Plagne Montalbert
Why Plagne Montalbert Ski Resort?
- Easy access to the La Plagne and Paradiski ski areas
- One of the first resorts you come to from Bourg St Maurice
- Slightly lower altitude
Plagne Montalbert (La Plagne) Information
La Plagne can be found in the Savoie region of France, in the Northern French Alps, on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. It forms part of the massive Paradiski ski area which as well as La Plagne includes Les Arcs. Les Arcs and its ski areas can be accessed via the Vanoise Express cable car which whisks skiers across the valley in 4 minutes. The double-decker cable car has, in addition to the 360° panorama, a 3-dimensional outlook courtesy of a transparent glass panel inserted into the floor of the lower level of the 2 cabins.
In 1992, during the Albertville Winter Olympics, La Plagne was further put on the map as it hosted the bobsleigh and luge events, with 9 days of competition and over 150 athletes and 25 countries represented!
A bit of history: Plagne Centre, the first of La Plagne's resorts, opened in 1961 with 2 draglifts and 4 ski runs. Plagne Centre developed rapidly and was joined by the resorts of Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Aime 2000 and Plagne Villages in the late 1960s and early 70s. In 1969, Champagny en Vanoise opted to become part of La Plagne, with an unobstructed view of the Vanoise Massif. Between 1970 and 1974, the resorts of Bellentre with Montchavin and Longefoy with Plagne Montalbert were created. The site of Les Coches came along in 1981, as did Belle Plagne. Plagne 1800 opened in 1982. Plagne Soleil was the last site, opening in 1990.
As you take the road from Bourg St Maurice, the first resort you come to is Plagne 1800 (so a good one if you don't want to go too far in the mountains and have a shorter transfer). Next is Plagne Bellecote at 1930m. Above Plagne Bellecote is Belle Plagne. Then above Plagne 1800 is Plagne Centre, the main resort in the area. From here, you can continue on to the right to Aime la Plagne or to the left to Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil. Three further villages are also connected to the ski area - Montchavin-Les Coches is accessed from Landry further down the valley and lie below the Vanoise Express cable car that takes you to Les Arcs ski area. On the other side further up the valley and below Plagne Aime 2000 is the village of Montalbert. And finally, Champagny lies on the other side of the mountain altogether and has its own ski area as well being linked to the wider La Plagne territory.
Plagne Montalbert is located at 1350m. Created in 1980, the architecture is of traditional mountain style with low buildings made of wood and stone and gable roofs. The majority of the shops and services can be found in the shopping street at the bottom of the slopes. The village centre is also car-free. The village’s friendly atmosphere drew in Phil Howard (the renowned London Michelin-starred chef) who has opened his own restaurant Union there, a small gastronomic place where he combines fresh seasonal produce with local alpine products. 25% of the dishes on the menu are vegan or vegetarian!
