Activities in La Plagne

Top things to do in La Plagne

Below are our three favourite activities in La Plagne but there are plenty more to choose from. Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration – you'll see that there are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding in La Plagne.

Winter sports, skiing and snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are probably the most popular activities in the Paradiski. But we're not talking about lift-assisted, downhill skiing and snowboarding only – there's a whole host of activities that involve boards strapped onto your feet including ski touring and split boarding, cross-country skiing or télémarking. 

There's much more than just skiing and snowboarding in La Plagne in the winter. The Paradiski mountains are the perfect setting to go snowshoeing and husky-dog sledging, whilst the ice skating rinks in La Plagne town centre will keep the whole family entertained.

Mountain biking

The Paradiski trails and bike parks attract hundreds of enduro and downhill biking aficionados every summer. Over 300km of marked trails meander through lush forests reaching stunning mountaintops with breathtaking views.

Walking, hiking and running

In the summer, the Paradiski pistes turn into meadows and deep-forested trails to explore on foot. From easy valley strolls to gruelling trail running ascents, everyone can explore the La Plagne valley's beautiful sunny landscapes.

Climbing in La Plagne

Rock climbing

Like most of the Alps, La Plagne is a great place rock climbing for both beginners and experienced climbers. Experienced climbers can tackle the mountain side rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment). For beginners there are a number of adventure companies or mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes'! Learn all the technique and skills in the safe hands of a well-trained mountain guide. Climbing is also a great activity for all the family, just check with the guide beforehand what their minimum age is. 

Via Ferrata

If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb. Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of eight, guides can be arranged on request and there are a number of adventure companies who can organise your Via Ferrata experience. 

There are two main Via Ferrata routes in La Plagne: 

• Plan du Bouc is in Champagny le Haut and features two courses (one intermediate and one difficult)
• Grosses Pierres is in Champagny en Bas and is a more challenging and physical route

Indoor climbing

If you don't fancy climbing outdoors, or you're new to climbing and want to give it a go in an indoor centre, then La Plagne has somewhere for you to go. Climbing equipment is normally provided, or you can bring your own and insurance is normally needed before you hit the climbing wall.

Mountaineering

There are a number of companies who can take you mountaineering in both summer and winter, from local guides to ski schools, private instructors and activity companies. 

Ice climbing

Ice climbing is great if you're the sort of person that likes a bit of adrenaline and a challenge. Whether you're an experienced climber or a beginner you can have a go at ice climbing on La Plagne's very own 24m ice climbing tower, it has been built to be suitable for all levels of climber, easier for the beginner in some parts and harder for those more experienced in others. 

If you're a beginner and have never done it before then every Tuesday and Thursday a mountain guide will teach people how to climb the slightly scary but incredibly beautiful looking ice wall.

Culture and guided tours in La Plagne

Farm visits

Down in Montalbert is a pretty little farm where you can take the kids in summer or winter, dine in the restaurant, try local produce or just take a look at the cute animals.

Markets

There is a traditional regional market every Thursday morning in the nearby town of Aime.

Museums

To learn about the history and traditions of La Plagne, visit the archaeological museum, featuring an exhibition that takes you from the Neolithic to the present day.

Nature reserves and parks

The Vanoise National Park is located in the heart of the Savoie region. Created in 1963, it was the first French national park and covers a large territory where you can find a stunning mountain landscape with lakes, and beautiful vegetation. It's also well-known for its population of Alpine ibex, as well as many other animals like chamois, marmots and more than 100 species of birds.

Cycling and mountain biking in La Plagne

Mountain biking

La Plagne is a mecca for mountain biking, with varying terrain and fantastic views it is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts. With the whole of the mountain area to explore, La Plagne is definitely a great place for biking as the different and varied terrains suit bikers of all levels.
Whether you enjoy a leisurely cycle around some of the lower level trails, or a day's hardcore downhill mountain is more your ‘thang’, La Plagne definitely has something to suit all tastes. As well as having over 145 km of sign-posted tracks to choose from, mountain bikers have also got especially built trails and parks to choose from. You can even try enduro on a track built specifically for speed and reserved for bikers which goes all the way down to Macot La Plagne.
You can also try an electric MTB, enjoying mountain biking without having to pedal your way up the mountain.

Cycling

Riding in the Alps is much more demanding than your favourite local route back in the UK. The roads around La Plagne are the setting for some of the most gruelling sections of the Tour de France but they can be tackled by enthusiasts as well as professionals. To gain the most from your riding in the area it goes without saying you need to have a reasonable level of fitness. You do not need to be a super man or woman but the ability to ride comfortably for up to three to four hours in the UK should see you enjoy the mountain routes.

Snow biking

You can mountain bike or rather "fat-bike" (with bigger tyres) on the snow in La Plagne in winter. Hire a fat bike and perhaps try a short introductory briefing you head onto a blue trail in a small group of three to five people with an instructor - ask at the hire shop.

Fishing in La Plagne

Lake fishing

Located in the limits of the Vanoise National Park, you can fish Arctic chars at La Plagne lake. 

The surrounding glacier streams are also the habitat of rainbow trouts. You must, however, ensure that you have the correct fishing permit and are aware of the local fishing regulations.

Fitness and swimming in La Plagne

Gym

There is a fully-equipped gym with fitness lessons in the resort's sport centre. A number of hotels also have their own facilities to keep you trim while you're on holiday.

Swimming

Whether you like to take a dip indoors or outdoors, you'll be able to find somewhere to go for a swim in La Plagne. Most hotels, lots of chalets and apartments have their own swimming facilities, however there are also municipal swimming baths that you can visit, which often come free with your lift pass purchase. In summer and winter you should be able to find somewhere to take a dip, so don't forget your towel and your swimming costume or shorts. 

Team sports

Facilities to practice basketball are available at the multi-activity sports hall in the sports centre at La Plagne.

Flying in La Plagne

Helicopter tours

Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snowcapped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests. 

Paragliding

If you’ve never tried paragliding before then La Plagne is a great place to learn how to fly. Known as “parapenting” in France and Switzerland, there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is give you the experience of flying. From the heights of the mountain tops you can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. They manoeuvre the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. 

Top tip: go on a sunny, warm day when the thermals will keep you airborne for longer.

Golf in La Plagne

Mini golf

There are a couple of mini-golf courses in La Plagne, the perfect activity for a family day out!

Horse riding in La Plagne

Horse riding

There are a few places in and around La Plagne where you can enjoy horse riding. Learn the techniques to safely ride a horse, soak up the beautiful mountain views and enjoy the scenery all on horseback.

Indoor activities in La Plagne

Bowling

Bowling is a fun thing to do if the weather turns bad or if you've got a larger group to entertain.

Cinema

Catch the latest films and releases in La Plagne on your winter or summer holiday. Some cinemas open their doors early on a bad weather day, otherwise you'll find most screenings in the evenings. Look out for VOST for English speaking films.

Skiing and snowboarding in La Plagne

Downhill skiing and snowboarding

Lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities in La Plagne. So much so that we could write several guides dedicated to them... and, in fact, we have! Take a look at our ski areas, pistes and parks guide where you'll not only find a lot of information on the La Plagne ski area but also links to many other articles: snowparks guide, beginner ski areas guide, advanced ski areas guide, off-piste ski areas guide.

However, lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding aren't the only things you can do in La Plagne while having a pair of skis or a board strapped to your feet.

Ski touring and split boarding

Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route, ski touring and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around or, if you've got all the necessary knowledge, you can head out in your own group. 

Cross-country skiing

Get back to nature and explore the lovely tranquil 55km cross-country ski trails that La Plagne has to offer. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel grooves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum. A number of adventure companies also offer cross-country skiing guiding, tours and lessons too. Find your way around with the cross-country skiing maps. 

Night skiing

Enjoy a magical alpine sunset at La Grande Rochette with views stretching from Mont Blanc in one direction to the twinkling lights of Courchevel in the other. Savour a traditional two-course Savoyarde meal complete with wine, tea, coffee and génépi, before you ski down blue runs back to La Plagne. 

Thanks to the special Taxi Ski service, non-skiers and beginners can enjoy moonlight skiing too! A limited number of Taxi skis are available at no extra cost, complete with qualified Oxygène ‘chauffeurs'.

Heliskiing and heliboarding

Heli-skiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in La Plagne offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing. They pick you up in resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

Télémarking

Télémarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached to the binding at the toe so, to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to télémark and take you out on excursions using this technique.

Biathlon

Modern winter biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting that tests not only fitness but also patience and control. In La Plagne you can try your hand at this Olympic sport. If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge, then biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural, quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff. Bit of a contradiction this one, but it's fun all the same.

Speed-riding

The idea behind speed riding is to combine the sensations of skiing and paragliding into one activity, and then descend off-piste sections of the mountain using a mini-wing to enable you to access areas that you might not normally go. Learning and having fun with speed riding comes very fast as long as you are a competent skier – you need to be able to ski red pistes with confidence in any type of snow. 

Taxi Ski chair

Try something different for a morning, afternoon or evening with Oxygène. If you can’t ski or don’t want to tackle a particular piste or itinerary, why not sit back and let Oxygène do the work. Their state-of-the-art Taxi Ski chair makes the slopes accessible to everyone – all you have to do is enjoy the ride. You can meet friends for lunch at a remote mountain restaurant, experience new pistes you thought were not possible or simply rest your legs.

Snow and ice activities in La Plagne

Ice skating

There are a number of places you can go Ice-skating in La Plagne. It's a fun thing to do with the family, or in a group if you want to do something a little bit different for apres ski. 

There is an artificial covered ice-rink in Les Coches you've got an artificial covered rink which is at the top of the Montchavin gondola. Check locally for opening times.

There is also an open-air skating rink in Plagne Centre, open in the winter only.

Glacier walking

For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the many nearby glaciers; the Glacier de la Chiaupe and the Glacier du Varet and the Bellecôte glacier to name a few. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure. There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing or, as the French call them, "raquettes à neige", is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions and a wonderful way for non-skiers to explore the mountains in and around La Plagne. Either set out on your own or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and discover the hidden parts of the ski area. The trails will take you to places from where you can enjoy stunning views or explore forests where local fauna such as chamois, wild goats and deer roam free. 

Sledging

This is one winter activity that doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment, just grab your sledge and head for the nearest snow-covered hill!

Husky dog rides

Be in charge of your own sledge and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths in winter. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start, you set off following the guide’s team. There are also child-dedicated rides. It's a very popular winter activity, so booking at least 48 hours in advance is a must. They run from early December to the end of April (snow-permitting). 

Ice Grotto

The Ice Grotto in La Plagne is not to be missed, with beautiful ice sculptures it is a fun and beautiful experience for everyone. Located at the top of the Plagne Bellecôte glacier at 3,417m, you can explore the ice cave and grotto and enjoy the wonderfully sculpted animals and ice statues. Every season the glacier changes and the sculptures are re-designed. The glacier is made up of many layers meaning the colours in the cave range from blue to green, a truly beautiful sight and one not to be missed.

Bobsleigh

If you're in La Plagne it's a must to try out the Olympic Bobsleigh run! You will not be disappointed in this thrilling activity that lets you become an Olympian for a few speedy moments down a windy bobsleigh track. Open every day of the week (except Mondays) throughout the winter season and with three different ways to race down the Olympic track it is thrilling, exciting and fun for everyone.

Superluge

For something a little different, have a go at Superluge. An hour and a half and 450 metres of vertical descent with state of the art sledges.

Spas and massages in La Plagne

Spas

If it's calm and relaxation you're after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments. A day spa is also the perfect activity when the weather turns. You can keep warm and revive aching muscles in saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis or take a refreshing dip in a swimming pool.

Tennis and racket sports in La Plagne

Tennis

Tennis is a great way to get the legs moving and to enjoy the sunny summertime weather. You can play a friendly game or have a lesson, whatever you choose to do it is a great way to have fun with friends and family. Open during the summer season there are tennis courts and training walls in La Plagne. Lessons are usually available in groups or privately. Perfect as a family outing, you can hire a court and when tiredness hits you can enjoy some refreshments and snacks at the tennis club or café.

Badminton and squash

The sports centre in La Plagne has a multisports court where you can play badminton and squash.

Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums in La Plagne

Paintballing

Challenge your friends and family to a game of paintball! This exciting activity offers fun for groups of all ages. In most cases you're split into teams and a variety of scenarios and courses are offered at the beginning of all games, with each game lasting approximately two hours; the ultimate aim is to shoot your opponents with paint pellets and capture their flag before they get hold of yours. There are a number of adventure companies and courses that offer you paintballing fun in La Plagne.

Tree-top adventures

If you have a head for heights and fancy an exhilarating experience high above the ground then try out an 'Arbre Adventure' or tree-top adventure course. They often have variations of difficulty, and sometimes courses designed specifically for children. Zip slides are a common feature too. Safety equipment and a practise session with an instructor are the norm, then you set off into the trees to have some fun!

Zipline (Cascade de Tyrolienne)

Between Belle Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte, the Cascade de Tyrolienne offers you the same thrills as the treetop adventures...but in the snow and ice of the winter. With a total of eight ziplines between 110m and 200m in length and a base jump to round off your visit, you're sure to find some adrenaline packed fun here.

Accessed via the pistes, why not try the Super Tyro, a 600m zipline descent where you can reach speeds of up to 90km/h. Giving you views over the Mont Blanc Massif, taking you through quiet forests and bringing you back down to the village of La Plagne, this activity offers you a very different perspective.

Walking, hiking and running in La Plagne

Walking and hiking

In the summer months La Plagne is a mecca for walking and hiking in the beautiful alpine mountains. As the snow melts and the sun begins to shine the mountains make an excellent place to head out on a hike or walk. Walking is the perfect activity for groups, families and friends. Pick from a number of routes ranging in difficulty, from easy child friendly walks to challenging day long hikes. Along the way enjoy the fantastic mountain views, beautiful scenery and wildlife that is normally hidden in the winter months. 

Check out our walking and hiking guide for more details on hiking in La Plagne.

Trail running

La Plagne is trail-running country, organising the 6,000D Alpine trail race for the past 30 years. There are 20 permanent trails that cross the La Plagne area, with different levels of difficulty and starting points.

Winter walking

La Plagne is a winter walker's paradise, with lifts giving access to the higher ground and a network of groomed trails in the winter, it's very easy to discover the resort on foot. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set out as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing that you can take off or put on as necessary. A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow depth before you go striding forth. 

Top Tip: 
Buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping which you can buy from most local sport shops.

Watersports in La Plagne

White water rafting

If you haven't experienced white water rafting before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! There are a number of trained guides in resort who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available in the Alps. From the middle of May until September, the mountain rivers flow furiously as they are fed from the melt waters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a three hour adrenaline rush to a full day excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint.

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP)

Stand up paddleboarding is becoming increasingly popular. Originally from Hawaii, it is a great way to enjoy the mountain scenery and get away from the summer heat, whilst not being very demanding. There are a number of watersports centres in La Plagne offering paddleboarding.

Canyoning

A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day!
You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about eight can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous.
Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons. There are a number of adventure companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways.

Hydrospeeding 

Hydrospeeding is one of the newer 'extreme' water sports to hit the market, it's a fun and exhilarating way to get yourselves down a river!. Using a large float, which bears resemblance to a bodyboard, be ready to cling on for dear life as you send yourself hurtling down the rapids! This activity is a little more demanding physically than rafting or canoe rafting, but allows you to discover the unique sensation of surfing down white water rivers. It is also accessible to all, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
There's plenty of protection from the icy water elements as you'll be given a wetsuit, safety helmet and flippers. You will need to bring a towel, swim wear and if you wear glasses, a cord to keep them on. Guides will brief you with a safety demonstration at the beginning and there’s a vehicle to meet you at the end of the rapids that will shuttle you back to your starting destination. There are a number of adventure companies who will take you out for your hydro speeding experience.