La Plagne piste maps 2025/26: download all the maps you need before you ski

How to Use the Map: 5 Things to Check Before Your First Ski Day

1. Where your accommodation is in relation to the nearest lifts

Before you hit the slopes, find your accommodation on the map and trace the route to your nearest ski lift. Some chalets or apartments are genuinely ski-in/ski-out, while others may involve a short uphill walk with kids in boots. Knowing this in advance helps you plan your mornings better – and reduces meltdowns before you even click into your skis.

If you're staying in one of the higher villages like Belle Plagne or Aime 2000, lift access might be straightforward, but places like Plagne 1800 or Montchavin can have less direct routes. Use the map to check lift opening times and plan the most efficient way to start your ski day. If you need to catch a shuttle, knowing where the stop is in relation to your front door is also key.

2. Where kids are meeting ski school and how to get there on time

Most ski schools in La Plagne have specific meeting points, and they're not always right next to the main lifts. Some are tucked away near nursery slopes or in less obvious corners of the resort.

Check the map for the precise location and do a dry run the day you arrive. Leave plenty of time in the mornings – ski boots are slow going for little legs, and you don’t want to start the day stressed. If your chalet or apartment is in a different village from the ski school base, you'll need to plan how long the connection takes. Some ski schools require you to ski to the meeting point, which means at least one adult in your group needs to be geared up early and ready to accompany the kids.

3. Where you'll have lunch (avoid peak time queues!)

Lunch is often when the whole mountain converges on the same few restaurants at once. Use the piste map to scout out quieter, family-friendly spots a little off the main drag. Look for places near gentle runs or beside ski school zones – ideal if you're meeting the kids halfway through the day.

I always advise parents to book lunch if you can or eat early (11:45) or late (after 13:30) to dodge the worst of the queues. Some picnic spots are marked on the map too, so you can plan ahead if you prefer a DIY sandwich stop. Knowing where you want to eat in advance also helps structure your ski route – so you're not zig-zagging across the resort in a hangry panic.

4. Your route home – lift closures catch people out daily

Lift closing times are not the same across the mountain. You might be miles from your village when that crucial chairlift shuts, and suddenly you’re facing a long uphill hike, a taxi, or worse – an exhausted child who just wants hot chocolate. Before you set off for the day, use the map to trace your return route and note any lifts you must be on by a certain time.

I like to set a “turnaround time” on my phone as a reminder to start heading back. If you’re skiing as a group, make sure everyone knows the plan. The map is your best friend here: it shows lift times, directional flows and cut-throughs that can save your legs (and your sanity).

5. Where the green and blue runs are for warm-up laps or tired legs

Whether you're skiing with beginners or just want to ease into the day, knowing where the gentle runs are is a game changer. Use the map to identify the green and blue pistes near your accommodation or ski school zone. These are perfect for warm-up laps in the morning or for regrouping later in the day when the kids get tired.

In La Plagne, not all blues are created equal – some are wide cruisers, others are narrow tracks – so having a quick scan of the map helps you make better choices. You can also use it to avoid steeper reds that might feel manageable in the morning but turn icy and intimidating by mid-afternoon.