Situated on the outskirts of the picturesque Vanoise National Park, La Plagne is made up of a collection of purpose-built resorts and traditional French villages. Each village is separate and features its own ambience and character, although all villages are linked by shuttle buses and ski lifts.
With a reputation as a family-friendly location, La Plagne has a great selection of ski areas and beginner pistes which are perfect for casual winter sports enthusiasts or children. For those with a bit more experience, there are advanced pistes suitable for both snowboarders and skiers.
Chalets and apartments in La Plagne can retail for anything between €95,000 and €880,000. The purpose-built resorts of La Plagne are situated at high altitudes (between 1800m to 2100m). Because of these high altitudes, the winter season at La Plagne typically lasts longer than other resorts closer to the coast or lower down the Alps. This means that buying a property in La Plagne is a sound investment, as the extended peak season creates greater scope for returns.
Living in La Plagne and things to do
An estimated 1,780 residents make La Plagne their permanent, all-year-round home. Winter season typically begins around the second week of December and lasts all the way until the end of April, snow cover permitting. The average snow report for La Plagne reveals that the resort receives approximately 524cm of snowfall each year, which is more than enough to keep the slopes powdered for months.
With a staggering 128 runs to choose from (ranging from beginner to expert) accessible by some 95 lifts, La Plagne is a wintersports paradise. There’s a range of day skiing, night skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding opportunities on offer, and many of the ranges are currently undergoing serious investment. It’s therefore easy to see why La Plagne is so popular among prospective property owners. Outside of property, the resort is currently undergoing an ambitious €25 million investment which will link La Plagne to Aime train station via cable car.
Beyond skiing, those who want to get their thrills from something slightly different can expect to enjoy sledging, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, paragliding and helicopter rides. These are just a small number of things to do in La Plagne, with visitors advised to check a full La Plagne resort guide to plan their trip prior to arrival. The area truly offers variety, which is why it attracts increasing numbers of tourists on an annual basis.
However, once the snow has subsided there are still lots of interesting things for people of all ages to enjoy. Ziplining, geocaching, hiking and farm visits are just some of the outdoor pursuits on offer. Those who wish to enjoy something a little more sedate can enjoy indoor bowling, a cinema showing the latest blockbusters, or perhaps a bite to eat in one of the many different restaurants in the area.
La Plagne is a stone's throw away from several renowned resorts like Val d’Isère, Les Arcs and Tignes, each of which are easily accessible for those using La Plagne as a base.
La Plagne and culture
With much of La Plagne having been purpose-built for skiers some 57 years ago, you could be forgiven for thinking that much of the culture in the area is centred around winter sports.
The truth is that the permanent residents live here all year round for a multitude of reasons, which include a rich mining heritage and history. During the second world war, many of the silver mines in the area became places of refuge for members of the French Resistance. Many soldiers hid from the occupying forces here, where they could stockpile and test weapons without fear of discovery.
In 1992, La Plagne played host to the 16th Winter Olympics. As such, the area is home to the only Olympic Bobsleigh Piste in France. This piste is still used for events on both national and international levels, and it has also become one of La Plagne’s most popular tourist attractions.
Investment potential in La Plagne
La Plagne continues to thrive, with facilities being maintained and updated on a regular basis. One of the key investment choices in La Plagne is property. Each of the village resorts is home to a mixture of luxury ski apartments, lodges, log cabins and hotels. Many of these are privately owned and let out during peak season when accommodation is in exceptionally high demand. La Plagne is on the periphery of many areas of outstanding natural beauty, which means there is scope for return all-year round, even when the snow levels have dropped.
Transport to La Plagne
The nearest airport to La Plagne is Chambery (France), situated just 117 kilometres away. Grenoble international airport (France) is also nearby at just 190km.
The easiest way to get to La Plagne after flying to either of these airports is to arrange for a taxi or minibus transfer or drive yourself – just remember to check the weather report for La Plagne, as inclement weather can often cause delays. La Plagne takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes to reach by car.
With reasonable transport links, a friendly, close-knit community and plenty of professional-quality sporting facilities, it’s easy to see why buying property in La Plagne makes perfect sense.
Jan 02, 2024
