La Plagne Apres Ski Report: 6th March 2013

Obviously the best thing you can do to treat that maternal someone is to shout them a holiday in La Plagne so get looking for those last minute deals! For those of you already out here or who will be arriving next week there are plenty of ways to say “Thanks Mum” here in resort.

If she’s a skier or a snowboarder she’ll be spending her days out on the piste but after she gets back from those long thigh burning hours on the slopes how about indulging her in a spa treatment to relax and rejuvenate her for the rest of her trip? There are several different spas in La Plagne situated in all the different villages such as SPA Bellecote or Chalet Sante in 1800. The two I have the most experience with are Massage Me and the Hotel Araucaria. These two spa options differ in that the Araucaria offers classic spa and beauty treatments in its own beautiful and modern hotel location whereas Massage Me offers their range of treatments in the comfort of your own chalet or hotel room, they are completely mobile and will arrive at your desired location fully equipped for your appointment.

The range of treatments and tariffs of the two are comparable with a 1hour deep tissue massage costing you 80 Euros at the Araucaria and 72 Euros with Massage Me. Both companies offer the classics plus hot stone treatments and candle massages, neck and back massages and options to mix and match feet and head massages or custom design your own treatment. I particularly like the sound Of Massage Me’s adorably named “fresh as an alpine daisy facial” which promises to “combat the effects caused by the extreme elements of a ski holiday” and uses products inspired by the Alps. Does a Spa treatment sound perfect for your Mum? Get her booked in, you can find a full treatment and price list for each on their websites.

Sticking in the same soothing and relaxing vein, the effects of a hard day on the slopes can be quickly cleansed away by a trip to the heated outdoor swimming pool in Bellecote. Situated in the center of the village you can bask in the luxurious 30 degree water whilst surrounded by snow and a view out over the pistes. At 6 euros a trip you can’t go wrong, but If she’s up for something a little more energetic the pool offers Aquabiking several times a week which consists of frantically pedalling an exercise bike submerged in the pool whilst simultaneously lifting hand weights, some people have far too much energy, not to mention co-ordination for my liking.

For something a bit different, my mum came to visit me in La Plagne and we went snow shoeing. Mum doesn’t ski and so taking her out onto the snow shoe trails was a perfect way for her to get out of the villages and see the mountain at its best. We picked up a trail map and followed a trail that took us from Plagne Centre over to Bellecote and later one that started up in Aime 2000 and wound down through the tree into 1800. It gave her the chance to see the skiers in action on the pistes and also to walk through the silent tree groves and experience some deep powder when we ‘accidentally’strayed off the trails. You can rent snow shoes from most of the ski hire shops and Oxygene also runs guided tours several times a week as do Espace Montagne and several other activity companies.

That’s not to mention all the extreme activities you could talk your mum into doing nor any of the exquisite restaurants available for a Mother’s Day meal, there is also 123Fleurs, a great florist down in Bourg Saint Mourice who will happily deliver up the mountain plus many souvenir and boutique shops selling La Plagne trinkets and trifles that could just make the perfect memorable gift.

Hopefully I’ve given you a few bright ideas and I’m certainly not accepting excuses of forgetfulness or lack of imagination!

Happy Mother’s Day!