If you are looking for a resort with a range of wide and gentle slopes then La Plagne is the place for you. This famous French resort is popular with skiers of all ages and ability, but it is particularly well regarded by those of us who are in our more senior years.
Situated within the Tarentaise valley, La Plagne is more than just a single resort destination. In fact, there are ten different villages that combine to give skiers a variety of terrains to test their skills on. Each of these villages are conveniently linked by pistes, lifts and roads, making travelling between each a breeze.
The Runs
The higher reaches of the resort offer many of the gentler runs that will be best suited to seniors who wish to take things easy whilst on the slopes. Belle Plagne and Plagne Centre have a wide range of simple blue runs that are still beautiful to ski on.
For those who wish to be a little more daring, the runs of Bellecôte Glacier and Roche de Mio will prove to be irresistible. 2,700m of pristine powder await those ready to take on the challenge and many visitors begin on the south face as this has the kinder terrain.
Once your confidence is high the north face can be tackled, but beware – this is not a place for the faint hearted. Adrenaline inducing couloirs and traverses are plentiful, and only the more experienced skiers should attempt this part of the La Plagne resort.
However, it’s important to remember that regardless of where you choose to ski, having adequate ski insurance is essential when embarking on an alpine break.
Where To Stay
Like many of the French resorts, La Plagne has a range of options available to visitors. From budget accommodation through to the height of luxury, all are catered for here.
At the higher end of the scale is the stunning Summit View. This small complex of piste-side chalet apartments is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a degree of comfort not readily found across the rest of the region.
If you are looking for an alpine feel with a contemporary edge, Hotel Carlina Résidence in Belle Plagne is ideal. These apartments are only a couple of years old and all of the apartment’s bedrooms are en suite and every flat has its own sauna. Perfect for those aching bones after a days skiing.
Eating Out
Although the majority of the accommodation available in the region allows you to cook for yourself, it’s highly likely that you’ll want to eat out at least a couple of times during your stay here. Thankfully, La Plagne has some fantastic eateries to choose from.
Within the aforementioned Hotel Carlina you will find a wonderful restaurant run by head chef Thibault Schach. Open for both lunch and dinner, this restaurant prides itself on creating a wide and varied menu every day using the very best locally sourced ingredients.
If hunger strikes whilst on the slopes, then a visit to Les Verdons Sud will set you right. This traditional wooden chalet is widely regarded as one of the finest places to eat in La Plagne and the fact that the owners – the Talenti family – have been here since the 1960s proves that they are certainly doing something right.
Photo of La Plagne by Davepop.
