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Le Chairlift Restaurant La Plagne: A Family-Friendly Favourite in Plagne Villages

A bubbling dish of melted cheese served in a rustic red Staub cocotte, accompanied by crispy bread slices and a strip of bacon, all placed on a wooden board. At Le Chairlift restaurant, La Plagne.

Planning a ski holiday with kids in tow means every decision, from where to stay to where to eat, matters. I get it because I live here in La Plagne with my own young family, and when we’re not squeezing into ski boots or dashing to ski school drop-offs, we’re always looking for spots that are genuinely welcoming to families and don’t cost a fortune.

That’s exactly why I wanted to share our experience at Le Chairlift restaurant La Plagne. It’s a firm family favourite in Plagne Villages. Whether you’re skiing, walking, or just looking for a good meal that suits every taste (and dietary requirement), this place ticks so many boxes. Here's everything you need to know before you go.

La Plagne Restaurant Guide

Is Le Chairlift Restaurant Family-Friendly?

Absolutely. One of the things I love most about Le Chairlift restaurant is how relaxed and welcoming it feels, even when the kids are in full post-ski meltdown mode. And yes. I am speaking from experience.

There’s loads of space indoors for families, plus high chairs if you’ve got little ones. The kids’ menu is great value, just €11 for a main and ice cream. Ours had chicken nuggets with potato wedges and a pizza, and both plates were completely cleared (always a good sign). However, my picky kids weren’t sure about the wedges and would have preferred chips. But with some tomato sauce, they made short work of them.

What really makes it family-friendly, though, is the layout. There's a safe, open area just outside the restaurant where kids can play in the snow while you wait for your food. So if they’ve got energy to burn or just want to roll around while you finish your tartiflette, they’re not stuck at the table getting antsy.

Accessibility: Easy to Reach by Skis, Foot or Wheelchair

Le Chairlift’s location is ideal. Inside, the layout is step-free and roomy, making it wheelchair accessible and easy to navigate with kids or gear in tow. It sits just between Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil, and it’s really easy to get to whether you’re on skis or on foot. You can ski right up to it if you’re coming down the blue Ecartee piste. But it’s also accessible from the Odalys Front de Neige building if you're walking with a buggy or anyone in a wheelchair.

It’s also right below the La Plagne caravaneige / motorhome parking area. So for anyone staying up there, it’s one of the most convenient dining options. 

Food and Service: What to Expect at Le Chairlift Restaurant

The food at Le Chairlift restaurant is consistently good. It’s the kind of place where you can pop in for a casual lunch or sit down for a longer dinner and feel just as comfortable either way.

We’ve eaten here multiple times and the service is always warm, friendly and efficient, even when it’s packed. The staff speak English (helpful if your French isn’t quite up to the food order level), and they’re happy to chat through the menu or make tweaks for fussy eaters or dietary needs.

Speaking of which…

Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Options

If you’re gluten-free, you’ll feel looked after here. There’s a reason it’s on my list of top gluten-free restaurants in La Plagne. Whilst only a couple of dishes are labelled gluten-free on the menu, I had a quick word with the owners and they were refreshingly honest. “It’s 2025, it shouldn’t be difficult,” they said – and they meant it. Most dishes can be adapted to suit gluten-free diets, and they’re happy to work with you to avoid anything that might cause an issue.

Vegetarians and vegans are catered for too. The veggie fondue has a simple but clever twist on a classic – you can swap the charcuterie for crudités and local veg. I had the veggie burger on our last visit, which came with roasted butternut squash slices and a really flavourful garnish. It’s not just a token veggie option; it’s genuinely tasty.

Le Chairlift: Breakfast for First Tracks

This is also where you’ll have breakfast if you book the La Plagne First Tracks activity, which is a brilliant way to start the day. After your early morning ski, you’ll be welcomed into Le Chairlift for a proper continental breakfast. Expect:

  • Fresh breads with jams, honey and butter
  • Local cheeses and charcuterie
  • Pastries and croissants
  • Good quality coffee
  • Hot chocolates and juices for the kids

It’s a great balance of hearty and light, and the quality is excellent, considering it’s part of an activity.

Le Chairlift does offer a breakfast service, but it is not a buffet. It’s a plated option of fresh bread, jams, juice etc. 

Our Lunch Experience at Le Chairlift

On our latest visit, my family had the chance to properly sit down and enjoy a relaxed lunch with the kids.

  • Starter: My husband had the œuf cocotte, a creamy baked egg dish served with crunchy bacon and toasted bread. It was beautifully presented and really flavourful.
  • Mains: I went for the veggie burger with roasted butternut squash and a punchy garnish. It was one of the best vegetarian burgers I’ve had on the mountain. My husband had the boîte chaude, a whole baked Camembert served bubbling hot. He said it was very tasty – I didn’t get a chance to try it!
  • Kids’ Meals: The little ones had chicken nuggets and wedges and a classic pizza, both off the kids’ menu and really decent portions. The fact they both came with ice cream for €11 felt like good value.
  • Dessert: I finished with a café gourmand, which came with four mini desserts: a zingy lemon and hazelnut mousse/cheesecake, a banoffee-style treat, a French toast bite with salted caramel and a mini chocolate muffin. Genuinely one of the best I’ve had.

How Much Does It Cost to Eat at Le Chairlift?

Prices here are fair, especially considering you’re eating in a ski resort. Mains range from €15–€25, and portions are generous. You’ll find hearty Savoyard dishes like tartiflette and boîte chaude, alongside burgers, salads, and pizzas.

There’s also a good drinks menu, wines by the glass or bottle, soft drinks, and proper hot chocolate. They also had a gourmet hot chocolate with crumble and salted caramel – I have to go back for one of these! For the quality and location, it’s good value for money.

Opening Hours and Booking Info

Opening Times:

  • Winter Season (14 Dec 2024 – 26 Apr 2025): Open daily
  • Summer Season (5 Jul – 30 Aug 2025):
    Open 9:00–21:30
    • Lunch: 12:00–14:30
    • Dinner: 18:30–21:30

Booking:

Especially during school holidays, it’s best to book ahead.

  • Phone: +33 4 79 22 70 77
  • Email: restaurant-lechairlift@outlook.fr

They’re friendly and quick to respond so it’s worth reaching out even for a same-day booking.

That’s La Plagne & Le Chairlift Restaurant

If you’re skiing in Plagne Villages, Plagne Soleil, or staying up at the motorhome site, Le Chairlift restaurant is one of the best spots for a family meal. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is easygoing, and they go the extra mile to make sure everyone – kids, vegetarians, gluten-free guests – feels welcome.

Whether you’re stopping for lunch mid-ski or booking in for a First Tracks breakfast, it’s well worth a visit. We’ll definitely be back again this season.

See you on the slopes!

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