That's La Plagne
What are the La Plagne Luggage Storage Options?
Anticipation and excitement bubble up the moment you decide to head to La Plagne for a ski holiday. And congrats! You’ve picked the best ski resort (in my opinion!) But then again, I do live here, so I am biased!
Now, the strategic planner in you might aim for an early arrival. Dodging the peak traffic congestion by setting off at the crack of dawn or even the night before can turn a tiresome journey into a smooth ride, ensuring you’re not wasting any precious time stuck behind wheels. Furthermore, arriving early can be the golden ticket to maximising your time on the slopes.
Did you know that with the Paradiski lift pass, early birds get a complimentary half-day pass for their arrival day? But will you be able to take advantage of it? If you can get organised, you could be carving through the fresh powder from the moment you arrive. It’s these smart choices that can transform a good ski holiday into an exceptional one.
But what should you do if you arrive early in La Plagne but cannot get into your accommodation yet? What are the La Plagne luggage storage options?
Join the inside track to get the story first from La Plagne.
Understanding the Challenge
Yet, with every clever plan comes a challenge to test your resolve. In La Plagne, this test often revolves around the timing of accommodation availability. Picture this: you arrive filled with excitement, only to find that your mountain home for the week won’t be ready until the late afternoon. This is quite normal, with most accommodation providers not able to confirm availability until 4 – 5 pm.
This predicament can be further complicated by the logistics of key collection, which might require you to trek to a distant estate agency quite a way away from your ski chalet or apartment.
Suddenly, you’re caught in a logistical limbo, balancing between the eagerness to start your adventure and the practicalities of early arrival. What to do? Here are some of my top tips that I recommend to clients regularly when faced with the same situation.
Is there a luggage storage facility in La Plagne?
The answer varies depending on where you are staying in La Plagne. In the altitude villages, direct luggage storage facilities are not available, which can pose a challenge for those arriving before check-in or departing after check-out times.
However, there's a silver lining for visitors to Montchavin, Les Coches, Champagny and Montalbert.
In Montalbert, the tourist office graciously offers a luggage room that guests can use free of charge. The room is accessible during the tourist office's opening hours from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and then from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It’s a great option for those looking to explore Montalbert on foot without the burden of their bags. However, it’s important to note that while this facility allows for luggage storage, there are no changing rooms or showers available for freshening up.
Similarly, Les Coches and Montchavin provide a practical solution for luggage storage at their respective tourist offices. The Les Coches Tourist Office welcomes visitors to use its luggage room from 9 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm. Montchavin also offers the same service within the same time frame. A nominal fee of €2 is charged for luggage storage in both Montchavin and Les Coches. Like in Montalbert, these facilities do not have showers or changing rooms, so planning ahead for a change of clothes or a refresh might be necessary.
Finally, Champagny doesn’t have a luggage room. However, it does have ski lockers, so if your luggage isn’t too large, it may fit in the lockers. It also doesn’t have a changing area or showers.
5 Tips To Beat the Luggage Storage Problem
If you’re staying in one of the La Plagne altitude villages, then here are some solutions that might help you get organised for your early arrival.
1 Accommodation Cooperation
Opening lines of communication with your accommodation provider can open up more options than you might expect. A simple inquiry about early check-in or the possibility of luggage storage can often get you a convenient solution. Many establishments understand the plight of early arrivals and can offer a secure space for your belongings.
This gesture allows you to don your ski gear and head to the slopes unencumbered, diving straight into holiday mode while the housekeeping team prepares for your stay.
Another key question is to ask your accommodation provider how far away they are from your accommodation. If you are checking into a hotel, then this likely isn’t an issue! However, if you are collecting keys from an agency and then heading to a mountain chalet or residence, you could be 10 – 15 minutes away. It’s not far, but through snow and with lots of luggage, it can be problematic.
Finally, if your ski accommodation provider is also aware that you’re arriving early, then this can also help to prioritise when your place is cleaned and set up for you. Whilst not a guarantee, I’ve had several clients this winter who have been able to access their chalets from midday because we’ve been able to work with the estate agency to get their places ready early. Perfect.
2 Rent a Car
Embracing the freedom of the open road can dramatically enhance your La Plagne holiday experience. A rental car acts not just as a vehicle for your journey but as a mobile storage unit for your luggage, freeing you from the shackles of check-in times.
Beyond the practicalities, it offers an opportunity to veer off the beaten path. With the Alps as your backdrop, the drive itself becomes part of the adventure, filled with picturesque landscapes begging to be explored.
If you do opt to drive to resort, check your parking options with your accommodation provider. Often, there will be either an unloading space directly outside your ski chalet or a complimentary parking space nearby.
If you’re considering renting a car, check out this post for more information about renting a car and driving to La Plagne.
Then this post on all the car parking options around La Plagne will also help you get organized.
3 Long Lunch
Transform the waiting game into an Alpine adventure. The mountain-long-lunch is part of the season and must be embraced! Choosing a restaurant or café near your accommodation or key collection point serves a dual purpose. It not only anchors you and your luggage in a convenient location but also allows you to dive into the local cuisine. Imagine sipping on a hot chocolate or indulging in a hearty Savoyard meal while plotting out your ski routes. This isn’t just killing time; it’s savouring the beginning of your holiday with every bite.
This can also be a great place to base yourself to get your lift passes and ski equipment hire arranged and checked off whilst you wait.
4 Stop Off on the Way to Resort
The journey to La Plagne can be as fun as the destination itself. If your transport arrangement allows for it, consider making deliberate stops along the way. The region around La Plagne is dotted with breathtaking viewpoints and charming towns like Annecy, known for its crystal-clear lake and quaint old town. These detours offer a moment of respite from travel, allowing you to stretch your legs and fill your camera roll with scenic shots, making the journey an integral part of your holiday narrative.
5 Stop to Food Shop
If you’re staying in self-catered accommodation, then opting to stop in a supermarket in the valley is a no-brainer. It’s both a budget-friendly and practical move. This preemptive strike against resort pricing not only stretches your euros further but also equips your self-catering accommodation with snacks, breakfast items, and perhaps some local delicacies. Shopping at your leisure, with the comfort of knowing your transfer car is nearby to stow away your finds, sets a relaxed tone for your holiday from the outset.
BONUS! Preparation Tips
The key to seamlessly navigating the logistics of an early arrival lies in thoughtful packing. A well-organised day bag, equipped with your skiing essentials ensures that you’re slope-ready from the get-go. Labelling your luggage clearly and making use of any temporary storage solutions offered by your accommodation keeps your belongings safe and your mind at ease, allowing you to fully immerse in the joy of skiing.
This is also really important if you are opting to leave luggage with an estate agency, as they won’t want you to be in and out of their offices multiple times for outfit changes, etc.
That's La Plagne & what to do if you arrive early
An early arrival in La Plagne, while presenting its set of challenges, is nothing short of an opportunity to enhance your holiday experience. With a bit of planning and a flexible mindset, these seemingly small hurdles can transform into highlights of your trip. From indulgent long lunches to scenic detours, every moment becomes an integral part of your adventure. So, pack your bags (and day bag) with anticipation, communicate with your hosts, and let the journey unfold in its unique way. After all, every ski trip to La Plagne is a story waiting to be told, starting with how you navigated your arrival.
See you on the slopes!
FAQs About La Plagne Luggage Storage
Q: Can I check into my accommodation in La Plagne as soon as I arrive?
A: Most accommodations in La Plagne are not available for check-in until 4 to 5 p.m. It’s recommended that you communicate with your accommodation provider about early check-in possibilities or luggage storage options.
Q: What should I do with my luggage if I arrive early?
A: Consider renting a car for luggage storage flexibility and mobility, or inquire with your accommodation about secure luggage storage spaces until your room is ready.
Q: Is there a way to enjoy La Plagne before official check-in?
A: Absolutely! With the Paradiski lift pass, you're entitled to a free half-day pass on your arrival day. Pack a day bag with your ski essentials to take full advantage of this.
Q: Are there any tips for making the most of my time while waiting for my accommodation?
A: Yes, you can enjoy a long lunch at a local restaurant or café near your accommodation or key collection point, explore scenic stops like Annecy on your way to La Plagne, or do some grocery shopping in the valley before heading up to the resort.
Q: What should I pack in my day bag?
A: Your day bag should include essentials for hitting the slopes immediately upon arrival, such as ski gear, a change of clothes, and any personal items you might need for the day.
Q: How can I avoid high supermarket prices in La Plagne?
A: Shop for groceries in the valley at larger supermarkets before you arrive at the resort. This approach is not only cost-effective but also allows you to select from a wider variety of products.
Q: Is there a luggage transfer service available in La Plagne?
A: No, at the time of writing this blog post, there is no luggage transfer service in La Plagne.
Q: How can I make the journey to La Plagne part of my holiday experience?
A: Consider making scenic stops along the way, such as visiting towns or viewpoints. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore and make unexpected detours, enriching your overall experience.
