What's new in La Plagne this winter 2017-18

The new 6 seater, high speed Envers chairlift is now in operation! It finally got going in late July and will be accessible to skiers for the first time this winter. The lift has already been used by hikers and mountain bikers over the summer as you can see from the video below.

Work on the Crozats chairlift in Montchavin has been going on all summer and this lift should be in operation for the coming winter. At the top of the Crozats lift there will be a new travellator lift going in as well.

Phil Howard, renowned British chef and holder of 2 Michelin stars, will be opening a restaurant in Plagne-Montalbert this winter. Phil has fallen in love with the resort over the last 10 years and will be training a brigade of chefs who will be working under him. Phil himself will only be at the restaurant during his holidays, but the signature dishes will all be his.

He says “Through a menu of simple, tasty dishes made with seasonal produce, my aim is to create a restaurant that is known for the quality of its cuisine and service, maybe even as being the best restaurant in Paradiski.” The restaurant will seat 35 and only be open for evening service.

Local holiday company Ski La Source have added to their portfolio this winter with a new self-catered apartment in Les Coches and two new catered chalets in Montchavin. Look out for Apartment Zig-Zag, Chalet Icicle and Chalet Snowflake.

A new double magic carpet will be in place in the Plan Bois beginner area, they will also be putting in new lift here and expanding the beginner area. The travellator lift 'Tapis d'Ange' or Angel's carpet, it will be around 200 metres long and have two, totally covered rolling carpets to transport skiers. The one in the image above is in Val d'Isere, to give you an idea of how it will look. The beginner ski area here has also been slightly enlarged.

Blue piste Barrières, near the top of the Arpette has been widened this summer, making it easier to traverse. The piste isn't actually that long, it just hugs the mountain side before reconnecting with other blue pistes Dunes, Arpette & Lainés.

Like a literal phoenix from the ashes, Le Cristal des Neiges restaurant in Montchavin has been rebuilt, has lovely new owners and will be open from this winter again. In the same area, Le Plein Soleil has had a refurbishment, ready to welcome new guests once the ski season begins. Chez Laurette has expanded and has a drinks only area plus a retractable roof for changing weather conditions.

CoolBus airport transfers are now offering carbon emission free transfers in not just one, but two fully electric vehicles. The Tesla Model X's are comfortable 7-seater SUV's with substantial luggage space with a range of around 350km. The plan is that the business will keep adding electric vehicles until they've phased out all of their diesel powered vehicles. They will be offering electric vehicle transfers in Val d’Isere, Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Meribel, Courchevel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, La Rosiere, Ste. Foy. Read more about CoolBus going electric in their blog.

The Araucaria hotel in Plagne centre has been bought by ASSAS Hotel group and will be undergoing quite a large transformation. A large, 1000m2 extension will house a Nuxe spa, cocktail bar, conference suite and a new restaurant called Le 360.

Michelin star chef, Jean-Michel Bouvier will be heading up the team at the restaurant, which will be built with large panoramic windows, with a cafeteria style offer downstairs and a smaller, more intimate restaurant upstairs. The hotel's interior will be completely changed, to a smart new sporty-chic look.

Local tour operator and accommodation provider, Mountain Heaven, have expanded their La Plagne portfolio for this winter. They've added two new-build catered chalets which have been developed just for them. Located in the centre of Plagne 1800, the Grand Chardon and Petit Chardon chalets come complete with the use of a swimming pool and squash court, games room and sauna. Search for these and other La Plagne accommodation via the link above.