Having travelled with VIP SKI before, when Family Traveller was invited to review the new Graciosa La Plagne penthouse apartments, we jumped at the chance.
Graciosa, La Plagne
La Plagne (and its neighbour Les Arcs) have long been perennial favourites for value conscious UK skiers. Indeed, many of us had our first ski experience in these resorts as part of a school or university trip.
However, they have historically been overlooked by the fancier crowd who prefer the luxuries of Val D’isère or Les Trois Valles or the semi-posh likes of Morzine and Les Gets. That could all about to change thanks to the excellent tour operator VIP Ski who have opened a brand new aparthotel, Graciosa, La Plagne for the 2025-26 season.
We have travelled with VIP SKI before, and always been impressed. So when they asked the team to come and review their newest property we were there like a shot.
READ MORE: How to find time for yourself on family ski holidays this winter
Ski Room, Graciosa, La Plagne
How Graciosa, La Plagne elevates family ski holidays
La Plagne is a relatively manageable transfer from Geneva airport. At just over two hours it is considered middle of the pack; Val D’isère is more like four hours, whereas Les Gets is only an hour. So, with a sensible morning flight time from the UK you’re pulling up to VIP Ski Graciosa, La Plagne just in time for cocktail hour.
The hotel is split into 16 apartments/suites, but we were whisked off to the Sagarmatha Penthouse: a six bedroom wraparound with all the latest toys.
It is customary to get your ski kit sorted out the night of arrival to ensure maximum enjoyment of the first day’s skiing, and this has been made particularly easy with the ski hire and boot room in the basement of the Graciosa. Plus, VIP SKI have a deal with local ski shop operator Oxygene, so the kit is top notch. Then, with all the group sorted, it was back upstairs for pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres.
Dining area, Sagarmatha Penthouse
Relaxed luxury is the vibe when it comes to dining
The VIP SKI model is half-board catering, with chefs cooking right in the apartment and hostesses looking after all the serving and drinks. It’s done in a relaxed luxury feel or what the summer holiday industry would call ‘barefoot luxury’.
But realistically, half board doesn’t do it justice. The breakfasts are varied, and you can bespoke your order any which way. There’s an afternoon tea for when you arrive back, which is so comprehensive it doesn’t give you much scope before dinner is served.
Dinners are the full three courses and change nightly, and the obliging chef will listen to all dietary whims, be that from the vegetarians amongst you or the fussy kids. As is the sign of a good ski chalet holiday, the wine keeps coming. On one night we gave the bar a decent nudge, but it seemed to magically keep being restocked by little elves wearing VIP SKI polo shirts.
READ MORE: Best family ski resorts in Europe you can travel to by train
Hot tub with a view, Sagarmatha Penthouse
Graciosa, La Plagne capitalises on spectacular views
The setting of this penthouse is spectacular, as it’s pretty much in the centre of the resort and has 360° views of the slopes and on to Mont Blanc in the distance. It is legitimately ski-in-ski-out, positioned as it is on one of the resort’s main throughfares. Naturally there is a hot tub out on one of the several decks (just walking distance from the fridge). There is also a sauna and a funky coloured pool table in the games area, where most evenings ended up.
As for bedrooms, there are six doubles, all ensuite, as well as one family room with a kid’s single bed alcove. All the fittings are stylish, and the beds were some of the comfiest we’ve experienced.
Kids’ Playroom, Graciosa, La Plagne
Why La Plagne is such a big favourite with families
What about the resort itself? Well, it’s one of the big deals in French skiing with good reason. La Plagne itself has 130-plus runs and more than 220km of pistes. Then, when you add in Les Arcs, you can realistically double that. The whole area is collectively called Paradiski, and is perfect for families with lots of suitable terrain for all abilities.
Whilst the village of La Plagne itself is not winning any beauty prizes, the surrounding views more than make up for it. The main gondola out of the village does most of the heavy lifting in the morning, and it’s fast, getting you up to 2500m in less than 10 minutes.
From there you really can head off in any direction and on any colour run. However, my friendly guide from Oxygen suggested the best plan from Graciosa, La Plagne is to head up behind the hotel where there’s a fast red that doesn’t attract the morning crowds: a great warm up/tune up for the day ahead.
READ MORE: The best family hotels in the world recommended by parents who know
Skiing La Plagne ©Brendan Le Peru
Our top lunch and après-ski recommendations
Sadly, the folks at VIP SKI don’t come out and meet you with a lunch picnic, so it is worth noting a few options. You will certainly want to go to L’Arpette in Plagne Bellecote. The main après-ski scene in La Plagne is La Bergerie. Fortuitously it is a single direct run down to the front door of the boot room of Graciosa. It is approximately 12 minutes from your last après-ski drink at the top of the mountain to your first in the hot tub at Sagamartha Penthouse in Graciosa, La Plagne – cheers to that.
Getting over to Les Arcs is a bit of a mission, but an adventure. If everyone is comfortable on red runs then the group will be fine. Over in Les Arcs you will find three villages Arc 1850, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. A fine lunch choice is Chez Leontine in Arc 1950. It’s a chic take on Savoyard and kid friendly – as is all of Arc 1950. For the teenagers, you will want to stop off at La Folie Douce des Arcs. IYKYK as the kids would say.
Living Room, Sagarmatha Penthouse
Why we can highly recommend VIP SKI and Graciosa, La Plagne
If you have never been to La Plagne, or haven’t been since those days of the school trip, now is the time to give it another go. With the arrival of VIP SKI, and especially of Sagarmatha Penthouse, this is the perfect time. It is surprisingly reasonably priced and makes the prefect location for a family get together, two or three families, or just some friends.
READ MORE: Where to go for joyful holidays with your kids all through 2026
Make It Happen
How to get there
Direct UK flights to Geneva from 1 hour, 40 minutes
Find out more and book with British Airways or EasyJet
Where to stay
Sagarmatha Penthouse, Graciosa, La Plagne, 7 nights, catered (2 adults) from £1,405pp including coach transfer from Geneva
Good to know
Paradiski Adult Lift Pass: 6-day £349 Paradiski Child Lift Pass (5-12 years): 6-day £279
