagne resort is located at over 2000m. On the glacier, the runs lead down from over 3250m. The main runs and those leading to villages located at lower altitudes have snow-making capabilities. These villages are normally accessible by ski during the entire season.
Worth knowing
- Glacier ski resort
- Artificial snow-making
417 Snow canons
Photos
The slope preparation is very good.
Tip: By new snow, an optimal slope prepartion is not always possible, even with a large effort. In addition, the new snow can not combine with the snow lying underneath and moguls are created quickly. For safety reasons, usually no slope preparation is possible during operating times.
Further evaluation criteria
The resort is accessed exclusively via Albertville-Moûtiers in the winter. Well-built mountain roads lead to the entry points of the ski resort.
Access via N90 Schnellstraße Albertville-Moûtiers, Ende Schnellstraße Höhe Moûtiers
- Champagny Gondola (Champagny-en-Vanoise)
Distance: 18 km · approx. 22 Minutes driving time
- Montalbert Chair (La Plagne Montalbert), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 22 km · approx. 26 Minutes driving time
Roads: Mountain road
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge - Coches Gondola (Bellentre - Les Coches), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 28 km · approx. 31 Minutes driving time
Roads: Mountain road
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, - Funiplagne Grande Rochette (Mâcot-la-Plagne - La Plagne Centre), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 33 km · approx. 51 Minutes driving time
Roads: Mountain road
Parking spaces: limited amount available,
Winter Closure
In the winter, access from the North exclusively via Albertville-Moûtiers. The following passes are closed in the winter: Col de l’Iseran (end of the road in Val d´Isère Le Fornet), Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, Cormet de Roselend
In the winter, access from the North exclusively via Albertville-Moûtiers. The following passes are closed in the winter: Col de l’Iseran (end of the road in Val d´Isère Le Fornet), Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, Cormet de Roselend
Trail map and overview maps:
The free trail map shows La Plagne on one side and Les Arcs on the other, therefore covering the entire Paradiski. Many details are included.
The free trail map shows La Plagne on one side and Les Arcs on the other, therefore covering the entire Paradiski. Many details are included.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
In the centre of the sign-postings on the slopes, the ski villages and the distinctive points in the ski resort are indicated, such as the glacier or the connection to Les Arcs. This makes it easy to orient yourself using the information boards and the sign-postings. The slope borders could be improved.
In the centre of the sign-postings on the slopes, the ski villages and the distinctive points in the ski resort are indicated, such as the glacier or the connection to Les Arcs. This makes it easy to orient yourself using the information boards and the sign-postings. The slope borders could be improved.
The ski resort has become a member of the "QSE league" (Quality, Security and Environment) with the goal of protecting the environment. Fields are regenerated, forests are planted and rivers are protected. In addition, the lift facilities that are no longer in use are removed. 93 lift masts have been removed. A new bio fuel heating facility for the buildings in the La Plagne Centre has reduced CO2 emissions by 4000 tons.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- No direct train connection
- Ski busses
- Free shuttle buses between Aime la Plagne, Belle Plagne, Plagne 1800, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Centre and Plagne Villages - Soleil
The staff is very friendly and often greets the guests at the ski lifts. If required, they also assist guests entering the lifts.
There are many good restaurants throughout the ski resort.
27 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Gastronomy tip
-
Restaurant Carlina
On the run from Belle Plagne to Plagne Bellecôte
Large southern-facing terrace. Menu with a lot of variety including daily specials, pasta dishes, salads, meat dishes and typical skier's fare.
Mountain hut tip
-
Chez Pat du Sauget
At 1680m at the mountain station of the Montchavin chair lift.
Good traditional and regional cuisine. Patricia and Gérard have been welcoming guests since the beginning of the 70's.
-
Le Forperet
On the run to Plagne Montalbert
Mountain restaurant in an old sheepfold. All dishes are prepared using a cheese base - Tomme and Beaufort
Photos
There are Après-Ski possibilities in all of the villages, such as in Belle Plagne, in La Tête Inn and Le Saloon.
La Plagne has 10 individual ski villages that are connected to each other via ski slopes. Each village has its own character and building style. Most of the accommodations are located right at the slopes. There is no 5 star hotel, but otherwise all categories are represented. The prettiest village located right in the ski resort is Belle Plagne. Unfortunately, some villages feature high-rise buildings (Aime la Plagne, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Centre). Six ski villages are located directly on the slopes between 1800m and 2100m (Aime la Plagne, Belle Plagne, Plagne 1800, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Centre, Plagne Villages - Soleil). Four of the villages are located between 1250m and 1450m (Les Coches, Montchavin, Champagny en Vanoise, Plagne Montalbert). Families that value the traditional Savoyer architecture and villages often stay here.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are very many accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Towns/villages
- Aime la Plagne
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 6500 - Belle Plagne
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 8700 - Champagny en Vanoise
Distance to ski resort fewer than 1 km
Guest beds 4700 - La Roche
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km - Les Coches
Distance to ski resort fewer than 1 km
Guest beds 6000 - Montchavin
Distance to ski resort fewer than 1 km
Guest beds 4000 - Plagne 1800
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 2850 - Plagne Bellecôte
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 4200 - Plagne Centre
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 6950 - Plagne Montalbert
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km
Guest beds 4400 - Plagne Villages - Soleil
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 6000
Note: For the evaluation, only the accommodations which are located directly on the slopes and lifts, or have very easy access to the ski resort have been considered.
Photos
Evaluation criteria for special interests
There are comprehensive offerings for children in every ski village. There are special family ski passes and offerings.
Information for families and children
- Kid's Land/ separated area for children
- People mover
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
Special tips for children
-
ESF Belle Plagne children's area
Very good children's area in Belle Plagne with covered magic carpet
-
Glacier cave in the Bellecôte Glacier
Photos
There are beginner's areas set up throughout the entire ski resort. The lifts are usually free in these areas. There are beginner's areas in the villages of Aime la Plagne, Belle Plagne, Les Coches, Montchavin, Plagne 1800, Plagne Bellecote, Plagne Centre, Plagne Montalbert and Plagne Villages - Soleil. You can ski throughout the entire ski resort on easy slopes. One exception is the intermediate valley run to Champagny en Vanoise.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Special slopes for slower skiers / beginners
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
- Free practice lift/ beginner lift
Ski schools on-site
Photos
There are 36 difficult slopes (27km) and very many freeriding opportunities waiting for advanced skiers and freeriders. A unique off-piste experience is offered on the "North Face" of the Bellecôte Glacier (only with ski guide and the correct equipment!). There are 16 different ski routes. You can return with the bus to Peisey and the Vanoise Express.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
- many mogul slopes
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 225 km
Difficult
27 km
(12 %)Most difficult run
-
Les étroits · Length 2 km · Altitude difference 550 m
The beginning of the run is at Le Biolley at 2350m
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
La Plagne offers a large snowpark, boardercross courses and two halfpipes.
Information for Snowboarders
- few cat tracks
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Belle Plagne Snowpark
Large snowpark just above Belle Plagne. There is a beginner's park and an expert's park for the professionals. For those that want to practice jumps, they can do this safely and for free on the Big Air Bag. Here they can practice their moves without danger.
- Halfpipe
Two halfpipes in Plagne Bellecôte
- Boardercrossstrecke
At the Col de Forcle j-bar in Belle Plagne
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- Halfpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Boardercross
- Waverides
- Pro Line
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Chill area with music
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 80 km
There are snow-reliable cross-country possibilities throughout the ski resort.
Conclusion
Size of the resort, slope offering including glacier, panorama view, connection to Les Arcs
Chair lifts without weather protectors
Test Report issued on 2011-03-24
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