© Olivier Allamand
© P. Augier
Plagne Centre
The heart of La Plagne with lots of night life and places to eat and drink
When it comes to Plagne Centre, the clue is in the name – if you want to be at the centre of the La Plagne universe, Plagne Centre is where it’s at.
A hub of activity and the biggest by far of the La Plagne villages, Plagne Centre has everything you need for a great holiday. Packed full of amenities all accessible through indoor tunnels including grocery shops, bakery and delis, tabac, souvenir, clothing and equipment stores, ski hire, service and ski schools, internet café and more places to eat and drink than you can get through in a week, you would be forgiven for never venturing further than Plagne Centre, but if the urge takes you to get out and about to other villages it couldn’t be easier.
Plagne Centre hosts a convergence of runs and lifts rivalled only by Bellecôte. The new and improved Becoin lift is fast opening up the Mont Albert side of the resort and has at its peak the Crêtes drag which affords access to some epic black runs and one of La Plagne’s best powder bowls. The Grande Rochete pedestrian-friendly bubble offers amazing views, reds, blacks and easy blue access to the south side of the mountain.
Bellecôte is quickly accessible several ways and from there you’ve got lifts to the glacier, Montchavin and the Vanoise express to Les Arc. For beginners Plagne Centre can't be beaten, it's the meeting point for most ski schools, has a beginner area with drag lift, snow garden and the longest green run in resort serviced by its own slow speed beginner chairlift. Once you’re off the greens hit the Colorado chair for some cruisey blues and La Plagne's unique Purple Piste. Home of the Milka cow who, when chased will distribute chocolate to all who want it regardless of age or ski ability!
Plagne Centre has it all going on for all ages and all kinds of holidays but in between the activities, shopping, eating and drinking please, do try and remember you are living slopeside and it would be a crime not to be up for first lifts in the morning!
History & Culture in Plagne Centre
Plagne Centre is lively, functional, fun and friendly but is alas not the prettiest of villages, built in the 70’s when concrete was king it is somewhat lacking in the chocolate box stakes, however, there is accommodation to suit all needs and budgets and the snow-capped chalets are there if you hunt for them.
Things to do in Plagne Centre
Once your legs start burning take a break with one of Plagne Centres activities, head to the base of the Stade Olympique run to watch a professional mogul or slalom competition, catch the ESF instructors doing a torchlit descent or floodlit display ski, hit the Colorado luge, check out Snow Panthers skidoos for a tour of the mountain like no other, or head up the Grande Rochette lift after dark for dinner at their excellent restaurant and a moonlight ski back down.
Dining in Plagne Centre
For food and drink your choices are endless - you'll find excellent traditional Savoyard menus, quick and easy lunch stops, and late night munchies. Terraces and deck chairs abound all through the village centre and you can't go wrong for a beer or vin chaud at any of them, just pick a spot with a good view and relax for some piste watching.
Nightlife in Plagne Centre
As the day progresses head to Scotty’s Bar for the best après atmosphere in town with live music and livelier clientele.
Chalets in Plagne Centre
There are a lot of choices for chalet rentals across the villages of La Plagne, from fully catered with hot tubs to self-catered and shared chalets.
Apartments in Plagne Centre
You can also track down a private rental in one of the many residence buildings offering self-catering studio apartments to family suites, cram as many friends in as you can and split the rent for a proper budget option.
Hotels in Plagne Centre
From the UCPA and rather basic options to Club Med resorts, La Plagne has a good choice of hotels catering for every budget.
Directions
Plagne Centre is accessible by road, connected to Bellecôte and 1800 by the free shuttle bus, by cable car to Aime La Plagne and Plagne Villages and by chairlift and runs to every area of the piste map.
