La Plagne Winter 20 - 21 News
Part of the Paradiski range, in the Tarentaise Valley of France, La Plagne is a multifaceted, wide, open, connected ski resort with 225 km of pistes. Think of La Plagne as a constellation of 12 stars, with each star representing one of its unique villages. Each village (the highest reaching 2,100 metres and the lowest at 700 metres) has an individual personality: one is more style conscious; one is sportier, and another more discreet. However, each one has everything guests would need, and want, in order to have an incredible winter holiday surrounded by impressive snowy peaks.
This year, La Plagne has put many measures in place to make guests feel welcome and safe amidst Covid-19. From stricter protocols for cleaning and disinfecting across all accommodation to limiting the number of children in day-care centres and putting plenty of hand-sanitising stations in place. In terms of ski lifts, La Plagne has 10 gondolas which fall under transport; skiers and snowboarders will have to wear masks and social distance on board. The rest of the ski lifts comprise chairlifts, drag lifts, ropes and carpets, meaning plenty of fresh air. La Plagne also has a Yuge App, which communicates with 28 sensors across the resort, and lets guests know the most / least crowded slopes, waiting times at different lifts and suggested itineraries for the day. For more information: https://en.la-plagne.com/coronavirus-information
Although the ski season will be different this year, there is still plenty to look forward to and new accommodation, activities etc. to note. In addition, Plagne Aime 2000 is celebrating its 50th anniversary on 21 December 2020 – how time flies!
Plagne Aime 2000 is celebrating its 50th anniversary
One of the highest ski resorts in La Plagne, Aime 2000, is renowned for its incredible ‘Love Boat’ architecture that has been sailing since 1970. Designed by Michel Bezançon, and reminiscent of a cruise ship, the three pyramids stretch 200 metres across the mountains, reach 50 metres high (the only high-rise building in the Alpine resorts) and feature 650 balconies, 3,500 windows and 2.4 km of corridors. Inside, guests can find ski-in, ski-out accommodation and a shopping gallery. The apartments and commercial area were decorated by Pierre Gariche, who used compact designs similar to a cruise ship and porthole-style windows. On 21 December 2020 (TBC), the resort, and the unique building, will celebrate 50 years by the laying of the foundation stone by Wilmotte & Associates at Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs. The goal: to give Plagne Aime 2000 a new look by 2023.
For more information: https://presse-laplagne.com/en/aime-2000-is-celebrating-its-50th-anniversary/
NEW: Snowshoe, stay and sleep in an igloo, in Montchavin
Beginning in Montchavin, clip on snowshoes and trek, with Sébastien (guide), to your very own igloo for the night. Sample an aperitif and tuck into delicious fondue to warm up before snuggling up in the snowy bubble with a thick duvet. If the night is clear, spot famous star constellations and marvel at the Milky Way. After a peaceful night’s sleep, have a filling breakfast before heading back down the mountain. A night’s stay costs from €139 / £127 pp including half-board accommodation, equipment rental, a thick duvet and a guide. Minimum age nine. Takes place every Thursday.
For more information: https://montchavin.evolution2.com/en/winter/igloo-quinzy/
NEW: Four-star hotel club in Plagne Aime 2000
This fully renovated ski-in, ski-out hotel offers 228 rooms plus a ski shop, spa and aqua-relaxation area. With an interactive programme for children aged 18 months to 17 years, parents will have the time to put their feet up with a well-deserved drink. Enjoy the spectacular views of Mont-Blanc, tuck into a varied cuisine and Savoyard dishes at the restaurant and treat yourself to one of the treatments on offer in the wellness centre. A week’s stay costs from €1,713 / £1,572 total for a family of three (two adults and one child) on a full-board basis. For more information: www.mmv-holidays.co.uk/en/hotel-club-ski-aime2000-plagne2000
Ski area
NEW: Facelift for the Funiplagne station in Plagne Centre
Ready for the 2020/21 ski season, the Funiplagne station in Plagne Centre is having a facelift. Not only will this mean increased comfort for skiers and snowboarders, but a better lift-queue system and brand-new toilets. The Funiplagne whisks winter sports enthusiasts from Plagne Centre (1,970 metres) up to the Grande Rochette at 2,508 metres. For more information: https://en.la-plagne.com/discover/ski-area/piste-map
NEW: Channel your inner secret agent with this outdoor escape game
Armed with your smart phone, channel your inner secret agent and enter the exciting world of augmented reality on the mountains of La Plagne. Perfect for families, the I-Quest escape game is a wonderful way of exploring the ski resort and solving a series of puzzles on route. Use those little grey cells whilst enjoying fresh air, exercise and team spirit. For more information: www.escape2rooms.fr/en/
Event
NEW: Combe Bénite downhill ski race
Created by downhill skiers and mountain professionals from the village of Granier and La Plagne, this new ski-mountaineering race takes place on the Versant du Soleil. Experienced athletes will compete on an exciting, varied course (depending on ability) with 1,600 to 1,900 metres of elevation gain through the majestic scenery of Combe Bénite massif. Experience the beauty, friendliness and high-mountain pastures of this vibrant village and surrounding area.
The race will take place on 10 January 2021 and costs are TBC.
La Plagne’s ski season begins on 12 December 2020 and ends on 30 April 2021.
Getting to La Plagne could not be easier: it is within a 90-minute drive from three main airports, Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon. Either hire a car from the airport, book one of the transfer companies or take the bus. Alternatively, La Plagne is one of the ski resorts you can reach easily on the train. Board the train at London St Pancras International and arrive at Aime La Plagne station after a quick transfer at Lille or Paris. Otherwise, snow enthusiasts can always jump in their car and drive to La Plagne using Eurotunnel Le Shuttle or one of the ferry companies to cross the English Channel. There are plenty of car parks once in resort too.
