Make La Plagne your family ski holiday plan this winter

Families looking for more than just skiing this winter are choosing holidays in La Plagne. The slopes are amazing, we love the atmosphere and there’s so much to see and do with kids. So if you’re planning a family ski break, here’s why we recommend La Plagne.

Buffalo Park, La Plagne ski holidays

In the Tarentaise Valley of France, La Plagne is made up of no fewer than 11 resort villages. Part of the Paradiski area which links to Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, it’s heaven for serious skiers: 425km of pistes range across seven mountains at altitudes of up to  3,250m. However, it’s also a great all-rounder. Five out of the 11 La Plagne villages have beginner-only Cool Ski areas. Cross-country enthusiasts can look forward to more than 180km of paths and 40km of ski touring trails here. Freestyle zones and snow parks will thrill teens. Plus, the area’s excellent ski schools start lessons from age three, so even younger kids get plenty of fun snow time.

High altitude skiing, La Plagne, France

La Plagne also has a proven commitment to sustainability. So this year families can expect new accommodation and activities which reflect both the area’s green ethos and its support of local communities, products and businesses. Most lifts are now easily reached on foot, and car-free centres mean many of the villages feel friendlier than ever for kids.

Accessibility is another feature of La Plagne ski holidays. You’ll find a wide range of easy ski-in-ski-out accommodation at handi-friendly Plagne Aime 2000. And for winter 2022/23, École Ski Française (ESF) is introducing week-long ski courses for deaf skiers, led by instructors fluent in sign language.

ESF play a big part in the outstanding childcare services throughout La Plagne too. They combine fun kids clubs with ski lessons for kids from age three to 12 years. However, there’s also good selection of nurseries for younger children and babies, and in-chalet childcare is widely available as well.

Another gorgeous snow day in La Plagne

How to choose your perfect village for a ski holiday in La Plagne

Organising a ski holiday with younger kids is always a bit of a balancing act. You want great skiing, good childcare, an authentic atmosphere and a little peace in the evening too. La Plagne understand that only too well. Several quieter villages such as Plagne 1800, Montchavin-Les Coches and Champagny en Vanoise are ideal for young families. Although Belle Plagne edges ahead for chalet-style accommodation, a village-y feel, and good value. It’s also the resort with direct links to Les Arcs on the Vanoise cable car.

If you’re on holiday with older kids, you probably want things a little active day and night, and Plagne Centre is all that. Purpose built in the 1960s, it has lively après-ski scene matched by good shops, restaurants and bars. Montalbert is the village to choose for teens who need snow parks. Plagne Aime 2000 is another buzzy, but family-friendly, resort village. And beginner skiers of all ages will appreciate the central nursery slopes at Plagne Bellecôte.

Family accommodation is a signature of La Plagne ski holidays. So whether you want the independence of apartments, the tradition of chalets or the ease of resort hotels, they’re all here.

Belle Plagne, La Plagne, France © Olivier Allamand

Family friendly hotels and apartments we recommend

• To stay at the heart of everything, try 4-star Araucaria Hotel and Spa in Plagne Centre. A smart, contemporary hotel set on the slopes, it features a good restaurant, as well as indoor pools, a sauna, and a children’s playroom.
• New Turquoise Chalet Hotel brings sustainable mountain chic to Belle Plagne. Families have a choice of nine individually designed apartments here, sleeping up to 10 guests.
• For kids clubs, climbing walls and a dedicated teen space, take a look at Hotel Club in Plagne Aime 2000.

Colorado Luge, La Plagne © JNJ Photo

What’s fun to do for kids of all ages this winter

• Buffalo Park is wild west snow fun in Plagne Centre. Kids will love the various ski challenges, themed obstacles and general feel-good atmosphere.
• The snow kindergarten in Plagne Bellecote is designed for children aged from three to five years. It’s gently exciting and sits handily close to the mini-club at the foot of the slopes.
• The only bobsleigh track in France, Giant Spaghetti Bob Raft stretches for 1.5km. It’s like a vast string of spaghetti but, unlike pasta, it reaches speeds of up to 80kmph.

The only bobsleigh in France © Louis Garnier

• You’ll find five CoolSki Zones in La Plagne specifically created for learners. With free lifts and marked circuits, wide runs and gentle slopes these progressive areas give kids (and adults) stress-free space to build confidence and skills. You can even wear a beginner bib if you want, so other skiers know to be careful.
• Five freestyle zones across the ski area include boarder crosses and a snow park. There’s also an airbag at Belle Plagne and Bellecôte features a mini-half-pipe.
• The Teen’s Squ@t is a great hang-out spot for 14 to 17 year olds. Designed with comfy sofas, games consoles, speakers and ports for phones and tablets, it’s at mmv Hotel Club in Plagne Aime 2000.
• Don’t miss the Colorado Luge mile-long sledge run for speed-thrills and the most spectacular views on Mont Blanc – the highest mountain in France.

Family snowshoeing, Montalbert, La Plagne

• New Riders Nation Snowpark in Montchavin-Les Coches opens on 17 December 2022. It focuses on accessibility and encourages first-time riders. However, the more daring can look forward to expert areas as well as green and blue developmental lines. Access to the park is included in lift passes and there’s a close-up spectator zone for parents.
• Cani Raquettes – snowshoeing with dogs – is another new activity this winter. It’s all the fun of snowshoeing through snowy landscapes with the added charm of well-trained sled dogs for company.
• Try a family spa experience at Deep Nature in Belle Plagne. Laze around in indoor pools with water temperatures of 35º, then glide down the 170m outdoor water trail with magnificent, snowy mountains for company. As an extra soothing treat, 6 to 14 year olds can enjoy a tandem parent/child massage in one of the spa’s double cabins.

Ready to book your family ski holiday. Visit La Plagne Resort for everything you need from accommodation and childcare to choosing your perfect village and fun things to do on and off the slopes this winter.