That's La Plagne
Picnics in La Plagne: Your Ultimate Guide
Imagine wrapping up a morning of slicing through the fresh powder in La Plagne. You click off your skis and settle down for a picnic amidst the sprawling beauty of the resort. There's something incredibly satisfying about unfurling a blanket and tucking into a feast with the natural backdrop of snow-capped peaks under the crystal-clear blue sky.Â
As my family and I have discovered, picnicking on the slopes can transform your ski days, blending the thrill of the slopes with the bliss of mountain dining. With the arrival of spring’s warmer embrace, these outdoor lunches have become one of our favourite mountain traditions, offering not just a scenic escape but a savvy alternative to the usual mountain fare.Â
From personal experience and many a meal enjoyed in the crisp alpine air, I’m keen to share with you our top picnic spots around La Plagne. These are the spots that have added that extra bit of magic to our ski holidays, places where convenience, beauty, and the joy of a good meal come together perfectly.
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Why Picnic in La Plagne?
More holidaymakers are opting to pack their lunches for a variety of reasons.Â
Cost-Effectiveness Dining in mountain restaurants, while convenient, can significantly add to the expense of a ski holiday. My family of 4 will easily spend 100€ at lunch for 2 x kids menus and 2 x dishes of the day, plus a round of drinks and coffee! By opting for a picnic, you're in control of your budget. The cost of preparing a meal for a family at a supermarket is a fraction of what you'd spend at a restaurant for the same number of people. This means you can enjoy more days on the slopes with the money saved, making your holiday both memorable and affordable.
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Time Efficiency Time is precious on a ski trip, and you want to make the most of those pristine slopes. Restaurants can be busy, and waiting for a table, plus service, can eat into your skiing time. A picnic allows you to manage your schedule efficiently. You decide when and where you eat, so you can quickly get back to what you came for – the skiing. It's about maximising your slope time without the interruption of lengthy meal stops.
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Exploration and Adventure La Plagne is vast and varied, offering more than just skiing. By picnicking, you encourage yourself and your group to explore new areas. Whether it's a secluded spot with a panoramic view of the Mont Blanc or a sunny plateau overlooking the valley, picnics can take you to hidden corners of the resort you might not otherwise discover. It's an invitation to adventure, to find those special nooks that make for unforgettable memories.
Personalised Dining Especially beneficial for families or those with dietary restrictions, picnics mean you can tailor your meals to exactly what you want or need. Picky eaters? No problem. Specific dietary requirements? Sorted. It's the freedom to ensure everyone has something they enjoy without the hassle of finding suitable menu options for everyone in a restaurant.
Worried about Picnic’s in the snow?
Staying Warm The cold is a significant concern when picnicking in a ski resort, but it can be easily mitigated. Thermal flasks filled with hot drinks, insulated seating pads, and proper snow gear can keep you warm and comfortable. Eating foods high in calories can also help your body generate the extra heat it needs in cold environments.
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Comfort Sitting in the snow might not sound appealing, but with the right gear, it can be quite cosy. Waterproof mats, portable chairs, or even insulated cushions can make all the difference. Choosing a sunny day can also enhance your comfort levels, basking in the natural warmth while you dine.
Carrying Food Safely The key to successfully transporting your picnic is choosing the right container. Insulated backpacks can keep hot foods warm and cold foods cool, while hard-sided containers protect more delicate items from getting squashed. Packing foods that are less likely to spoil and using reusable ice packs where necessary ensures your picnic remains fresh and safe to eat, no matter where in La Plagne you decide to lay down your blanket.
Top Picnic Spots in La Plagne
Let’s get into the specifics of each spot to ensure you find the perfect place to lay down your picnic blanket:
1 Top of the Arpette Chairlift
At the top of the Arpette chairlift, you’ll find the huge ski-angel statue. And at its foot are several large round picnic tables. Relax and enjoy 360° views of the surrounding mountains. It's a great spot for those who want to soak up the sun and take in the panoramic sights before gliding down the slopes.
- Location: Centrally located with sweeping views of both La Plagne and Les Arcs.
- How to Get There: Accessible via the Arpette chairlift, which is easy to spot from Plagne Bellecôte and Belle Plagne.
- Beginner-Friendly: At the top of wide, blue pistes, and also the fun slope if you’re heading back to La Plagne. So quite appealing to families and kids. If you’re heading back towards Montchavin or Les Arcs, then you’ve also got the wide open, Mont Blanc piste you can cruise all the way home.
- Pedestrian Access: No not to this spot.Â
2 Top of the Adrets Chair and Montalbert Bubble Lift
Near the 360 restaurant, this area is equipped with plenty of picnic tables. Known as a massive sun trap, it's perfect for those looking to enjoy their lunch with a dose of Vitamin D.
- Location: Near the 360 restaurant, known for its sun-drenched tables.
- How to Get There: The Adrets chairlift from the La Plagne altitude villages or the Montalbert bubble lift from Montalbert. Both offer easy access.
- Beginner-Friendly: Yes, and there are gentle runs nearby for an easy ski down to both Montalbert and La Plagne.
- Pedestrian Access: Yes, pedestrians can use the Montalbert bubble lift with a valid pass. But not from the La Plagne side.
3 Halfway Down the Buffalo Kids Fun Slope in Plagne Centre
This large picnic area is ideal for families. Take a break from the fun on the slopes to refuel and plan your next ski adventure.
- Location: A large, designated picnic area on this popular family slope. There are tables and chairs, plus reclined loungers for those wanting some real R&R!
- How to Get There: Take the Colorado chairlift up from Plagne Centre, and then the Buffalo ski slope. It’s clearly marked and hard to miss.
- Beginner-Friendly: Yes, it’s designed with families and beginner skiers in mind.
- Pedestrian Access: Not accessible without skis due to its mid-slope location. The Colorado lift is also for skiers only.
4 The Riders Nation Snow Park in Montchavin
Located midway down the La Plagne Snow Park, you'll find seating and tables with a fantastic view of the action in the snow park. It’s great for those who enjoy watching skiers and snowboarders showcase their skills.
- Location: Midway up the park, with plenty of seating to watch the action.
- How to Get There: Take the Montchavin chairlift; the park is a short ski away. From the La Plagne side, take the Arpette chairlift and follow the signs for Riders Nation.
- Beginner-Friendly: Less beginner fiendly as you’re skiing through the park to get here. Make sure you familiarise yourself with good piste and snow park etiquette before heading here.
- Pedestrian Access: Not to this picnic spot.
5 Glacier Live 3000
Although there are a couple of round picnic tables, don't hesitate to walk up slightly to find an amazing viewpoint for your picnic. The scenery here is simply unmatched.
- Location: High altitude with unmatched views, just a short walk from the glacier’s chairlift.
- How to Get There: The Glacier cable car from the Roche de Mio peak. A bit of a walk is required for the best spots.
- Beginner-Friendly: The area is accessible for beginners, but the altitude change might be challenging for some. But you don’t have to ski back down and can take the gondola all the way back to Bellecôte, perfect for mixed ability ski groups and kids of all ages.Â
- Pedestrian Access: Yes, but the terrain and altitude may be difficult for some. You do need a pedestrian lift pass for this location. Make sure to pick one up from your nearest lift pass office.
6 Indoor Picnic Spot – Salle Hors Sac
- At the top of the Meleze chairlift in Plagne Centre (bottom of the Bergerie chairlift), you’ll find a large indoor function room and several picnic tables on the terrace outside. It’s free to use, no booking required, making it an excellent option for colder days or those who prefer to eat indoors.
- Location: A convenient indoor option at the top of the Meleze chairlift in Plagne Centre.
- How to Get There: Accessible via the Meleze chairlift or by skiing down from the top of the Bergerie chairlift.
- Beginner-Friendly: Yes, easily accessible for skiers of all levels. This is actually one of the snack stops for many kids ski lessons as it has a large open space the kids can relax safely in.
- Pedestrian Access: Yes, it’s super easy to meet up with pedestrians here. The Salle Hors Sac is conveniently just opposite the bus stop in Plance Centre (of the same name). It’s a warm alternative for non-skiers or those looking to escape the cold.
TOP TIP:
- Check out my post on All the La Plagne Maps You Need which includes the village maps, walking & hiking trails.Â
That's La Plagne & Perfecting Your Picnic Game
And there you have it, our handpicked locales across La Plagne. Places where your picnic dreams can come to life amidst the grandeur of the Alps. With each spot offering its own unique charm, from sunlit vistas to cosy nooks sheltered from the chill, it's clear that dining on the mountain can be as much of a highlight as the skiing itself. My family and I have tested, tasted, and thoroughly enjoyed making these memories, and now it's your turn.Â
Whether you're spreading out a feast on a sunny plateau or toasting to the alpine glow with a hot drink, remember that the best meals aren't just about the food; they're about where you eat it and who you're with. So, gather your crew, pack those snacks, and carve out your own slice of picnic paradise in La Plagne. After all, isn't it time we made every moment of our ski holidays as scenic and satisfying as the ski slopes themselves?
See you on the slopes!
