Plagne Centre – the hub of La Plagne Plagne Centre (1850 m)

The foundations for the La Plagne ski resort were laid in 1961 with the opening of the first ski station, Plagne Centre. Originally called simply La Plagne, it was later renamed Plagne Centre when additional Plagne ski stations were built, as it was at the heart of the ski resort. This modern winter sports location, at an altitude of 1970m, has earned its status as the centre, or “capital” of La Plagne; the pistes from all over the vast ski resort converge here.

Families love the wide range of services and leisure activities as well as the ease with which they can get from their accommodation almost directly onto the slopes or reach the many ski schools and childcare facilities.

Its central location means that you can access the whole of the La Plagne ski resort quickly from Plagne Centre. The Funiplagne cable car takes winter sports fans to the summit of Grand Rochette, at an altitude of 2505m, and from there the slopes go right into Champagny-en-Vanoise, the southernmost station in La Plagne.

Skiers can reach the remaining 225km of pistes in the La Plagne ski resort via the neighbouring stations of Plagne Soleil, Plagne Village and Aime La Plagne. You can also access the skiing area of Les Arcs, the other half of the vast ski resort of Paradiski, via Plagne Bellecôte and Les Coches.

Moonlight fun on the slopes

Plagne Centre itself is particularly good for those new to skiing, as there are three areas specifically for beginners right next to the station, including some practice lifts. For more advanced skiers, a powder snow slopes starts in Plagne Centre and goes to La Roche, where La Plagne’s Olympic bobsleigh run is located.

When it comes to fun on the slopes Plagne Centre has 2 particular highlights. Every Wednesday from December to April skiers can carve their turns under a starry sky and enjoy a really special evening. After a cable car trip to the summit of Grande Rochette, participants first enjoy an extensive Savoyard meal. This includes an aperitif and some savoury snacks, wine, a regional cheese fondue, dessert, coffee and a digestif. After these refreshments it’s time to enjoy a blue run in the moonlight back to Plagne Centre. Every skier is equipped with a head torch and accompanied by experienced guides. Children over the age of 10 and those new to the sport are expressly invited to join in this night-time fun on the slopes, but beginners or non-skiers can also book a special service. A “ski-taxi” with a comfortable seat, driven by a ski guide, can transport you safely and comfortably down the slope.

If you’d like to join in more evening outdoor activities, you can try out an evening’s tobogganing. Equipped with a toboggan, helmet and a head torch, participants can enjoy a one-hour toboggan ride to La Roche, accompanied by an experienced guide. When you arrive you can enjoy some mulled wine or hot chocolate before a free shuttle bus takes you back to Plagne Centre.

There are also, naturally, plenty of leisure activities for skiers in Plagne Centre to enjoy during the daytime, including trips on snowmobiles, snow shoe hikes and tobogganing.

For relaxation there is a spa and cinema as well as several restaurants and bars.