Where to ski this year? The question you pose in May, consider in September and panic about come November! But we think we have the answer for you.

Part of the famous Paradiski range in the Tarentaise Valley, La Plagne’s 11 villages are all a quick slide away from 425km of pistes spread across seven peaks and, with an altitude topping 3,080m, there’s no fear of a snow turning to mush before the season ends in April 2024. 

Perfect for families, who fill the ski schools and nursery slopes, there’s enough thinner air black runs and off-piste adventures to keep seasoned skiers entertained too. Throw in luxe chalets, other snowkicks (sledging, bobsleighing, snow-shoe hiking), and a thriving après ski scene to get excited about as you manoeuvre the last run of the day, and it’s pretty much resort perfection. Here’s seven reasons you’ll want to visit this winter.

1. You can ride the world’s fastest cable car

Forget rickety old bubble cars and leg-dangling chair lifts, La Plagne showcased slick new Les Glaciers Gondola at the start of the year and it was an instant hit. Whisking you from Roche de Mio to mountain peak in 10 minutes – 10 MINUTES, PEOPLE!! – its 10 cabins are a must-ride for the sensational vistas and access to new Live 3000 ski area. Don’t fancy a vertical slide home? No problem. Drink in the views and a Vin Chaud at cosy Le Le Sixième Ciel café before catching a cabin back down. 

2. It’s greener than Shrek 

If you’re concerned about your carbon ski boot print, you’ll be pleased to know La Plagne’s eco creds are impressive, including winning a coveted ‘Zero Carbon Mountain’ award this year, collecting more than a tonne of litter (in 90 mins!) as part of a zero waste volunteer programme and a huge no-fly push. Talking of which, the new Eurostar Snow Train departs from London St Pancras every Saturday and glides into Aime-la-Plagne station, from where SNCF and Altibus distribute passengers and skis to villages around La Plagne. 

3. You’re in bobsleigh territory

Channel the cast of Cool Runnings and try piloting a bobsleigh for a day. No really, do it! Brand new this season (running 12 Jan – 9 Feb 2024), it’s an exhilarating and unique experience at La Plagne allowing the general public to go down the track at the end of the afternoon. It includes a track walk, two descents in a two-person bobsleigh (one as a passenger and one as a pilot) – and a technical debrief. You’ll be in the safe hands of French bobsleigh federation-certified instructors, with three different experiences that you can pre-book – bob raft, bob racing and sledge. Indulge the need for speed!

4. Head to Village Plan Bois

You can sleep in an igloo, sled with huskies, stay in a wood cabin or even a tent, weather dependent, at Village Plan Bois, which is pioneering a new slow immersion experience aimed at preserving nature and raising environmental awareness. Reached only on skis or via foot, it’s a great Instagram brag and sure to be something your ski mates won’t have done on a mountain before. Other activities on offer hiking with huskies and sophrology (that’s mindfulness FYI) in the forest.

5. It’s snowshoe hike heaven

If you’ve never tried it, La Plagne is the perfect place to pop your snowshoe cherry. A new experience this season includes hooking up with local guide Matthieu of Phene Outdoor, who’ll take you on a two-and-a-half-hour, off-the-beaten-track adventure around Champagny-le-Haut while discovering more about glaciers and mountain ecosystems. Don’t miss the chance to take a pair of Evvo Snowshoes for a spin too – made in France, with a bio-sourced sole (developed with Michelin) they’re super light and compact, cheap to rent and you won’t end up walking like a duck.

6. It’s brilliant for families & beginners

From car-free resorts to in-chalet childcare and excellent ski schools on your doorstep, La Plagne’s a great choice when it comes to getting the kids started on the slopes. Kudos for its Coolski Programme, where the kids (and possibly you if you’re a return skier) can pick up ski skills on easy-to-reach pistes only available to beginners, with their own ski pass access. 

7. The après is awesome 

It might be family-friendly, but La Plagne still knows how to eat, drink and party, Want a Michelin-starred meal? Book a table at UNION in Plagne Montalbert. Need to knock back a bottle of fine French plonk while picking at cured meats and tasty fromage? Make a beeline for Joya. For a mountainside beer, there’s La Bergerie and for Happy Hour, live music and dancing, its La Bodega in the centre of Belle Plagne and if you’re as fond of the spa as the slopes (guilty as charged) then get thee to Deep Nature Spa, 1,500m2 dedicated to wellness, set against a panoramic backdrop, with outdoor swimming, whirlpool baths and Nordic baths and, inside, three saunas (because why stop at one?), a hammam, salt grotto and treatment rooms.

The resort open on 16 Dec 2023. Find out more about La Plagne.