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Shredding the reds & blacks in La Plagne 2019

Test yourself on the toughest runs in Paradiski

featured in News & reviews Author Stuart Hamilton, La Plagne Reporter Updated

While La Plagne isn’t a resort best known for its hair-raising challenges, there are still various inbounds routes that’ll test even the most experienced skier or snowboarder.

What the resort lacks in terms of pisted steeps, it more than makes up for with its incredible off-piste routes and itineraries – but that’s not the title of this article, so we’ll stick with the on-piste options for now. It is true to say, though, that the majority of the really steep stuff in La Plagne is to be found off the beaten track – the type of terrain you really need a guide for. It’s also worth remembering Les Arcs is just a short trip away on the Vanoise Express and these two areas are covered on the Paradiski pass anyway. Advanced riders would be well recommended to buy the full area pass to get the best from this massive area.

While La Plagne’s inbounds reds and blacks aren’t exactly in abundance, there are still some very good runs here – more than enough to keep you busy. Here’s our pick of the best.

Shredding the reds & blacks in La Plagne in 2019

Mont de la Guerre - Champagny sector

Of all the reds in resort, this is the longest and probably the most satisfying. Considered by many to be the best run in La Plagne, Mont de la Guerre snakes its way along a narrow path accessed from Les Verdons, first by taking the Bozelet blue run. Around a third of the way down, you’ll come to a signpost clearly indicating the start of MdlG. Take a right here and hold your speed as you have a long traverse ahead. The run meanders along the top of the mountain of the same name on a narrow pathway before finally opening into a gloriously wide piste with spectacular views over Les Trois Vallées, Bozel, Courchevel, Champagny-en-Vanoise, La Grande Casse and Pralognan la Vanoise. After soaking up the views from the high vista, you’ll soon start heading more directly down the fall line. In truth, this is where the run turns ‘red’ rather than the far more mellow gradient that precedes it. If you’d prefer a more leisurely pace, there are various jump-off points where you can join snaking paths, more on a blue level than red. These pathways intersect the tougher, more direct red route down the hill.

Unfortunately, due to the fact this piste terminates at Champagny (one of the lowest points in La Plagne and also south-facing), the Mont de La Guerre run is often closed – particularly early and late season. However, get it on a good day and it’s the stuff of memories. If you’re here and Mont de la Guerre is open, you really should do this run – if only for the views.

Shredding the reds & blacks in La Plagne in 2019

Kamikaze - Champagny sector

The Kamikaze is accessible from both Les Verdons (taking the Verdons Sud or Nord chairs) or from Grande Rochette (taking the Funiplagne Grande Rochette) and is accessed from the small valley that lies between the two peaks. The run drops sharply towards Champagny on a gradient that would likely be considered black in many other resorts. After the short, steep pitch it soon mellows into more familiar red terrain flowing down into the massive Champagny bowl. There are numerous off-piste options either side giving glorious powder runs in the right conditions. Around three-quarters of the way down, you have the option to join the Bozelet blue or stay on the more direct route down to the Verdons Sud chair. Catch these runs after a fresh dump and you really will get some of the best riding La Plagne has to offer, with unrivalled views over Les Trois Vallées and Grande Casse.

Shredding the reds & blacks in La Plagne in 2019

Etroits/Coqs/Morbleu/Palsembleu - Biolley sector

If you take the Becoin chair out of Plagne Centre and drop over into the back bowl on the other side, you could well be forgiven for thinking you’ve entered an entirely different resort. This area features some of La Plagne’s toughest in-bounds terrain, plus numerous off-piste itineraries. Although all these runs share basically the same slope and gradient (and can consequently feel a little similar), they still provide some very steep pitches and are enough to challenge even the most experienced rider. This area also gives options for riding some very accessible off-piste on the far side of the bowl, though, be advised, the pitch here is very prone to sliding and you’ll definitely need a guide to be safe.

Shredding the reds & blacks in La Plagne in 2019

Emile Allais - Biolley sector

This is another run best accessed from the top of the Becoin chair out of Centre. Alternatively, if you want a shorter version, you could also take the Envers chair, the 1800 chair out of Plagne 1800 or Roche out of La Roche – though you’ll miss some terrific views from the top. Our recommendation would be to put in the extra effort to get the extra kilometres. Taking Becoin, you’ll naturally flow off Pavane followed by Golf (both blue) at Aime 2000 into the Emile Allais piste and be able to ride the route which is used in the world’s longest slalom race – La Plagne’s Super Slalom. The path at the top is, naturally, quite shallow being blue but the run soon starts to pitch into steeper sections as you drop over onto the La Roche side of the mountain. Despite being used as part of the Super Slalom course, the Emile Allais piste really is more of a Giant Slalom piste with frequent steep pitches followed by wide open, mellow sections. It’s the perfect run for more advanced snowboarders and skiers to let rip with wide, arcing turns. You really can gun it down this slope, particularly after a fresh dump. And if you’ve got time to stop, the views through the trees over to Mont Blanc are amongst the best in the entire area.

Shredding the reds & blacks in La Plagne in 2019

Chiaupe - Glacier sector

The black runs on Bellecôte glacier are graded “Natur” – which means they remain unpisted through the season. In my opinion, this is more what makes them black than anything else. Truthfully, the pitches here aren’t that steep but the moguls can get fearsome as the season progresses, making these runs considerably trickier. Most intermediate riders should be able to pick their way down. However, if you’re in this area and have the skills, you’d be far better hiring a guide and taking on the considerably tougher challenges that lie over the back – on the numerous routes down the famed north face of Bellecôte.

Stuart Hamilton is the Creative Director of Snow-Guru, Snowboard-App and Ski-App - a range of Android skiing and snowboarding apps aimed at improving your time in the mountains. He also runs iRide Ski and Snowboard app, available for both Apple iOS and Android.

More inspiration...

There are other reds and blacks dotted around La Plagne but, really, if you want to get the very best out of Paradiski, you need to buy the full area pass. Les Arcs and La Plagne combined give access to 425km of pistes, making it the 4th biggest ski domain in the world. Given the full Paradiski pass only costs €30 more, it would be a missed opportunity not spending the little bit extra and missing the chance to explore this massive resort.