LA PLAGNE DESTINATION GUIDE

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Located in the heart of the French Alps, offers a diverse range of activities for visitors. As part of the vast Paradiski ski area, La Plagne is one of the world's largest linked domains, with the Vanoise express providing a thrilling 45 km per hour ride between Les Arcs and La Plagne.

Made up of eleven ski villages, La Plagne is a family-friendly resort that includes a free shuttle bus service, allowing guests to easily explore the different areas.

The resort boasts over 225 km of slopes, including 78 beginner-friendly blue runs, 186 km of cross-country runs, and 40 km of ski touring trails, making it a paradise for snow enthusiasts.

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

As Alpe d’Huez is a true dual-season resort, there is the possibility to generate rental yields throughout the year. Though the end of the 2019/20 ski season was cut short due to the pandemic, Alpe d’Huez had a very positive ski season prior to the Coronavirus outbreak with a busier pre-season, Christmas, January and February than the previous year. One figure that particularly stood out was the pre-season period, the first three weeks of December. During this time 78,800 overnight stays were booked, a massive 25% increase on the year before.

Alpe d’Huez enjoyed a very busy summer in 2020. According to the latest figures from the tourism office, overall, the total number of overnight stays during the summer increased by 2.3% between 2019 and 2020. August performed especially well with over 193,000 overnight stays recorded, an amazing 27.5% year-on-year increase. See our guide on renting out ski property in France to learn more about monetising your Alpe d’Huez property.

1860m ALT.
SNOW-SURE SKIING

ADVISERS’ OPINION

One of the most popular ski resorts in the world with over 225 km of skiable pistes plus extensive off-piste terrain, La Plagne’s combination of snow-sure conditions and ski-in-ski-out convenience will ensure that you enjoy spending time with family and friends in your second home for years to come.

WHY TO BUY

Snow-sure resort
Access to 425 km of pistes for skiers of all levels
Famille Plus-accredited resort
Full range of sports and leisure activities
Unforgettable holiday experiences for the whole family

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Located in the Savoie region of the French Alps (73)
Eleven villages ranging in altitude from 700 - 2100m
An easy drive from the Geneva, Chambéry, Grenoble and Lyon airports
Accessible by train from both London and Paris
Home to France's one and only bobsleigh track

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Over the last few years, local authorities have been investing in the development of La Plagne with plans to expand the ski area and improve transportation links. Winter 2023 will see the opening of a new ten-seater gondola which connects Plagne Bellecôte and the Glacier and offers high-altitude skiing at 3000 metres.

Additionally, a second gondola climbing up from the Roche de Mio to the Glacier via the Col de la Chiaupe is planned for 2025, ensuring snow-sure skiing conditions for years to come. This ongoing investment in La Plagne’s development promises to further enhance the resort’s appeal as a destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and investors.

HISTORY

La Plagne began as a site for the French resistance movements during WWII to parachute arms, but it wasn't until the 1960s when Dr. Pierre Borrione launched a project to create jobs in the valley by developing a ski resort.

Plagne Centre was the first site to open with just two drag lifts and four ski runs in 1961. With help from President de Gaulle's 'Plan Neige,' Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Aime 2000, and Plagne Villages followed. Bellentre, Montchavin, Longefoy, Plagne Montalbert, Les Coches, Belle Plagne, Plagne 1800, and Plagne Soleil were added between 1970-1990.

La Plagne hosted multiple events during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics, confirming its status as a top French ski destination.

THE VILLAGE TODAY

A blend of purpose-built and traditional Alpine villages, there is always something going on in La Plagne. Much more than just a ski resort, La Plagne offers an exciting range of activities throughout the year including several experiences which you won’t find anywhere else.

If you’re not really into skiing or snowboarding, don’t worry because La Plagne has got you covered. Get out into the fresh powder with a snowshoe, snowmobile, ice skating or dog sledding session, visit the Ice Grotto located at 3,417m altitude on the Plagne Bellecôte glacier or head to one of the resort’s many spas for a relaxing treatment.

An Alpine playground for those who enjoy sports and leisure activities in the ultra- fresh mountain air, get ready to raise your adrenaline levels as you explore everything the Tarentaise Valley has to offer including biking, fishing, golfing, white water sports, skiing,hiking, via ferrata, paragliding, hang gliding,go-karting, orienteering, horse riding, ziplining and more.