What’s new in La Plagne this summer?
Must-do activities…
NEW: Sleep under the stars on a lakeside bivouac adventure
Experience the natural beauty of the Isère River with a two-day expedition in La Plagne. The Isère river is one of the mythical rivers of France, renowned for the continuity of its rapids and its location in the heart of Savoie surrounded by mountains and glaciers. The two-day multi-activity excursion is designed to allow those taking part to connect with the river, plus use the water as a means of a transport and a source of nourishment whilst respecting and maintain the biodiversity with in it. Participants can expect exhilarating rafting, grounding yoga classes, fly fishing in the shallows, delicious meals cooked with local produce, and a night spent sleeping in a bivouac in the woods under the stars. The trip costs from €390 pp / £328 pp, and includes supervision by professional guides, loan of specific rafting equipment, three full meals, transport to the starting point, and a one-day fishing permit. There is a possibility to rent bivouac equipment: sleeping bag, mattress, and tent. Minimum age 14 (must be able to swim).
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
NEW: A front-row seat to the magical Alps
On the back of his successful family ‘survival courses’ over the past two years, Guillaume Brun – a mid-altitude mountain guide – has set up a brand new offering, Lakeside Bivouacs. The experience allows guests to learn about the formation of mountain lakes, discover how to camp and cook outside, and observe the twinkling night sky from a front row seat. Join Guillaume on a two-day hike with a night under the stars in between. This activity costs €180 / £151 pp and includes a two-person tent, mattress, and the expert guiding and knowledge of Guillaume. Guests must bring their own sleeping bag, backpack, and food. Minimum age eight.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
NEW: An eco-friendly electric escape
Ideal for older teenagers and adults, take control of a silent electric motorbike and discover La Plagne without having to pedal. Although experience of motorbikes helps, it’s not necessary as ELPRO – the company that created this new activity – will go through all safety procedures, plus offer a chance to practise before heading off into the mountains. Beginning in Plagne 1800, bikers will ride on tracks going towards the Col de Forcle, between the Mont-Blanc and Vanoise massifs. The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the local heritage, fauna and flora, and mountain agriculture. This activity is accessible to holders of a category B driving licence age 18+, or holders of the BSR (Road Safety Certificate) age 16+ accompanied by an adult.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
NEW: Rise to the challenge and learn to paraglide
After two years of careful planning and consideration, Air La Plagne has announced the opening of its Air Tarentaise paragliding school for summer 2022. During the warmer months, guests visiting La Plagne will be able to experience the thrill of paragliding from several take-off points, including Les Charmettes, Martzolf, Mont Saint Jacques and Versant du Soleil. This is an extremely fun course with lots of practical outdoor aspects and some theory classes. Lessons begin gradually with exercises on the ground and basic theory, but students will soon be gaining greater autonomy and be able to complete solo flights. One session on the learning slope or a solo flight (for those with previous experience) costs €150 / £125 and an initiation course with five sessions including two or three on the learning slope costs €620 / £515. Minimum age 14.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
Under a blanket of stars
This summer, La Plagne Tourist Office will arrange four stargazing evenings on Plan Bois plateau. Set in the heart of nature at 1,800 metres altitude, this area is unpolluted by any public lighting and a perfect place to see the twinkling Milky Way. Taking place on 21 and 28 July, and 11 and 18 August, from 9 pm, guests will be accompanied by an expert astronomer and can use a telescope or the naked eye to see the incredible galaxy above. The educational activity is free of charge on reservation at Montchavin – Les Coches Tourist Office. Recommended equipment includes a head lamp, warm clothing, and closed shoes. Minimum age six.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
Food and board…
NEW: Wine bar gears up for its first summer season – santé!
Created by brother and sister, Damien and Soizic, Joya sits in the heart of La Plagne Center and prides itself on quality over quantity. The elegant bar favours freshly-cooked dishes using seasonal and local produce – the closer the better. Try a delicious gourmet burger (vegetarian and vegan options available), tuck into a traditional fondue, or have a light salad, a healthy juice, or sample a homemade energy bar. The wine makes this new address even more special by focusing on local treasures and independent – preferably eco-friendly – producers. Sip a crisp, refreshing white or a smooth, chocolaty red after an active day in the Alps.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
Surrounded by nature at Le Refuge du Laisonnay
Surrounded by nature, and next to a beautiful waterfall, Le Refuge du Laisonnay is at the eastern end of Champagny-le-Haut (15 minutes’ drive from Champagny-en-Vanoise). Although it has no electricity, it’s a wonderful place to meet the family and fellow hikers. Having been built in the 1960s by Serge and Catherine, the refuge has been passed down from generation to generation, and is now owned by Cyril, the great-grandson. Today, the chalet – made of wood and stone – is open to guests from mid-June to the beginning of September. Book a candlelit dinner and dine on delicious local produce created with slow-cooking techniques. Alternatively, stay the night (Laisonnay sleeps 15 people) from €69.50 / £59 per adult on a half-board basis staying in a dormitory. Family rooms are also available, with reduced rates for children.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
The working farm of Chalet du Forperet
Perched above the ski slopes in the Montalbert sector, Chalet du Forperet has one of the best views in La Plagne. First preserved by Longefoy commune, Roland – a native of Longefoy – decided to buy the rudimentary farm in 2001. Since then, Le Forperet has gained a loyal following (80% repeat customers) always happy to travel to try some of Roland’s new dishes, made entirely from the farm’s inhabitants. Try the unique cheese Roland and his cheese maker created, La Chaudronnette (a mixture of raclette, Beaufort and other ingredients) and as evening falls, crack open a bottle of wine and watch the wonderful sunset. Guests can visit Forperet every day and reserve a table in the evening (free shuttle from/to Montalbert). Families can enjoy an educational tour of the mini farm, plus a chance to milk a cow / goat by hand and learn how to make Tomme cheese (costs €13 / £11 pp). Alternatively, join Roland or his son, Aurélien, on a half-day quad-biking adventure to explore the Alpine pastures and learn about the history of La Plagne (from €80 / £68 pp, for groups of five plus, minimum age two.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
Homemade cuisine at Le Chalet du Bresson
Falling in love with the chalet when Covid-19 struck, couple Virginie and David opened the bistro in 2020 and have been welcoming hikers ever since. Le Chalet du Bresson can be found in the Versant du Soleil at 1,400 metres altitude. Virginie – a former top-level cross-country skier – now makes a living from her other passion, cooking. Everything used in the kitchen is locally produced – the beer is brewed in the neighbouring village Granier, the grape juice and wine come from the Association des Vignes Tarentaise, and the ewe’s milk yoghurts from Bonvillard. While Virginie uses the freshest ingredients to create magic in the kitchen, David can take guests for walks with the donkeys (€20 / £17 pp) to share the secrets, stories, and spectacular vistas of the area.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
Events not to be missed…
La 6000D
Taking place from 28-30 July 2022, La 6000D is a legendary trail-running race now in its 32nd year. During the main event, on Saturday 30 July, competitors climb more than 3,400 metres – from the apple orchards of Aime La Plagne to the top of the Bellecôte Glacier – before coming back down through the forest of Montchavin – Les Côches and finishing alongside the Isère river. The 67 km course is limited to 2,000 runners, minimum age 20, and costs from €56 / £47 pp to register. For those not wanting to compete in the main event, there are many others to choose from. Pick the shorter La 6D Marathon (42 km), or La 6 Découverte (11 km), or even La 6D Bob (1.5 km) where runners race up the bob track. There is also a 500 m to 1,000 m loop for children (minimum age six) and plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
Super 8
Attracting both elite and amateur riders due to its varied and technical itineraries, plus the use of electric mountain bikes in competition mode (making battery management very important) the Super 8 started in 2021 and is now back with a bang. Elite riders can sign up to the 100 km (5,697 metres elevation gain) Grand 8* event on 7-8 July, a two-day ride with one night in a tent; alternatively, lesser experienced competitors can try the Double 8 on 9 and 10 July which includes a race for normal mountain bikes (for riders wanting to compete completely under their own steam). *The Grand 8 is limited to 50 people and registration is based on submitting a sporting CV. Minimum age for all events is 18.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
For more information on La Plagne, please visit https://en.la-plagne.com or call +33 (0)6 74 23 41 08. Alternatively, please find the latest press pack here: https://dp.la-plagne.com/.summer-2022/#page=1
