France: La Plagne 1800 - Snow-sure, Ski-out ski-in, and a Glacier - perfect!
The resort
La Plagne is very much one of the Tarentaise big hitters, with mega mileage, bomb proof snow security, yawning snow bowls, and pretty little tracks through woods to cobble and stone villages with cows! It's strange to leave a purpose-built ski centre like Plagne Centre and eat your lunch in Montchavin, a charming little village with little orchards and farmyards. Plagne 1800 is a nicely built, modern resort with convenience uppermost. The low-rise wood clad buildings are built in traditional Savoyard style. There's a few shops, 2 or 3 restaurants and a couple of café/bars. This is a new village which is fairly quiet so you do need Plagne Centre for livelier nightlife and more shops. Although it's only a short distance as the crow flies, it takes 15mins or so to walk, but there's a very good free bus service circulating constantly until almost 01.00.
The skiing
Resort Range: 1200 - 3250m
Resort Height: 1800m
Black: 10, Red: 33, Blue: 71, Green: 11
Doctor: Plagne Centre
Canon: Yes
Longest run: 10km
Kms Piste: 425km
Hospital: Aime
Photo: Yes
There are ten villages, most purpose built, some traditional, but all linked with convenience uppermost. Piste grooming and uplift are first class and queues are surprisingly rare. La Plagne is definitely an intermediates playground and is great for those who want to rack up the kilometres. You'll get a great sense of journey as you travel between the villages. There are huge motorway blues and gentle runs through the trees, useful when the weather closes in. There are acres of smooth, gentle slopes for beginners and loads of easy blues to help you find your snow legs. Although there are a few tough blacks, experts will find the best skiing off-piste and we highly recommend hiring a local guide. The glacier is also good fun. Most glaciers are flat. Not this one.
Ski & Snowboard Access: The skiing and snowboarding access to Plagne 1800 has improved significantly over the last few years. The most important improvement was the building of a bridge over the main road to Plagne Centre and a new piste which means that you can ski back to Plagne 1800. There are now three ski runs that come down to Plagne 1800. The old chairlift has been replaced with a 4-seater; even at the start of ski school queues are small.
The accommodation
We have teamed up with UCPA, a french organisation with 20 years experience in organising activitiy holidays. The centre at Plagne 1800 offers doorstep skiing with access to the Belledone Glacier. Rooms are in 3 chalets for 3-6 persons with hand wash basin and showers/toilets on each landing. The dining room is bright with a large south facing terrace. There is a wide range of facilities for guests and a heated outdoor pool; bowling and skating are nearby.
What your holiday includes
* Return travel by fully equipped executive coach
* 7 days accommodation, full board basis
* 6 days area lift pass
* 6 days instruction for 4 hours a day
* 6 days ski or snowboard hire
* Reservations for evening activities
Not included
* Persoanl insurance
* Entrance fees for evening activities
* Snowboarding supplement £35
* Personal spending money
* Meals on the journey
