That's La Plagne
What’s New in La Plagne for Winter 2023/24
At the end of August La Plagne released their 2023/24 winter press release so I'm excited to be able to share the official updates and offerings in La Plagne for the upcoming winter season. If you’re new to the La Plagne ski resort, then just know that La Plagne is a fantastic destination for families, and this year promises even more fun and adventure.
Join me on a journey as we countdown to the La Plagne ski season and explore all the amazing additions for winter 2023/24.
Join my community newsletter to get regular updates, insider info, and special discounts.
Countdown to the La Plagne Ski Season
La Plagne ski resort is opening 16th December 2023!
The anticipation is building, and the La Plagne ski season is just around the corner, with the resort set to open its doors on December 16th, 2023. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, superb skiing, and family-friendly atmosphere, La Plagne is a great option for family ski holidays and mixed ability ski groups. Whether you're a seasoned snow lover or planning your very first ski trip, La Plagne has something special in store for you this winter.
1.First Up: Celebrating 20 Years of the Paradiski Region
The Paradiski region, which encompasses La Plagne and Les Arcs, is reaching an incredible milestone – it's turning 20 years old! This vast ski area has a staggering 425 kms of ski slopes for you to explore! The extensive network of slopes are perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The Vanoise Express – A 20-Year Journey
In 2003, La Plagne made history with the opening of the La Plagne – Les Arcs cable car, the Vanoise Express. It’s the biggest cable car in the world carrying up to 200 people (plus 1 driver!) per crossing, it’s well worth a visit for the fantastic views as you cross the valley from La Plagne to Les Arcs and back again.
It's a must-try experience, and it's celebrating two decades of seamless travel for winter enthusiasts.
2. Winter 2023/24 La Plagne Events
Let's take a look at some of the exciting events lined up for this winter in La Plagne:
10th December 2023 - Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup
For the adrenaline junkies in the family, the Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup is a thrilling event not to be missed. Witness world-class athletes as they hurtle down the track, defying gravity and chasing victory.
Whilst the track won’t be open then for the public to try, throughout the winter season, you can experience the thrill of the bobsleigh yourself. This is unique to La Plagne and absolutely worth trying out. Check out this review of the La Plagne bobsleigh, plus all your FAQs in one place.
29th February 2024 - Born to Be Show
Prepare to be dazzled by the Born to Be Show on Thursday, 29th February 2024. A magical way to celebrate this year's leap year! The Born to Be Show is organised by the La Plagne Club des Sports, which is the local ski club and team (yep, my kids are in it!). The local skiers, from the age of 6 up to the International competitors and Olympic medal winners, participate to raise money for the ski club. And yes, I will be in touch to sell you some raffle tickets!
In the past, we’ve seen synchronised skiing, dancing piste bashers, the La Plagne Olympic stars parapenting onto the stage, plus of course, a fantastic fireworks display to round it all off. This mesmerizing spectacle blends music, lights, and incredible talent for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
Super Slalom - End of March 2024
Race enthusiasts, mark your calendars for the Super Slalom at the end of March. Organised by La Plagne legend, Julien Lizeroux, a World Cup and Olympic Alpine Skier, the Super Slalom is the world's longest slalom course. Starting at Aime 2000 and racing down to the finish line in La Roche, the Super Slalom is 4 kms long with 370 poles. To give you an idea, a traditional ski slalom is usually 70 poles!
Amateur skiers can enter the race for fun – or to compete! Or you can join the excitement and cheer on the competitors as they navigate a challenging course, showcasing their skill and speed. My top tip is to head to the finish line in La Roche where the party atmosphere keeps going all day long!
Check out this article to find out more about the La Plagne Super Slalom.
Subli’Cimes - 6th - 11th April 2024
As winter bids farewell, don't miss the Subli’Cimes festival in April. It’s a true celebration of the Alps and mountains in spring. Subli’Cimes is a free event with different festival stations at 5 different peaks across La Plagne to visit.
In the past we have seen: Zen chillouts, Adrenaline, Roller Disco, giant ball pools, Star Wars igloos, water slides and more! I can’t wait to see what Subli’cimes 2024 has in store for us.
Check out this review if you want to know more about what to expect from Subli’Cimes La Plagne 2024.
Challenge des Moniteurs 15th - 19th April 2024
The annual ESF (Ecole du Ski Francais) championships are heading to La Plagne for winter 2023/24!
The 72nd edition will be here for one of the last weeks of the season. With around 40 events and over 2000 ESF ski instructors hitting town. So, if you fancy watching some incredible skiing – and partying with hoards of French ski instructors, this is the time to head to La Plagne!
3. La Plagne Glacier - "Live 3000"
One of the most exciting additions for the 2023/24 season is the new ski lift opening up the Bellecôte Glacier, replacing the previous access to the Chiaupe Glacier. This transformation, known as “Live 3000,” represents a total investment of €26 million from SAP (Societe d’Ammenagement de La Plagne), the La Plagne management company.
What's even more impressive is the eco-friendly approach taken during the construction, preserving the flora and fauna whenever possible.
The journey to the glacier begins at the same place as it did previously, at the Roche de Mio peak, already at 2715 meters. But now the new ski gondola will follow a new line to the top of the Bellecôte Glacier, to a peak of 3080 meters.
The new La Plagne glacier ski lift is a ten-seat gondola that will transport you to the peak in just 10 minutes, with a capacity to carry up to 2700 people per hour. At the top, there will be a snack stop called “Le Sixième Ciel” to refuel during your adventure. Or to relax and enjoy the views if you’re not skiing, because, yes, pedestrians and non-skiers can get up to the glacier to experience the breathtaking feeling of being at the peak of the Alps.
4.La Plagne Bobsleigh Track - Experience the Thrill
Ever wondered what it's like to navigate a bobsleigh track? Now you can with the unique opportunity to swap jobs with a bobsleigh pilot for the day. As I mentioned above, the La Plagne bobsleigh track has long been open to the public to experience the rush of flying down the piste. But winter 23/24 will see a new development on the course.
The bobsleigh pilot job swap is available on the 12th of January and 9th of February, this exhilarating experience is open to a maximum of 8 people per session, with a minimum age requirement of 16 years old. It's a chance to feel the rush of speed and precision that bobsleigh athletes experience.
Find out more about the La Plagne Bob Incentive opportunity here.
5.Slow Down at the Village Plan Bois
For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the Village Plan Bois offers a program of nature activities centered around Isabelle Gentil's “cosy cocoon,” Le Chalet du Plan Bois. You might already be familiar with Le Plan Bois, an altitude restaurant that champions local products on their menus and is also part farm with animals for the kids to enjoy petting over the summer months.
This winter, you’ll be able to enjoy sled rides with Steve Samson's dogs to unique overnight accommodations, including igloos, wood cabins, or tents depending on nature's conditions, there's a peaceful escape for everyone. It sounds amazing and I can’t wait to try this out with my ski boys.
The evening will be organised by Evo 2 and you can find out more online with them.
6.L’Autrefoy - A Culinary Gem in Longefoy
New for this season, the restaurant “L’Autrefoy” (Another Time) in Longefoy is all about local ingredients, suppliers, produce, and spirits. It's a grocery shop, a bistro-restaurant, a café, and a wine and spirits cellar, all rolled into one. Enjoy delicious locally inspired cuisine while supporting a sustainable business and local communities. You can follow the L’Autrefoy Instagram and book online with the info there.
PLUS: La Plagne focus on Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Ski Holidays
La Plagne has always been committed to operating in a more eco friendly manner and this winter there is a real focus on pushing skiers to take responsibility for choosing more sustainable ski holiday options.
The resort as a whole is encouraging visitors to:
- Take the train to La Plagne instead of flying to reduce your carbon footprint
- Use public transport within the resort for convenient and environmentally-friendly travel
- Consider second hand ski shopping with local shop Antropia to reduce waste and save money
- Or you can check out WhoSki.com, like Vinted but for ski gear
- Opt for second hand ski hire with Ski Hut for high-quality equipment without the new gear price tag
- Or rent online from EcoSki before travelling to La Plagne
- Rent kids' ski clothing rather than buying to promote reuse and reduce waste
You can also check out my childcare equipment rental service AlleyOops La Plagne, for kids' toys, buggies, high chairs, cots and more, reducing the need for new purchases or travelling with bulky winter equipment.
BONUS: La Plagne Riders Nation Snow Park - Back by Popular Demand
While not new this year, the La Plagne Riders Nation Snow Park was a massive hit in winter 2022/23. Its return this winter promises even more thrills and excitement for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. With various features and terrain for all levels, it's a playground for those seeking gravity-defying adventures.
The Riders Nation is on the La Plagne Montalbert side of the resort and to access it from the La Plagne altitude villages, head to Bellecôte and take the Arpette chairlift up. Then ski over towards Montalbert, taking the Replat blue piste, there is a rope drag across a flat section and when you hop off this, you’ll find yourself at the top of the Salla chairlift, and at the beginning of the Riders Nation. Enjoy!
Get Ready for an Unforgettable 2023/34 Winter Season in La Plagne
As I wrap up my tour of what's new in La Plagne for winter 2023/24, I can't help but feel the excitement building. From thrilling events to eco-friendly initiatives and exciting additions like the “Live 3000” lift and bobsleigh experiences, La Plagne is set to deliver unforgettable moments for families seeking the perfect ski holiday.
Whether you're an old-school skier or planning your first winter adventure, La Plagne welcomes you with open arms and promises a season filled with joy, adventure, and lasting memories. Get ready for an incredible winter season in La Plagne – it's a journey you won't want to miss!
See you on the slopes!
PIN THIS POST TO SAVE FOR LATER
