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La Plagne Activities - Winter
| Winter Activities in La Plagne |
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Well of course, you are always going to have the ubiquitous skiing and snowboarding, but whilst you’re in La Plagne, you may want to try your hand at one of the many other winter activities available in this town. Below are a few suggestions to tickle your imagination! |
| Bobsleigh |
Unique to La Plagne is the fantastic bobsleigh track, open between 16th December and 17th March. Situated halfway between Plagne 1800 and La Roche the track was built for the 1992 Olympic Games. Since the Olympics the track has reopened every winter for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton. It has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors over the years and hosted a multitude of international competitions. It is the only one of its kind in the whole of France.
Experience the thrill of bobsleighing for yourself! Take the Bobraft – a 4-seater vehicle that reaches speeds of 80kph; the Mono-Bob – a single seater vehicle, piloted by yourself that accelerates up to almost 90kph (if you dare...); or the Taxi Bob – driven by a professional racer this replica of the 4 man competition bobsleigh will give you a taste for speed as you experience 3.5G and over 100kph! You can see just what the experience is like on the La Plagne Bobsleigh Video.
Due to the extreme velocity and adrenaline pumping twists and turns of the Bobsleigh there are age and health restrictions imposed. Enquire before booking if you are under 14 years old, pregnant, or have any heart/back problems. |
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last updated 2-Jul-2008 |
| Cross Country Skiing (Ski de Fond) |
 | | 'Classic' Style |
Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.
You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable.
The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.
 | | 'Skating' Style |
Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the tranquil cross country trails that criss cross the Paradiski area. La Plagne is very popular with cross-country skiers as there is a variety of specialised tracks around the resort; the majority of the cross country pistes are free of charge unless you want to cheat and get the odd lift here and there! The only one that is not free is the Champagny track - the longest and hardest track in resort that runs around the mountain from Les Bauches in the Montchavin/Les Coches area to Plagne Bellecôte. It bypasses just above the village of Les Coches, deep in the forest, and is a beautiful and peaceful track. At an altitude of just over 2000 metres, good snow cover is guaranteed.
There is shorter circuit above Plagne Soleil which is right in the midst of the downhill ski area and is graded as easy. Also an ‘easy’ route is the longer, slightly more downhill track from La Roche, below Plagne 1800, to just above Montalbert. There are a couple more areas in Montalbert that are specifically for learner cross-country skiers and are just small circuits to practise on.
If you have a car whilst staying in La Plagne and wish to have a trip out for an afternoon’s cross-country skiing, then you can visit the beautiful Vallee de Bellecôte which separates La Plagne from Les Arcs. Drive as far as you can up the valley and right at the very end you come to the Nordic area of Peisey-Nancroix. Here, you will find 44kms of cross country ski trails, a club house and café where you can hire equipment. The area has been affected by a number of massive avalanches with snow falling from the North Face of the Bellecôte glacier and the villages up there are no longer inhabited all year round because of this. The destruction caused by the avalanches is very clear, with areas flattened trees stretching for several hundred metres. It is of course, well secured and is a very interesting and beautiful place to visit.
In the Nordic area, a pass is required in order to use the trails, the profit from which goes towards their daily upkeep. Prices are as follows:
- Half Day - €4.90 (€3.40 child)
- Full Day - €5.90 (€4.20 child)
- 2 Days - €9.20
- 6 Days - €23.00 (€10.50 child)
Cross Country Ski Map for La Plagne
Map of Ski de Fond Trails in Champagny
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last updated 2-Jul-2008 |
| Glacier Walking |
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For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the many nearby glaciers; the Glacier de la Chiaupe and the Glacier du Varet, to name but two. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure. There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. Most mountain guiding companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible. To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article. |
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last updated 11-Apr-2008 |
| Grotte de Glace (Ice Caves) |
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Situated at the top of the Bellecôte Glacier, the “Grotte de Glace” is quite an extraordinary place to visit. At the start of each season passageways are carved into the ice and the interior of the glacier is transformed into a gallery of wonderfully exotic ice scultpure. The theme of the caves changes each year and the displays are all expertly fashioned by hand. Although still cold inside, the caves tend to hold a fairly constant temperature and can provide welcome relief from the wind and snow outside. |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Helicopter Tours & Heli-skiing |
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Paradiski.
Unfortunately, heli-skiing is not permitted in France, however some of the ski schools and mountain guide companies will offer a pick-up/drop-off heli skiing service for you where you will be taken over the border into Italy or Switzerland. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
Flights take off every day from Aime and on certain days from La Plagne. |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Horse Drawn Sleigh |
If the idea of seeing beautiful Alpine scenery without exerting yourself appeals to you, then this is definitely the way to do it. You can ride for an hour at a sedate pace through the heart of the Nordic Ski area sitting comfortably in a sled drawn by a strapping horse, snuggled under a warm hairy blanket. This gentle pastime is not for the speed demons, but will suit those who have not necessarily come to the La Plagne area to ski. Wear something warm and bring someone to snuggle with!
Tel +33 (0) 479 07 90 88 |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Husky Sledding (traineaux a chiens) |
Go husky sledding (‘traineaux a chiens’) with Mathias at Plagne Montalbert. Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start (you shout "mush!"), and strict instructions not to let go of the sled if it turns over (the dogs would disappear for hours...), you set off following the guide’s team. Your huskies want to keep up with their doggy mates, so the next hour is a breathless scramble to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on for dear life when you tear around corners. Going uphill you have to help push the sled, so this is hard physical work.
If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! Either way it is an exhilarating experience – you can find contact details on our Action, Fun & Sports page. |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Climbing |
For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. As well as the natural frozen waterfalls of the Champagny le Haut valley La Plagne has its own impressive artificial ice-climbing structure. Standing 22m high and supported by an upright metal framework the climbing tower features several different routes of varying difficulty; making it equally suitable for beginners, experienced climbers and competitions. The tower is sprayed with water which then freezes; preparation and maintenance are made easy by the site’s ideal conditions – little sunshine and very low temperatures.
The tower is open to all (over 10 years old), offering introductory sessions are for beginners, overseen by the Guides, and equipment loan is included (crampons, ice-axes, harness and helmet). Experienced climbers can take part in regular ‘Introduction to the Tower’ sessions.
Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch. The ice climbing season peaks between December and March.
Safety is important, so it is advisable to take an experienced mountain guide to instruct you on the use of crampons, ropes and ice picks. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Karting |
Every Thursday night throughout the winter the ice rink at Plagne Bellecôte is transformed into a race track! With studded tyres and extra thick bumpers you can take on your friends and speed around the ice on a go-kart. You'll find, as you spin round the corners, that technique is more important than speed and this can really bring out your competitive streak!
Helmets must be worn and instructions will be given before you are let loose on the rink; remember to wrap up and bring a pair of warm gloves. Anyone over the age of 10 years and above 1.40m tall can take part - just be sure to book in advance as this is a really popular activity. A 10 minute session costs around €20, with discounts available for groups of 6 people or more.
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Skating |
La Plagne has two natural open-air ice rinks situated in Aime la Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte. Both rinks offer children’s/beginners sessions and regularly host ice hockey tournaments and ice dance galas.
Every Thursday night throughout the winter the ice rink at Plagne Bellecôte holds ice karting events. For €20 you can race around the rink for 10 minutes, providing you stand more than 1.40m tall. Discounts are available for groups of 6 people or more.
For addresses and contact details please see here. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Paragliding ('Parapente') |
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La Plagne offers a number of great flying sites, due to its sheltered position; take off sites include La Grande Rochette, La Roche de Mio, Les Verdons and Les Blanchets. From the heights of La Plagne one can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. He manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment; once you have been equipped with a helmet and strapped to the instructor behind you in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the parachute lifts you into the air. An early intermediate skier can manage the take-off, but for boarders a good technical level is needed. In summer one simply runs down a slope until you take off; no particular level of fitness is required, just the ability to sit back and enjoy the view! One then peacefully glides above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. ... see "La Plagne for Paragliding" for more |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Quad Biking |
Fancy being the next ‘Schumacher on snow’? For a high speed adrenaline rush, try testing your driving skills on the ‘pilotage sur neige’ circuit situated in Belle Plagne.
Throughout the winter from you can experience driving high-performance quad bikes around a specially designed, secure and snowy circuit. The quads can be hired for 2 hour sessions from El Pro. |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Snow-Mobile (Moto-Neige) |
Photo Credit: Snow-Biker.Com
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Those who enjoy speed will love riding a powerful snow-mobile (like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks). Discover the different dimensions of driving; carving turns, accelerating in a straight line, ascents and descents. Either be the driver, or if that doesn't suit then you have the opportunity to be a passenger. Seated either one or two per bike, one follows the guide up the pistes, around a specially prepared circuit, over jumps and bumps, and sometimes off-piste through the powder. Half way through the hour-long outing, you have the opportunity to swap places with your partner and off you speed again. Remember to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder. This is not a sport for the timid!
There are snow-mobile departure points in Belle Plagne (El Pro), Plagne Centre (Snow Panther) and Plagne Bellecôte (Peb Evasion), see Action, Fun & Sports for contact details. For a 1 hour trip it will cost in the region of €65 to ride solo and €75 to share with a friend. |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Snowshoe Walking ('Raquette à Neige') |
Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. If you haven't tried it before and don't want to go it alone the majority of ski schools and some independent instructors offer a range of snow shoe or ‘raquette a neige’ outings. Join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. The must-do expedition for keen walkers is the ‘Hors Trace en Tarentaise’ (Off the Beaten Track in Tarentaise). This is a three-day accompanied trek through the untracked snow and untouched corners of the Tarentaise backcountry. Along the way the guides will share their knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the mountains.
For a less extreme experience there are also a number of themed 2 hour or half-day outings on which you will leave the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley.
Further down the valley in Peisey-Nancroix, you will find the Nordic Centre, situated on the vast plateau at the entrance of the Vanoise National Park. This beautiful setting also has paths for walkers, snowshoe trails and toboggan routes or you could try your hand at cross country skiing. The countryside here is totally unspoilt and home to plenty of exciting wildlife such as ibex, chamois, golden eagles and bearded vultures!
This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided on most guided outings; if you are heading out independently you can hire the equipment from most sport shops.
La Plagne Walking & Cross Country Skiing Map
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Tobogganing |
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La Plagne has a number of safe areas for children to play on sledges and other snow toys. Seperate from the main pistes and floodlit of an evening, they will have great fun kicking up their own bit of powder! These areas are situated in Dou du Praz, Plagne Centre, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Montalbert and Champagny le Haut. Sledges can bought or hired fairly cheaply from most Sport Shops. |
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last updated 10-Jul-2008 |
| Winter Walking Trails |
The La Plagne valley offers many specially prepared walking trails linking the various villages; these beautiful trails are a wonderful way of exploring the valley in peace and quiet.
Pick up a free map from the Tourist Office and head into the mountains on foot. Some of the walks are circular, for others you will need to return via bus or ski lift. Many of the ski lifts are also open to pedestrians at a discounted rate, so why not break up the walk with lunch at a high-altitude mountain restaurant?
Further down the valley in Peisey-Nancroix, you will find the Nordic Centre, situated on the vast plateau at the entrance of the Vanoise National Park. This beautiful setting also has paths for walkers, snowshoe trails and toboggan routes or you could try your hand at cross country skiing. The countryside here is totally unspoilt and home to plenty of exciting wildlife such as ibex, chamois, golden eagles and bearded vultures!
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set out as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing that you can take off or put on as necessary. A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow depth before you go striding forth! Top tip: buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping, all of this can be bought from most local Sport Shops. |
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last updated 11-Jul-2008 |
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