Ski resorts
La Plagne: family skiing in Paradiski and where to stay
Ten villages, a vast ski area and a cable car hanging high above the valley to Les Arcs. This is La Plagne, one of France’s most family-friendly resorts, and the hotels with ski-in/ski-out access.
La Plagne is big, but never confusing. The resort is made up of around ten villages spread across the mountainside, each with its own character, all connected by pistes and lifts. You will find everything from modern ski villages high up to small, traditional hamlets in the valley.
La Plagne is also part of Paradiski, the ski area linking La Plagne and Les Arcs. That makes it one of the largest ski areas in the world, and a paradise for families who want variety without wasting time on transfers.
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The villages of La Plagne
Plagne Centre, Belle Plagne and Plagne 1800 sit high and are ski-in/ski-out, while Montchavin and Champagny have a more traditional Alpine feel. Many families choose the high villages for convenience, while others prefer the charm of the lower hamlets.
The slopes of Paradiski
Paradiski links La Plagne and Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express, a cable car hanging high above the valley. From here you can ski two major resorts in a single day. La Plagne has many wide, gentle runs suited to families, but also steep terrain and glacier areas for the experienced.
La Plagne hosted the bobsleigh and luge events at the 1992 Winter Olympics, and the track is still in use.
A day in La Plagne
The morning starts with ski-in/ski-out access, and within minutes you are up the mountain. The morning can be spent on wide family runs, before you cross the Vanoise Express to Les Arcs after lunch.
When the day is done, pools, spas and hot chocolate await, and the evening brings fondue and raclette in one of the village restaurants.
When is the best time to visit La Plagne?
The season usually runs from December to April. January often brings good snow and fewer crowds, while March and April offer longer days and spring snow. The highest villages and the glacier area give peace of mind late in the season. Half term and Easter are busy, so book early.
Skiing with children in La Plagne
La Plagne is one of the most family-friendly resorts in France. There are ski schools in every village, dedicated children’s areas and plenty of gentle runs. With ski-in/ski-out access daily life is simple, and it is easy to take breaks when the little ones need them.
Food and evenings in La Plagne
Evenings in La Plagne are calm and family-friendly. Restaurants serve Savoyard classics, and many hotels have their own restaurants, pools and activities for children. After dinner you can take a stroll through the quiet snow between the chalets, while the lights of the other villages twinkle on the mountainside.
Getting to La Plagne
The nearest airports are Geneva, Lyon and Chambéry. Trains run to Aime or Bourg-Saint-Maurice, from where you take a bus or transfer up to the villages.
Where to stay in La Plagne
In La Plagne it is easy to stay ski-in/ski-out. Here are three places that suit families well.
Le Terra Nova: ski-in/ski-out
A hotel with ski-in/ski-out access, ski storage and lift passes.
Book your stay: See rooms at Le Terra Nova
Les Hauts Bois: apartments with space
Apartment-style accommodation with plenty of space for the family.
Book your stay: See rooms at Pierre & Vacances Premium Les Hauts Bois
Club MMV Plagne 2000: for families
A family resort with a spa and restaurant.
Book your stay: See rooms at Club MMV Plagne 2000
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Val Thorens.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in La Plagne
Where should I stay in La Plagne?
Le Terra Nova offers ski-in/ski-out access, Les Hauts Bois has spacious apartments, and Club MMV Plagne 2000 suits families with a spa and restaurant.
What is Paradiski?
Paradiski is the ski area linking La Plagne and Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express cable car, and one of the largest ski areas in the world.
Is La Plagne good for families?
Yes, La Plagne is one of the most family-friendly resorts in France, with ski schools in every village and plenty of gentle runs.
How do you get to La Plagne?
Fly to Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry and take the train to Aime or Bourg-Saint-Maurice. From there, buses and transfers run up to the villages.