That's La Plagne
What to Expect from a La Plagne New Year Ski Holiday
Updated October 2023.
La Plagne New Year ski holidays FAQs
New Year in the mountains is one of the best places to see in the New Year! And today, we're going to jump into what to expect in La Plagne at New Year. Because, yes, I just so happen to call the stunning La Plagne my home. I've got the inside track on how to make your New Year ski trip in La Plagne unforgettable. So, buckle up, and let's dive into New Year celebrations in La Plagne.
New Year in Ski Resorts: What to expect
Jens Top Tips: Throughout the winter, I do a weekly live snow report from the La Plagne ski slopes. I try to ski or snowboard down the pistes whilst talking ot you about the snow conditions. It's great because you can then also see exactly what the current snow conditions are, in real time. You can find the most recent La Plagne snow reports here.
Join the inside track to get the story first from La Plagne.
La Plagne: snow sure skiing for New Year
Whilst, it is true that snow conditions across ski resorts can vary in December, La Plagne is what we call a ‘snow sure' ski resort. Meaning that as one of the highest resorts in France, La Plagne benefits from some of the best snow conditions in the alps.
When looking for a “snow sure” ski resort, the higher the altitude of the ski resort, the more reliable the snow conditions will be for a new year ski holiday. This is simplifying the situation but it is a good rule of thumb. To give you a guide, in La Plagne, 70% of the skiing and pistes are above 2000m.
Whilst it's impossible to guarantee amazing snow conditions for the new year La Plagne ski holidays, I have lived here for nearly 20 years and always had a satisfyingly white December!
Of course, there will be lower snow seasons and some winters with heavy snowfall for December. However, it does seem to be a trend that we get some snowfall over the Christmas and New Year weeks in La Plagne.
When it comes to the weather and temperature, December in La Plagne is not as cold as January skiing. However, it is likely that it will snow whilst you are in La Plagne for New Year – which is awesome! But it does mean you need to pack for a variety of weather conditions. Check out my packing guide for more tips on this.
La Plagne New Year events calendar
Now, let's talk about the festive side of things. La Plagne knows how to throw a party, especially on New Year's Eve. The La Plagne ski resort team will go all out in planning après ski and New Year events and parties for you to enjoy.
La Plagne fireworks display
In a break from the traditional New Year “party on the piste,” winter 22/23 saw La Plagne create an incredible 17-minute-long fireworks display launched from the Dou du Praz. What was great about this was that you could see the fireworks from all of the La Plagne altitude villages. Plus, the fireworks were set to music, which you could listen to on the La Plagne radio station.
It was a great success, as we look forward to the same style party for winter 2023/24.
Things to know:
- Access to the Dou du Praz is closed for the New Year event for safety reasons. But you can watch the La Plagne fireworks spectacle from all of the La Plagne altitude villages.
- The free La Plagne shuttle buses will run until 1 a.m. So you can party and celebrate the arrival of 2024 and get home safely afterward.
- If you want to listen to the music to go with the fireworks, the soundtrack of the show will be broadcast live and simultaneously on radio station R' La Plagne on 101.5 FM at midnight.
La Plagne for New Year family ski fun
You'll be pleased to know it's not all about adults and drinking for the new year. The events calendar is chock-full of fun for the whole family. Think dazzling fireworks, torchlight descents down the slopes, and ice skating under the stars.
And for those of you with little ones in tow, fear not. There are family-friendly activities galore. It's a night of celebration you'll never forget.
In La Plagne, there will be various events happening in each village. You'll be able to choose from things like:
- Torchlight ski descents. Usually, one in each village, with the ski instructors performing, and then also an organised one for kids to join in with.
- Free hot chocolate and vin chaud stall on the snow front
- Free kids' activities and fun stalls set up, e.g. magic shows, balloon making, arts & crafts and more
- Each La Plagne village has a designated safe space for bum-boarding and sledging. Great for smaller children. When the ski pistes close, they turn into sledging heaven for the older kids.
Jens Top Tips: There is a weekly event planner from the La Plagne team. You will find it at your accommodation, but I also try to cover everything on my social media pages for you as well. That's La Plagne Instagram page.
Non-skiing New Year family fun
New Year family ski trips aren't just about skiing – which seems silly to say! Holidays in the mountains are also about enjoying the alpine lifestyle. There are lots of non-skiing activities to enjoy:
- La Plagne bobsleigh – the only place in France where you can ride on a professional bobsleigh track!
- Ski-doo and Moon Bikes. Moon Bikes are basically electric ski doos and are more environmentally friendly and quieter.
- Winter eBikes – available after the pistes are closed.
- Parapenting – There are various take-off points, Grande Rochette above Plagne Centre and Roche de Mio above Belle Plagne are the 2 main ones.
- Husky dog sledging – is an amazing activity to do with young children.
- Ice skating – Plagne Centre and Bellecôte. A lot of fun, and they have carts and baby skates for little ones. I was able to take my 2 children from the age of 2.
- Winter sauna and beauty spas. The Deep Nature spa in Belle Plagne is pretty great and has separate family and adults-only spaces. There are several other mountain spas in La Plagne, find out about all the La Plagne spas in this ultimate guide.
- Swimming pool in BelleCôte, Champagny or Montchavin. Find out more about the best La Plagne swimming pools.
- Sledging and bum-boarding. Each village in La Plagne has a safe sledging area set up for younger children.
Practical tips for New Year celebrations in ski resorts
If you are staying in a hotel or catered accommodation, then it is likely that your hosts will be organising a New Year gala dinner and evening entertainment, so do check with them what they are offering. You might find the celebration in the accommodation is more suitable for young children.
If you are staying in French accommodation, then check on the time of the evening meal. The French generally eat quite late, so a more formal dinner might be too late for smaller children, and you might want to head out for an earlier dinner with your family.
Jens Top Tip: If you're heading outdoors to watch the fireworks, wrap up warm. If you snowboard, wear your board boots, as your feet will get very cold standing on the snow front all night. Don't wear your ski boots though, they are not comfortable for socialising in!
AND THAT'S LA PLAGNE & NEW YEAR SKI HOLIDAYS!
I'd love to know what you think. Do you usually head to a ski resort for a new year trip? Or perhaps you're thinking about doing it for the first time?
What are you worried about? Or, what are you most excited about? Drop me a message below, and let's see if I can help or put your mind at ease!
See you on the slopes!
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