Quiet pistes & sunshine in La Plagne

It’s quite incredible, when the mountain is empty, what a difference it makes to your day, when you don’t spend any time at all in lift queues you cover so much more ground in a morning and consequently this week, I have been hitting up runs which I would often ignore, simply because I’ve had time to explore.

For example the Tunnel run which I usually avoid because of its long flat section that I often get stuck on, I would always choose to do Sources instead but this week since I didn’t have to queue for the Roche de Mio lift, I went back up again and did the Tunnel just for the hell of it. Turns out I’m a bit faster these days and I made it across the flat easily but nearly face planted in the tunnel itself, which is filled with ridges and potholes that can easily catch you unawares.

I also spent some time on the blue runs Ramy and Rossa and the red Inversens, runs that I often ignore, because they take you back to the same lift rather than linking you to another section of resort. I realised that my usual ski route is a big loop in one direction or another and runs that don’t lead anywhere new often get forgotten. This week however I’ve had nothing but time and have rediscovered a few old favourites, I even discovered a new lift although it has to be said that it will not be becoming a favourite. The Aollets drag lift from Plagne Village was conquered by me on my second try (we don’t talk about the first attempt) and I’m now wondering if there’s other lifts and runs in resort which I have simply ignored year after year, I shall be studying my piste map and heading out in search this afternoon.

As well as the empty mountain I hope you’ve been making the most of the weather, as its looks like it’s all about to change again. The mist has been rolling in today and the light is a lot flatter than it has been all week, snow is on the forecast for Saturday through to Tuesday and thunderstorms are even predicted for Monday. No predicted drop in temperature however could have that snow falling rather wetly, so if you’re heading out this weekend pack yourself some extra gloves and buffs so you can switch if you get too soggy. Fingers crossed that it falls as snow though and we have a week of fresh pow ahead of us!

Also ahead of us is La Plagne’s spring festival Subli’Cimes which you can see being set up all over resort at the moment. Starting on the 5th April, Subli’Cimes is an awesome event where the 6 main peaks in resort are transformed into fun zones each with its own theme, activities and animations. I haven’t received all the information yet but the Roche de Mio is traditionally the Extreme Zone featuring air bags, reverse bungee jumps and wipeout obstacles. The Becoin last year featured a Beauty Zone (which rather bizarrely included a burlesque show) and the Arpette is generally the Chill Out Sector with hammocks, hot tubs, saunas and tai chi classes.

This year the Grande Rochette is being named Camp Viking, Rossa will be Les Dinos and Fornelet is to be Fairy world. Keep your eyes open around resort for more information as the days go one and then do try to make it to every zone as this is one event that La Plagne goes all out for, last year there was a camel at the top of the Grand Rochette and a yeti in Montalbert!

So - to sum up - enjoy the last few quiet days before Easter, fingers crossed for good dry snow next week, keep your wits about you on the Aollets drag lift and look forward to the Subli’cimes festival!

Bon Ski!