3 Outdoor Activities in La Plagne that Aren’t Skiing

Located within the picturesque Tarentaise Valley, La Plagne is among the most popular ski resorts in the world, with more than 2.5 million visitors passing through every season. Eleven resorts offer a variety of accommodation available for all, including ski-in ski-out apartments and self-catered and catered chalets. La Plagne has the fantastic runs and lively après scene you’d expect from such a popular destination – but it’s also got a lot to offer out on the snow that you might not initially know about.

Read on for my top tips for outdoor activities.

Snowshoeing

Holidays always feel far too brief, and much of your spare time may be spent making the most of La Plagne’s wonderful nightlife. Still, everyone needs to relax sometimes. The last thing you want is to crash out and miss your final day out on the slopes because you didn’t rest enough! Luckily, peace and quiet doesn’t just mean hanging around your cosy catered chalets. La Plagne presents an interesting relaxation technique in the form of its snowshoeing expeditions.

Groups strap on snowshoes and make their way across the snow while taking in some the surrounding mountains’ most beautiful scenery. A range of different excursions are available, and each covers a variety of landscapes. On any given trip, you might pass over ridges, through canyons, alongside babbling brooks or through pine forests. The sense of serenity is further enhanced with home-cooked meals in isolated villages and trips to observe wild animals. It’s an oasis of pure bliss in what’s no doubt an action-packed trip.

Ski-Bob

You shouldn’t get too comfy, though, as the next activity on my list is a thrill ride – with a challenging journey back home, too.

Despite how it might sound, ‘Ski-Bob’ isn’t the name of some eccentric local character. Rather, it’s a bobsleigh run on an old Olympic track, organised by ESF ski school and piloted by an experienced professional.

As if that wasn’t enough, ESF instructors will also make sure you get safely back to your catered chalets. La Plagne’s beautiful villages feel even more cosy and inviting when you’re coming back exhausted!

Skidoos

In most cases, you really don’t want to be riding a snowmobile at any point during your holiday. If you’re coming down a mountain on one of these, you’re usually either working for the resort or in a lot of pain.

But they are very cool. And a snowmobile base just five minutes from Belle Plagne is there to provide the particular thrills that can only come from combining motor and mountain sports. After a short briefing, you saddle up and take off, travelling by night in winter and through sunset in spring. The journey takes you through wide-open plains, resort villages and a few more difficult tracks. It’s an amazing experience, and the perfect way to end an exciting vacation. 

Where to Stay

The resort’s sheer size can make it difficult to decide on a place to stay. Each village is a little different, ranging from family-oriented, self-catered options to top-end hotels.

Perhaps the best compromise, though, is found in La Plagne 1800. At 200m below Plagne Centre, it’s close enough to make shopping and heading out easy, but far enough away that you’re not constantly caught in the rush. The area has its own small shops, but you’ll hardly need them as there is an excellent selection of catered chalets. La Plagne 1800 might not be the most luxurious of the resort’s villages, but it’s arguably the best value for money. Which leaves more cash for all those activities…

Skiing is undoubtedly fun, but sometimes you want something a little different – and La Plagne is happy to oblige. From snowshoeing to skidooing, you’re bound to find an alternative outdoorsy activity that’s right for you.

Author Plate

Tim Heal is the founder of Chaletline, a travel agency offering catered chalet accommodation in worldwide ski resorts. With an extensive knowledge of resorts and excellent post booking care, they pride themselves on the personal touch they offer to each and every client. If you're looking for catered chalets, La Plagne is just one of the superb ski resorts in which they can quickly and efficiently match you with the perfect accommodation. Catering for individuals, couples and groups up to 50, the knowledgeable Chaletline team will help you choose the right chalet in the right resort.