La Plagne — The Family Ski Holiday You'll Want to Repeat Every Year

La Plagne is the resort that families come back to year after year. Spread across 11 interconnected villages at between 1,250m and 2,100m, it offers something rare: genuinely excellent skiing for all abilities combined with the kind of family infrastructure that makes everyone's holiday easier. And with the Paradiski link to Les Arcs, you've got 425km to explore.

Getting There

Geneva airport is 2.5–3 hours by road. Chambéry is closer at 1.5 hours but has fewer flights. There's also a direct TGV from Paris to Aime-La Plagne station (4.5 hours), followed by a 20-minute funicular and bus — kids love the train journey.

Which Village?

This is the most important decision for a La Plagne trip. The 11 villages have very different vibes:

• Plagne Centre — the main hub with shops, restaurants, and the most facilities. Good for first-timers. Apartments €60–110/night.
• Plagne 1800 — quieter, great nursery slopes right at the doorstep. Best for families with very young children. €50–90/night.
• Belle Plagne — higher (2,050m), more modern, ski-in/ski-out everywhere. The most reliable snow. €70–120/night.
• Montchavin-Les Coches — traditional Savoyard village at 1,250m with a gondola link to the main ski area. Cheapest option and most authentic. €45–80/night.

Local tip: Montchavin-Les Coches is a hidden gem. Authentic village atmosphere, proper bakeries, and 30–40% cheaper than the purpose-built villages above.

On the Mountain

225km of La Plagne's own runs, or 425km with the Paradiski link to Les Arcs. The terrain naturally suits families and intermediates:

• Beginners: Each village has its own nursery area. The wide blues from Roche de Mio down to Plagne Centre are perfect for building confidence.
• Intermediates: The Bellecôte glacier run (2,700m start) is a long, scenic blue with stunning views. The Les Arcs link opens up another 200km of cruising.
• Advanced: The north face of Bellecôte has genuine off-piste challenges. The Emile Allais black run is steep and satisfying.

Family Activities Beyond Skiing

This is where La Plagne really stands out:

• Olympic Bobsled Run — built for the 1992 Albertville Olympics. You can ride it as a passenger (80 seconds, up to 120km/h). Kids aged 8+ are allowed. Book early — it sells out weeks in advance. Around €45 per person.
• Colorado Park — tubing, snake gliss, and mini-snowmobiles for children
• Ice cave — an underground cave experience carved into the glacier at 2,400m

Where to Eat & Drink

• La Mine (Belle Plagne) — themed restaurant inside an old mine shaft. Kids love it. The tartiflette is excellent.
• Le Refuge (Plagne Centre) — mountain restaurant accessible by blue run. Great crêpes and vin chaud on the terrace.
• Chalet des Colosses — one of the best mountain restaurants in Paradiski. Worth skiing over the Les Arcs side for lunch here.

Local Insider Tips

• The Vanoise Express cable car linking La Plagne to Les Arcs is free with your Paradiski pass and offers incredible views — do it even if you don't plan to ski Les Arcs
• Book the bobsled at least 2 weeks in advance. It regularly sells out for the entire school holiday period.
• Tuesday is market day in Plagne Centre — fresh mountain cheese, saucisson, and local wine
• The afternoon sun hits Belle Plagne's terrace restaurants perfectly — plan your on-mountain lunch there around 1pm
• Montchavin's bakery (Boulangerie des Coches) makes the best pain au chocolat in the resort

Budget Breakdown (7 days, family of 4)