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Can Beginner skiers get from La Plagne to Les Arcs?
While the journey from La Plagne to Les Arcs is an exciting skiing adventure, it may not be suitable for beginner skiers due to the intermediate to advanced nature of some of the slopes and the distance to get from one resort to the other. Here are some considerations for beginner skiers.
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Ski Skill Level Needed to Ski From La Plagne to Les Arcs
Beginner skiers are typically still learning the basics of skiing, such as controlling speed, making turns, and navigating gentle slopes. The journey from La Plagne to Les Arcs can be done on pretty much all blue pistes, but they are quite long slopes with a lot of distance to cover (depending on your starting point!). Navigating this many slopes in a fixed time period may be beyond the skill level of beginners.
If you can, try skiing the slopes down towards the Vanoise Express the day before you want to head to Les Arcs and see how you find them. Also, remember that it takes longer to ski back from Les Arcs to La Plagne because of the combination of lifts needed to get back up and over into the main La Plagne resort.
This popular blog post details the best route from La Plagne to Les Arc and back.
Paradiski vs La Plagne lift passes
It’s a question I get asked a lot: should we buy La Plagne lift passes or Paradiski passes. To put it simply, if you’re a beginner skier, get a La Plagne pass. The La Plagne ski resort alone covers 2000+ km of ski slopes – more than enough to keep you busy! And if you make enough progress to head to Les Arcs, then you can always buy a day extension for your pass, which costs 25€ for adults and 20€ for kids.Â
You can find out lots more here about La Plagne and Paradiski lift passes and the best options for you.
Intermediate to Advanced Terrain
The Paradiski ski area offers a range of slopes, including some that are more suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers. While both La Plagne and Les Arcs have beginner-friendly areas, the route between them may include sections that are better suited for more experienced skiers.
The Vanoise Express Cable Car
The Vanoise Express cable car, which connects La Plagne to Les Arcs, is an impressive transportation link, but the experience might be challenging for beginners who are not yet comfortable with cable car rides. The ascent and descent from the cable car may be intimidating for those new to skiing.
However, you can ride the Vanoise Express as a pedestrian, so if you are keen to experience the thrill of the largest cable car in the world but aren’t keen to ski both resorts, you can always simply ski to the lift and then take the ride as a pedestrian. You will still need a pedestrian lift pass to do this.
How to use the Vanoise Express as a Pedestrian
f you’re not confident skiing from La Plagne to Les Arcs, or you’re taking a break from the slopes, you can still cross between the resorts using the Vanoise Express as a pedestrian. The cable car runs daily and is open to non-skiers. You can buy a pedestrian return ticket at the departure stations in Montchavin-Les Coches (La Plagne) or Peisey-Vallandry (Les Arcs). The ride offers stunning views of the valley, and it’s a quick, easy way to explore both resorts without needing to ski.
If you're staying in one of the other altitude La Plagne villages, then it isn't possible to get to the Vanoise as a pedestrian.
Alternative Beginner-Friendly Areas
For beginner skiers, it might be a better idea to explore the dedicated beginner zones within each resort. La Plagne and Les Arcs both have areas specifically designed for those learning to ski, featuring gentle slopes, ski schools, and supportive environments.
Safety Considerations
Safety is paramount for beginners. Skiing in areas beyond your skill level can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. It's essential to prioritise safety and gradually progress to more challenging terrain as your skills improve.
There's some great ski safety articles here to help you out. And one of the top resources to use is the Piste X Code to help you explore slope ettiquette and ski safety.
Ski School and Instruction
If you are a beginner and still eager to experience the stunning Paradiski ski area, consider taking ski lessons from certified ski instructors. They can provide guidance, teach essential skills, and ensure that you progress at a pace that aligns with your abilities.Â
You can even book a guide to take you from La Plagne to Les Arcs. This is a great way to take the pressure off yourself and let the pros do all the planning for you!
You can find here the ski school directory of all the best La Plagne ski schools that can arrange this for you.
That’s La Plagne & how beginners can ski from La Plagne to Les Arcs
Before attempting any skiing adventure, especially one that involves traversing between resorts, it's crucial for beginner skiers to assess their skill level honestly. If you are uncertain about your ability to handle intermediate slopes or cable car rides, it may be more enjoyable and safer to focus on the beginner-friendly areas within La Plagne until you gain more confidence and experience. Always prioritise safety and take the time to build a solid foundation of skiing skills before venturing into more challenging terrains.
See you on the slopes!
