© La Plagne
© La Plagne Tourist Office
What's new this winter in La Plagne
From the ski area to what's fresh in the resort
As winter begins to take hold in we take a look at all that's new in town and on the slopes.
Early signs of snowfall here in The Alps are creating much excitement for the upcoming winter season. The ski industry here is raring to go and this winter looks like being an exceptionally busy one. La Plagne ski area opens on the 14 December and ski passes are now on sale.
Winter tyres
A reminder that from 1 November to 31 March you'll need to have winter tyres on your vehicle (M&S marking, or all weather (four season) tyres), OR at least snow chains or socks in the vehicle when driving in the mountain regions in France, following a law introduced in November 2021.
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Worth knowing
Keen to know more? Then take a look at all that's new in La Plagne for yourself.
On the slopes
Aérolive
La Plagne's exclusive new experience opened this summer.
Two cable cars, named L'Acrobate and La Funambule replace the classic cable cars and will transport those with enough daring-do to the summit at over 3,000m where you'll be open to the elements at the heart of the mountains with uninterrupted panoramic views. You'll need to reserve in advance if you'd like to try this.
Mountain lunch on a budget
If you'd rather miss the expense of lunch in one of the many mountain restaurants, you can pack your own lunch and try out the new “Le Lounge” picnic room at the top of Roche de Mio. Light and warm, with modern and comfortable furniture, it's the perfect spot to warm up and enjoy the magnificent mountain views.
La Mega Bell
This new event is open to all, with five crazy races with bonus points, penalties and shortcuts. Competitors will have two options: total improvisation on the Saturday or practising Monday to Friday as the courses are revealed.
In resort
Ice tower with a difference
Down in Champagny-en-Vanoise their ice tower has a new route open to the public this winter. The vertical face is covered with wood and ice, where climbers can experience a mixture of climbing on and off ice. Known as dry tooling, this relatively new form of climbing is done without an axe.
New intoxication
At the Chantemouche distillery they use local fruits and plants in their beverages, even in their beer. Head along and try their Savoyard pastis called “Annie Zette” and their "Eau de vie de bière".
Environmental awareness
2025 is International Glacier Preservation Year. Launched by the United Nations, La Plagne's Champagny-en-Vanoise is a natural fit for raising awareness with no less than 20 glaciers. There will be film screenings, guided outings and conferences held at the Espace Glacialis in Champagny-le-Haut, the perfect base camp..
Chalets and apartments
New Huttopia chalets
With the addition of eight new chalets, Huttopia's Champagny-en-Vanoise campsite can now stay open in winter as well as summer. Set in the heart of the Nordic site in amongst a forest full of larch trees, you can rent raclette and fondue machines plus sledges and snowshoes on site for a perfect winter wonderland holiday.
New restaurants
Mountain chalet in forest setting for gourmet lunch stop
When the last of the drag lifts were removed from the Versant du Soleil in 2022, the way was opened up for a network of trails for ski touring and snowshoeing in winter and hiking in summer. Here you'll find a mountain chalet that has become a gourmet spot completely renovated by the commune and taken over by three friends. With an old-style feel, the interior is full of objects from days gone by including the wood stove that hums away in the background. Serving large platters to share, after a two-hour snowshoe hike what's more welcoming than a steaming hot ‘pot au feu’.
