That's La Plagne contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon affiliate program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. I never recommend anything I haven't experienced myself, and the commission helps me keep this site running at full speed! See my Disclosure Policy for extra information.
La Plagne in January: snow, weather and what to expect
January is when La Plagne takes a breath after Christmas and New Year. The kids go back to school, the resort calms down a little, and it becomes the adult-friendly month of the season.
I’ve lived here for 20 years, so here’s what January is really like: the snow, the cold, how busy it gets and what’s on in January 2027.
January in La Plagne at a glance
| Is it snow sure? | Yes. January is one of La Plagne’s snowiest months, with around 138cm of fresh snow on average. |
| Temperatures | Properly cold. Average highs around -1°C and lows around -7°C in the villages, and colder up top. |
| Daylight | About 9 hours |
| How busy? | Quieter once the Christmas holidays finish on 4 January. Lots of adults, groups of friends and families with preschool children. |
| Prices | Off peak, so some of the best value of the season |
| Events in 2027 | Interneige (13 January), Le Pied qui Glisse (15–17 January) and the Ice Climbing World Championship in Champagny (29–31 January) |
| Best for | Couples, groups of friends, families with little ones and anyone who wants great snow without the holiday crowds |
Snow and temperature figures are long-term averages from OnTheSnow and Weather2Travel, so treat them as a guide.
Is La Plagne snow sure in January?
Yes. January is one of the most reliable months for snow in La Plagne. The resort gets around 138cm of fresh snow in January on average, the most of any month, and the cold keeps it in great condition.
Most of La Plagne’s villages sit at around 2,000m, and the ski area goes up to the glacier at over 3,000m, so even in a leaner year there’s normally plenty to ski. If snow is your top priority, stay in one of the high-altitude villages: Plagne Centre, Aime 2000, Belle Plagne, Plagne Villages or Plagne Soleil. My La Plagne villages guide compares them all.
For how the snow changes through the whole season, see my guide: is La Plagne snow sure?
What’s La Plagne like in January?
January is great. It calms down a bit after Christmas and New Year, and it’s very much the adult-friendly month. The kids have gone back to school, so we get lots of adults skiing in resort: couples, groups of friends and ski clubs. You can imagine what that means for après: it’s really good fun!
It does mean restaurants can be a bit busier than you might expect, especially in the evenings. You’ll also see more of the little ones around, as families with preschool children make the most of the quieter weeks.
The snow conditions are great, and it tends to be really cold. Pack properly for it and you’ll love it.
January 2027: dates to know
- First weekend: the French Christmas holidays finish on Monday 4 January 2027, and Scottish schools go back after 5 January, so the first few days are still busy.
- From around 9 January: the resort quietens down, with no school holidays until February.
- From 6 February: the French winter holidays start (Zone C first), and it gets busy again. My peak weeks guide has every date.
January events in La Plagne 2027
- Wednesday 13 January: Interneige is back. La Plagne’s red hat logo turns 60 this winter, and to celebrate, the resort is bringing back the snowy TV team games that started it all. Read the story of the Bonnet Rouge.
- 15–17 January: Festival Le Pied qui Glisse. A festival all about skiing and inclusion, especially for people living with a foot amputation, with free prosthesis testing, ski and snowboard sessions and open lessons.
- 29–31 January: Ice Climbing World Championship and La Gorzderette, Champagny. The world’s best ice climbers on Champagny’s ice tower, alongside its own ice festival. Brilliant with a vin chaud in hand.
There are also free weekly activities in every village. See all the dates in my La Plagne events 2026/27 guide.
What’s the weather like in La Plagne in January?
January is usually the coldest month of the season. Average highs in the villages are around -1°C and lows around -7°C, and it’s colder on the chairlifts and at the top of the glacier, especially when the wind picks up. Days are short too, with around 9 hours of daylight.
What to pack for January
- Thermal base layers and a warm mid layer for everyone
- Mittens rather than gloves for little ones, plus spare gloves
- A neck warmer or buff, and a helmet liner on the coldest days
- Hand warmers for the chairlifts
- Goggles with a low-light lens for snowy, flat-light days
My guide to the best ski clothing for all temperatures has more.
Is January good for beginners and families?
Yes. With the holiday crowds gone, the beginner areas have more space and the pistes are calmer, which makes a big difference when you’re learning. Ski schools are less booked up than in the holidays, so it’s easier to get the lessons and times you want. Here are my best beginner slopes in each village and the ski schools and instructors I recommend.
If you’re bringing preschoolers, January is a lovely time to come. Just keep ski sessions short on the coldest days, and plan plenty of hot chocolate stops.
How busy and how expensive is La Plagne in January?
After the first weekend, January sits outside the main school holidays, so most accommodation and ski schools are at off-peak prices. It’s one of the best-value times to ski here. Lift passes cost the same all season, apart from the discounted first and last weeks, so January won’t save you anything there, but my lift pass guide explains how to save with family and Tribu passes.
The slopes and lift queues are calmer, but with so many adults in resort, restaurants and bars can be busy in the evenings, so it’s worth booking dinner.
For the latest offers and discount codes on accommodation, lessons, ski hire and transfers, check my La Plagne deals page.
My top tips for La Plagne in January
- Stay high for the most reliable snow, and use my free accommodation guide to pick your village.
- Pack for proper cold. Layers, mittens and hand warmers make all the difference.
- Book dinner, especially at weekends.
- Don’t miss the après. January is one of the most fun months for it. Here are my favourite bars and après spots.
- Avoid the first weekend if you want quiet slopes.
La Plagne in January: FAQs
Is La Plagne snow sure in January?
Yes. January is one of the snowiest months in La Plagne, with around 138cm of fresh snow on average, and most villages are at around 2,000m.
How cold is La Plagne in January?
It’s usually the coldest month, with average highs around -1°C and lows around -7°C in the villages, and colder at the top of the ski area.
Is La Plagne busy in January?
The first few days are still part of the Christmas holidays, but from around 9 January it’s much quieter, with no school holidays until February. Restaurants can still be busy in the evenings.
Is January a good time to ski with toddlers?
Yes. It’s quieter, and lots of families with preschool children come in January. Just keep sessions short on the coldest days.
What’s on in La Plagne in January 2027?
Interneige on 13 January, Le Pied qui Glisse on 15–17 January and the Ice Climbing World Championship in Champagny on 29–31 January. See my events guide for everything.
La Plagne month by month
Thinking about a different month? Here’s what to expect through the whole season, plus my guide to the snow and weather in La Plagne.
Planning a family ski holiday?
Get my free Ski Holiday Planning Pack: the Ski Holiday Reset Planner, the Ski Lessons & Ski Hire Guide, the Accommodation Guide and the Transfer Guide, written by a local mum of three to help you plan your La Plagne trip.
2 Comments