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How to Plan and Book Your La Plagne Ski Holiday: 10 Easy Steps
Planning a ski holiday to La Plagne? Whether it's your first time visiting or you're returning for another winter, there are quite a few things to organise before you hit the slopes.
Which La Plagne village should you stay in? When's the best time to visit? How do you get here, which lift pass do you need, and when should you book ski lessons?
And, perhaps most importantly, how do you get everything organised without spending hours researching?!
I'm Jen, and I've lived in La Plagne since 2006. As a local resident, ski mum of three and someone who's spent years working in the ski industry, I know just how much goes into planning a great La Plagne holiday.
So I've pulled together 10 simple steps to planning and booking your La Plagne ski holiday, with all my local tips and links to the more detailed guides you'll need along the way.
Whether you're visiting with young children, organising a group ski holiday or heading out with friends, this guide will help you get everything booked and ready for the mountains.
Let's get your La Plagne ski trip sorted!
Your La Plagne ski holiday planning checklist
Here's what you'll need to organise:
- Choose when to visit La Plagne
- Decide which La Plagne village to stay in
- Set your ski holiday budget
- Book your La Plagne accommodation
- Organise your travel and airport transfers
- Choose your La Plagne lift passes
- Book your ski lessons or private instructor
- Organise your ski and snowboard equipment hire
- Plan your La Plagne activities and restaurants
- Pack and prepare for your holiday
You can work through all 10 steps or jump straight to the part you need.
1. Choose when to visit La Plagne
The first step in planning your La Plagne ski holiday is deciding when to come.
La Plagne has a long winter ski season, generally running from December through April, although the exact opening and closing dates change each year.
But not every week of the season offers the same experience.
If you're travelling with school-age children, your dates might already be decided by the holidays. However, if you've got some flexibility, choosing the right week can make a big difference to the cost of your accommodation, how busy the slopes are and the type of skiing conditions you'll experience.
Here's a quick overview of what to expect:
- December:Â Christmas festivities, the excitement of the start of the ski season and potentially quieter early-season weeks. Snow conditions can vary, particularly early in the month.
- January:Â Usually one of my favourite times for quieter slopes, colder temperatures and better-value accommodation outside the busy holiday periods.
- February:Â One of the busiest months, thanks to UK half-term and French school holidays. A brilliant atmosphere, but you'll want to get organised early.
- March:Â Often a lovely mix of good skiing, longer days and more sunshine. A great option if you've got some flexibility.
- April:Â Spring skiing, sunny terraces and the possibility of some lovely late-season snow. Choosing your village and understanding the conditions becomes especially important.
I've written detailed guides to skiing in La Plagne throughout the season, including snow conditions, weather, crowds and what to expect.
Read my monthly La Plagne guides:
- La Plagne in December
- La Plagne in January
- La Plagne in February
- La Plagne in March
- La Plagne in April
My local tip: If you don't have to travel during the school holidays, compare accommodation prices in January and March before committing to your dates. You might be surprised at the difference.
2. Decide which La Plagne village to stay in
This is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when booking a La Plagne ski holiday.
And it's something I see visitors get confused about all the time!
La Plagne isn't just one village. It's a collection of villages spread across the mountain, and each one offers a slightly different holiday experience.
You've got the higher-altitude villages, including Plagne Centre, Belle Plagne, Plagne Bellecôte, Aime 2000, Plagne 1800, Plagne Soleil and Plagne Villages.
Then you've got the lower villages, including Montchavin, Les Coches, Montalbert and Champagny-en-Vanoise.
They're all part of the wider La Plagne destination, but they're definitely not interchangeable when it comes to choosing accommodation.
Some villages have easy access to beginner slopes and ski schools. Others are better suited to families who prefer a quieter atmosphere, traditional chalet accommodation or somewhere with a bit more character.
And while many villages are connected by ski lifts and resort transport, you don't necessarily want to be travelling between them every morning just to get the children to ski lessons.
When choosing your village, think about:
- How close your accommodation is to the slopes.
- Where your ski school meeting point will be.
- Whether you want ski-in, ski-out accommodation.
- The availability of restaurants, shops and supermarkets.
- How easy it is to get around without a car.
- Whether you're looking for a lively atmosphere or somewhere quieter.
My local tip: If you're visiting with young children, don't underestimate the value of being close to your ski school meeting point. A five-minute walk in normal shoes can feel very different when you're carrying skis, helmets and trying to organise several children in ski boots!
I've put together a complete guide explaining the different La Plagne villages, who they're best suited to and what you'll find in each one.
Read next: Which La Plagne Village Should You Stay In? My Guide to All 11 Villages
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3. Set your La Plagne ski holiday budget
Before you start booking accommodation and transfers, it's worth working out roughly how much you want to spend on your La Plagne holiday.
Ski holidays have quite a few moving parts, and it's easy to focus on the cost of accommodation without considering everything else.
Your main costs will usually include:
- Travel to La Plagne, including flights, trains or driving costs.
- Airport transfers or parking.
- Accommodation and any additional charges.
- La Plagne lift passes.
- Ski or snowboard lessons.
- Ski and snowboard hire.
- Food, drinks and restaurant meals.
- Childcare or non-skiing activities.
- Travel insurance and winter sports cover.
If you're travelling as a family, these costs can add up quickly.
But there are also plenty of ways to manage your budget, especially if you plan ahead and choose the options that suit your group.
For example, booking an apartment with a kitchen can make a big difference to your food budget. Choosing the right lift pass could also save you money if you're not planning to ski the entire Paradiski area.
And if you're flexible on your dates, the difference between peak and off-peak accommodation prices can be significant.
My local tip: Decide which parts of your holiday are most important before you start looking for deals. For some families, staying close to the slopes is worth paying more for. Others might be happy with a longer walk if it means a larger apartment or more money for activities.
For more practical advice, including ways to save money on accommodation, lift passes and other holiday costs, read my Guide to Budget Skiing in La Plagne.
4. Book your La Plagne accommodation
Once you've decided on your dates, village and budget, it's time to find somewhere to stay.
La Plagne has a huge range of accommodation, from self-catering apartments and traditional chalets to hotels and larger properties for groups.
And the right choice really depends on who's coming with you and what sort of holiday you're planning.
If you're travelling with young children, having enough space, somewhere to dry ski gear and easy access to the slopes can make a huge difference.
If you're visiting with friends, you might be more interested in spacious communal areas, good restaurants nearby and somewhere you can head out for après-ski.
Before booking, I'd recommend checking:
- Exactly where the accommodation is located in your chosen village.
- How far it is from the nearest ski lift or piste.
- Whether it's genuinely ski-in, ski-out.
- How close you'll be to your ski school meeting point.
- What's included in the price, such as bedding, towels and cleaning.
- Whether there's ski storage and boot-drying facilities.
- The check-in and check-out arrangements.
- Any additional charges, including tourist tax or parking.
Don't just rely on the village name or the words “close to the slopes”. Check the actual location.
Need help finding accommodation in La Plagne?
One of the accommodation providers I recommend is Peak Feeling Ski, who help visitors find suitable accommodation in La Plagne.
Rather than spending hours searching through different websites, you can share your dates, group size, budget and accommodation preferences and have them help you identify suitable available options.
I've worked with Peak Feeling Ski and regularly recommend them to friends, family and That's La Plagne readers.
If you're struggling to find the right place, particularly during a busy school holiday week, they're a useful place to start.
When you enquire, let them know you found them through That's La Plagne.
You can also explore my La Plagne Accommodation Guide for more information about accommodation providers and places to stay.
My local tip: Once you've found suitable accommodation for your dates, check your preferred ski school availability before committing to a non-refundable booking, particularly if you're travelling with young children during February half-term.
5. Organise your travel and transfers to La Plagne
Next up, getting here!
La Plagne is in the French Alps, and depending on where you're travelling from, you can arrive by plane, train or car.
For visitors flying into France or Switzerland, the final part of the journey usually involves organising a transfer to your accommodation.
The airports commonly used for La Plagne include Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry and Grenoble, although routes and flight schedules vary throughout the winter.
It's worth comparing the whole journey, not just the price of your flight.
A cheaper flight isn't always the best deal if it means a much longer transfer, an overnight stay or an awkward arrival time.
Booking your La Plagne airport transfer
You've generally got a few options:
- Private transfers:Â Usually the most straightforward choice for families, especially with younger children, lots of luggage or inconvenient arrival times.
- Shared transfers:Â A potentially cheaper option, depending on your airport, travel dates and group size.
- Taxi services:Â An option for certain journeys and smaller groups.
- Driving or hiring a car:Â Useful if you want flexibility, although you'll need to consider winter driving conditions and parking at your accommodation.
If you're travelling with children, I'd always check whether the transfer company provides suitable child seats and how much space they allow for luggage, skis and pushchairs.
And if you're staying in one of La Plagne's villages, make sure the transfer is booked to your actual accommodation or nearest practical drop-off point, rather than simply to “La Plagne”.
Find the best transfer to La Plagne
I've put together a dedicated guide comparing transfer options, including private transfers, shared transfers and taxi providers.
Read next: The Best Transfers to La Plagne: Private, Shared Transfers and Taxis
One of the companies I work with is Alpine Fleet, which offers transfers to La Plagne. You'll find more information about the available options in the guide.
My local tip: If you're travelling during a busy February school holiday week, book your airport transfer early. You don't want to have accommodation and flights sorted only to discover that the transfer options you wanted are fully booked.
6. Choose your La Plagne ski lift passes
Lift passes are another essential part of planning your La Plagne ski holiday.
But before buying, make sure you understand which ski area you're actually going to use.
La Plagne has an extensive ski area with plenty of pistes for different abilities.
It's also connected to Les Arcs through the Vanoise Express cable car, forming the larger Paradiski ski area.
This means you'll generally be choosing between access to the La Plagne ski area and a wider Paradiski pass.
And you don't automatically need the biggest pass!
If you're visiting with young children, learning to ski or spending most of your week exploring La Plagne, a local area pass may be the more sensible option.
If you're a confident skier keen to explore both La Plagne and Les Arcs, the Paradiski option might be worth considering.
Before buying, check:
- Which ski area your pass covers.
- How many days you'll actually be skiing.
- Whether you're eligible for family or age-related discounts.
- Whether your ski school recommends a particular pass.
- Whether beginner or limited-area passes are available.
- The current season's prices and any advance-purchase offers.
Remember that lift pass prices, offers and conditions can change between seasons, so always check the current details before booking.
My local tip: If your children are having ski lessons, ask their ski school exactly which pass they'll need before purchasing. There's no point paying for access they won't use.
I've got a detailed guide covering La Plagne lift passes, the different options, prices, age categories and how to choose the right pass for your holiday.
Read next: La Plagne Ski Lift Passes: Everything You Need to Know
7. Book your La Plagne ski lessons or private instructor
If you or your children are having ski lessons in La Plagne, this is something I'd strongly recommend organising early.
La Plagne has a great choice of ski schools and independent instructors, with options for complete beginners, children, improving skiers and more experienced visitors.
But choosing the right lessons isn't just about finding the cheapest price.
You'll also want to think about the type of instruction, where lessons start and what will work best for your group.
Group ski lessons or private instruction?
Group lessons can be a good choice for children and beginners who enjoy learning alongside people of a similar ability.
Private lessons offer more flexibility and individual attention. They can be particularly helpful if you're looking to work on a specific skill, build confidence or arrange tuition around your group's needs.
Before booking, consider:
- The age and skiing ability of everyone taking lessons.
- Whether group or private lessons are the better fit.
- The language you'd prefer your instructor to speak.
- Where the lessons meet.
- How long lessons last.
- Whether the instructor can accommodate different abilities.
- Any lift pass or equipment requirements.
Choosing the right ski instructor in La Plagne
I've put together a detailed guide to the ski instructors and lesson options available in La Plagne, including private instructors and ski schools.
Read next: The Best Ski Instructors in La Plagne: Private Lessons and Ski Schools
My local tip: Check the meeting point before booking your accommodation and lessons separately. La Plagne is a big resort, and getting to the right ski school meeting point every morning needs to be practical, particularly with children.
During the busiest school holiday periods, popular lesson times and instructors can book up early.
8. Organise your ski and snowboard hire in La Plagne
Unless you're bringing your own skis or snowboard, you'll also need to organise equipment hire.
La Plagne has plenty of ski rental shops across the different villages, with options for adults, children, beginners and more experienced skiers.
Most ski hire shops offer different equipment packages based on ability, so make sure you're choosing the right level for your needs.
It's also worth checking whether helmets are included in the package or need to be booked separately.
Where should you hire skis in La Plagne?
My biggest recommendation is to choose a ski hire shop that's convenient for your accommodation.
Having a shop just a few minutes away can save you a lot of hassle, particularly when you're arriving with children or need to return equipment at the end of the week.
Before booking, check:
- Which La Plagne village the shop is in.
- How close it is to your accommodation.
- Whether you can collect equipment the evening before your first ski day.
- Whether helmets are included.
- If children's equipment can be exchanged as needed.
- Whether online booking discounts are available.
- What the cancellation and damage policies are.
For families, it's also worth checking whether the shop can prepare equipment in advance using your children's measurements.
Find a ski hire shop in La Plagne
I've put together a dedicated La Plagne ski hire directory covering rental shops across the villages.
Read next: La Plagne Ski Hire and Rental Directory
My local tip: If you're arriving on a Saturday and skiing on Sunday, try to collect your equipment on Saturday afternoon or evening if the shop allows it. Getting everything fitted in advance means you can head straight to the slopes the next morning.
9. Plan your La Plagne activities and restaurants
It's easy to focus entirely on the skiing when you're organising your holiday, but La Plagne has plenty to enjoy away from the pistes too.
And I'd definitely recommend making time for some of it!
Whether you're looking for activities to enjoy as a family, something for non-skiers or just somewhere lovely to have dinner, a little planning goes a long way.
Things to do in La Plagne besides skiing
Depending on the time of year and what's operating during your visit, you'll find activities such as:
- Snowshoeing and winter walks.
- Sledging and family snow activities.
- Spa and wellness experiences.
- Paragliding and other mountain adventures.
- Exploring the different La Plagne villages.
- Enjoying mountain restaurants, cafés and sunny terraces.
Some activities need advance booking, particularly during February half-term and other busy holiday weeks.
And if someone in your group isn't skiing, it's worth looking at what's available near your accommodation before you arrive.
Read next: Things to Do in La Plagne Besides Skiing
Where to eat in La Plagne
Now, onto one of my favourite parts of any ski holiday: the food!
La Plagne has loads of restaurants, from traditional Savoyard restaurants serving fondue and raclette to mountain restaurants, family-friendly pizzerias and places for a special evening out.
But the best restaurant for your holiday isn't necessarily the most expensive or the one with the biggest online following.
It's about finding somewhere that works for your group, your budget and the village you're staying in.
If you're travelling with children, you might want somewhere relaxed with suitable menu options. If you're organising a group dinner, you'll probably need somewhere that can accommodate everyone together.
And it's worth remembering that La Plagne's villages are spread out, so choosing restaurants close to your accommodation can make evenings much easier.
My La Plagne Restaurant Guide
I've created a dedicated La Plagne Restaurant Guide to help you find the best places to eat around the resort.
It's packed with my local restaurant recommendations, organised by village, including places for family meals, traditional Savoyard food, mountain lunches and more.
You'll also get a useful restaurant map to help you find places near your accommodation.
Get my La Plagne Restaurant Guide for just £5: Find the best places to eat in La Plagne.
My local tip: If there's somewhere you really want to eat during your holiday, particularly for a big group or during half-term, make a reservation in advance. The most popular places can get booked up.
10. Pack and prepare for your La Plagne ski holiday
You've sorted your dates, booked your accommodation, organised the transfers and got your skiing arrangements in place.
Now it's time to get packed!
Packing for a ski holiday in La Plagne takes a little more thought than your average holiday, especially if you're visiting with children.
You'll need to be prepared for a range of mountain conditions, from very cold, snowy days to glorious spring sunshine.
And while you can pick up plenty of things in the resort shops, it's always easier (and often cheaper) to arrive with the essentials.
What should you pack for La Plagne?
Some of the key things you'll need include:
- Waterproof ski jackets and trousers.
- Thermal base layers and warm mid-layers.
- Ski socks.
- Waterproof gloves or mittens.
- Goggles and sunglasses.
- Helmets, if you're bringing your own.
- Suitable snow boots for walking around the village.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Swimwear if your accommodation has a pool or spa.
- Travel documents and insurance details.
- Any medication and essential personal items.
And if you're travelling with young children, you'll probably need a few extras!
Visiting La Plagne with a baby or toddler?
If you're bringing little ones, remember to think about the equipment you'll need when you're not skiing.
Depending on your accommodation and plans, that might include a travel cot, highchair, baby carrier or other essentials.
Rather than bringing everything with you, it may be worth looking into local baby equipment rental.
AlleyOops is one of the local baby equipment hire services I work with, and it's worth considering if you're trying to avoid travelling with lots of bulky baby gear.
Don't forget travel insurance
Before you leave, make sure you've arranged suitable travel insurance that includes winter sports and the skiing activities you intend to do.
Check the policy carefully for medical treatment, mountain rescue, equipment and other cover, as not every standard travel insurance policy includes skiing.
And always check the current weather, road and travel conditions before heading to La Plagne.
My ski holiday packing checklist
I've put together a detailed packing guide to help you get everything organised, particularly if you're travelling with children.
Read next: Family Ski Holiday Packing Guide: Everything You Need
My local tip: Pack everyone's first-day ski essentials together or somewhere easy to find. After a long journey to La Plagne, the last thing you want is to spend the evening hunting through suitcases for gloves and ski socks!
Your La Plagne ski holiday is nearly sorted!
And that's it! Your 10 steps to planning and booking a brilliant La Plagne ski holiday.
I know that organising a ski trip can feel like a lot, especially if you're visiting La Plagne for the first time or travelling with a family.
But once you've chosen your dates and the right village, everything else starts to fall into place.
My biggest advice is to get the important bookings organised early, particularly accommodation, ski lessons and transfers during the school holiday periods.
Then you can focus on the fun stuff, like deciding which pistes to explore, which restaurants to try and where to stop for your first vin chaud!
I've lived in La Plagne for years, and I still love helping visitors discover all the brilliant things about our mountain home.
So whether you're looking for the perfect family-friendly village, trying to work out which lift pass to buy or simply wondering where to eat, have a look around That's La Plagne for more of my local guides.
And don't forget to sign up to my email newsletter for La Plagne news, accommodation deals, ski pass offers and useful resort updates.
See you on the slopes!
Jen x
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These are great planning tips for a ski vacation! Accommodations (and the ease of getting to the ski mountain from them) can have a huge impact on how enjoyable the trip is, especially for larger groups who may ski at different levels.
Tip of the hat to those big ski trip planners! Trying to coorxinate a large group of people is challenging at all times!
This article is a great help for those who go on ski holidays!
Time for you to book that ski trip?
I’ve never been skiing but wow this would be a great spot for the first time!
Maybe I’ll see you on the slopes some time soon!
It looks like you covered everything! I’m going to check out the various articles you link to as well. This is great. Thanks.
Glad it helps – there’s lots to remember when it comes to planning a ski trip!
Fabulous information. I love your monthly guides. So helpful.
Glad you like them. I love making them and getting out on the snow as much as possible!
This is super informative – sounds like a fab place to go skiing!
I might be biased, but it’s the best in my opinion!
This is so helpful. I feel like its time for me to do a ski trip!
Excellent! Let me know if you have any questions!