Is La Plagne Good for Beginners?
If you’re new to skiing and wondering where to start, La Plagne is one of the best resorts in the Alps for beginners. Nestled in the French Alps, La Plagne offers a blend of gentle slopes, excellent ski schools and a welcoming atmosphere for those finding their feet (or skis!) on the mountain.
Here’s why La Plagne should top your list as a beginner skier.
Beginner’s areas in La Plagne
La Plagne ski resort belongs to the Paradiski area, which offers 425 kilometres of slopes.
And it’s a dream for first-timers, with over 170 kilometers of blue and green runs. These wide, cruisy beginner slopes are perfect for building confidence and mastering the basics.
Key La Plagne beginner skiing areas include:
- Plagne Centre: A hub for gentle slopes and easy lifts.
- Plagne Bellecôte: Home to plenty of accessible runs and ski-in, ski-out accommodation.
- Montchavin-Les Coches: Quiet, charming and ideal for practicing your turns.
What’s more, the pistes are easily accessible, well-groomed and clearly marked, so you’ll never feel out of your depth.
Best beginners skiing routes in La Plagne
To help you navigate La Plagne’s beginner-friendly terrain, here are some of the best routes to try during your skiing trip:
- Les Indiens (Plagne Centre): This gentle green run is wide and forgiving, ideal for your very first turns on skis.
- Arpette (Plagne Bellecôte): A lovely green piste that’s perfect for progressing skiers. Its smooth gradient and stunning views make it a favourite.
- Mont Blanc (Montchavin-Les Coches): A long, scenic blue run with an easy gradient – perfect for building confidence.
- Boulevard (Belle Plagne): This green run is a peaceful route that connects several beginner areas and offers a great introduction to the slopes.
La Plagne beginner runs
La Plagne has an impressive selection of beginner runs spread across its ski area. Here are some highlights:
Green Runs:
- The Golf piste near Plagne Centre is a fantastic option for absolute beginners. It’s a wide, shallow run that allows you to practice your turns without any pressure.
- Edelweiss, located near Plagne Bellecôte, is another beginner gem with a gentle slope and plenty of space to perfect your technique.
Blue Runs:
- Once you’ve mastered green runs, try the Marcel piste. It’s a forgiving blue run that offers a slightly steeper gradient but remains beginner-friendly.
- Trieuse, connecting Belle Plagne and Bellecôte, is a smooth and scenic blue piste, great for taking your skills to the next level.
These beginner runs are supported by magic carpet lifts, easy-to-use chairlifts and clear signage, making them ideal for learners.
La Plagne ski map
Beginners ski lessons in La Plagne
Whether you’re a total novice or just need a refresher, La Plagne has fantastic ski schools with English-speaking instructors. Popular options include:
- ESF (École du Ski Français): The go-to choice with group and private lessons for all ages.
- Oxygène Ski & Snowboard School: Known for its small group sizes and personalised approach.
These schools make learning fun, safe and stress-free, helping you gain confidence while enjoying the stunning Alpine scenery.
How much are beginner ski lessons in La Plagne?
Beginner ski lessons in La Plagne typically range from €35 to €50 per hour for private lessons and around €150 to €250 for a week of group lessons (usually 5–6 sessions of 2–3 hours each).
Prices may vary slightly depending on the time of year and it you travel in school holidays, so it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot and potentially save money.
Stress-free ski lifts
La Plagne’s modern and beginner-friendly ski lift system is another big plus. Many areas have magic carpets and drag lifts, which are gentle and perfect for practicing. Plus, the resort’s layout makes it easy to access beginner zones without needing to tackle tricky runs on your way back.
Free lifts in La Plagne
La Plagne offers some free ski lifts that are perfect for beginners or those wanting to practice without committing to a full lift pass. These lifts are usually located near beginner zones in the main resort villages, making them ideal for first-timers.
- Boulevard Lift: A magic carpet designed for absolute beginners.
- Belle Plagne Carpet: Another magic carpet lift in a gentle practice area.
- Magic Carpets in the Village Areas: Perfect for first turns close to accommodations.
Affordable La Plagne lift passes for beginners
Skiing can be expensive, but La Plagne offers great value for beginners. Beginner ski lift passes are available at reduced rates, so you’re not paying for access to advanced areas you won’t use.
Estimated costs:
1-Day Beginner Pass: €30–€40 (£26–£35)
6-Day Beginner Pass: €150–€180 (£130–£155)
You may also like: Affordable beginner’s ski resorts in the Alps
La Plagne pedestrian pass
La Plagne also offers a pedestrian pass for non-skiers or those looking to explore the mountain without hitting the slopes. This pass allows access to specific lifts and areas for walking, sightseeing or meeting up with skiing friends and family.
Ski hire in La Plagne
Ski equipment rental shops are abundant and affordable, too, with plenty of beginner-friendly gear to get you started.
Activities for first-time skiers and non-skiers
La Plagne has a welcoming, family-friendly vibe that’s perfect for beginners. Unlike some high-octane resorts, there’s no pressure to tackle advanced runs or keep up with seasoned skiers. Everyone here is out to have fun, whether it’s their first day or their fiftieth.
If you want a break from skiing, La Plagne has plenty of other activities to keep you entertained:
- Sledding and snowshoeing for low-key fun.
- Ice skating rinks in Plagne Bellecôte and Plagne Centre.
- Relaxing at a cosy chalet with some après-ski hot chocolate (or vin chaud!).
La Plagne for first-time skiing families
La Plagne is great for first-time skiing families. It offers plenty of beginner-friendly slopes, ski schools with English-speaking instructors and family-oriented activities. The resort has a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for those new to skiing. Plus, there are ski-in, ski-out accommodations and lots of non-skiing options, such as snowshoeing and tobogganing, for the whole family to enjoy.
Did you know La Plagne has eleven villages? These are Plagne Time 2000, Beautiful Plagne, Sun Plagne, Plagne Centre, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne 1800, Montalbert, Champagny-en-Vanoise, Montchavin and the La Plagne Valley. All of the villages are family friendly.
Where to stay in La Plagne
When you’re learning to ski, staying in the right location can make a huge difference. For beginners, it’s essential to be close to easy slopes, ski schools and key amenities. Luckily, La Plagne offers several great areas to stay that cater specifically to those new to skiing.
- Plagne Centre – Central location with easy access to beginner slopes, magic carpets and ski schools.
- Plagne Bellecôte – Close to gentle blue and green runs, with ski-in, ski-out options and quick access to ski schools.
- Montchavin-Les Coches – Quieter, family-friendly area with easy runs and a relaxed atmosphere. Great for those who want to avoid crowds.
- Belle Plagne – Peaceful with easy slopes and good lift access to the rest of the resort. Many ski-in, ski-out accommodations.
- Aime-La Plagne – Budget-friendly with access to beginner slopes, though a bit further from the main ski areas.
Tips for beginner skiers in La Plagne
If you’re gearing up to visit a beginner friendly ski resort in the Alps, don’t forget these tips:
- Take a Lesson: Even a couple of hours with a professional instructor can make a huge difference.
- Stick to Green Runs: Build confidence before progressing to blues.
- Rent Equipment Locally: Avoid lugging gear from home – rental shops have everything you need.
- Plan Off-Peak: January and March are quieter times, with fewer crowds on the slopes.
The Verdict: La Plagne is perfect for beginners
If you’re a first-time skier or snowboarder, La Plagne ticks all the boxes. Its gentle slopes, top-notch ski schools and relaxed atmosphere make it an unbeatable choice for starting your Alpine adventure.
With transfers from Geneva to La Plagne starting at €47 / £39, it’s easy to get from A to B and polish your skills on the slopes.
So, pack your thermals, grab your skis and get ready to make some unforgettable memories.
