Champagny

La Plagne ski area

La Plagne is part of the large ‘Paradiski’ ski area and is the 2nd largest connected skiing area in the world. Paradiski has excellent facilities and with its huge variation in altitude (1200m-3250m) and with over 70% of the area being above 2000m, there is a multitude of different types of scenery and piste to explore. This impressive lift-linked ski area is formed of 18 ski resorts (the first 11 below in La Plagne and the other 7 in Les Arcs):

• Plagne Montalbert
• Plagne Bellecote
• Montchavin
• Les Coches
• Champagny en Vanoise
• Belle Plagne
• Plagne 1800
• Plagne Soleil
• Aime la Plagne
• Plagne Centre
• Plagne Villages
• Arc 1600
• Arc 1800
• Arc 1950
• Arc 2000
• Peisey Vallandry
• Villaroger
• Bourg St Maurice

Paradiski is linked by the Vanoise Express double-decker cable car (since 2003) which can transport nearly 200 people across the valley of Peisey-Nacroix in less than 4 minutes. It is the largest cable car in the world currently. Fun facts: the cabin is 380m from the ground at its highest point and travels at 45km/hour. Its quite a spectacular journey with stunning views.

The departure station is in Plan-Peisey at 1612m of elevation. The arrival station is at 1548m of elevation upstream to Montchavin. In winter, the cable car is accessible to skiers (and pedestrians, see below). On Montchavin side, the cable car arrives on a ski slope. You can't reach Montchavin by foot. It is advised to find a guide to find practicable paths via snowshoe.

Paradiski presents VertiGO thanks to a 1.70m2 transparent glass plate in the floor (since 2015) of the lower level of both of the 2 cabins, passengers can enjoy the view in 3 dimensions, combining a 360° panorama of the legendary surrounding mountain peaks and a plunging view of the Ponthurin valley under your feet!

With 70% of the ski runs at heights of more than 2000m, and one of the world’s most modern artificial snow systems, Paradiski guarantees top-quality snow conditions from December to April. With the peaks of Mont Blanc and Pierra Menta forming a dramatic panoramic background, Paradiski is also the gateway to the Vanoise national park, a nature reserve of 53,000 hectares.

The cable car from the centre of Champagny takes skiers to an altitude of 2,000m within eight minutes. To return direct to the village you can take either a red run or the cable car.

Champagny is a little Alpine village linked with the large Paradiski ski area so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Champagny is in a sunny sector with excellent long runs and views across to Courchevel. It’s also well placed for an outing by car to neighboring Courchevel (literally down the road) and the 3 Vallées which is a little further (15 miles).

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (24/25):

La Plagne local area

225km of pistes, 73 lifts, 133 slopes:

Green slopes: 8
Blue slopes: 73
Red slopes: 35
Black slopes: 17

La Plagne skiing info

Beginners
The snowsure beginners’ area (with free lifts) is at the top of the cable car where there are superb views to be enjoyed. To return to Champagny, access is via the cable car for beginners and early intermediates as the runs back to the resort are long reds.

Thanks to nursery slopes at all altitudes, La Plagne is well recommended to families and offers excellent facilities for beginners and novices. La Plagne is a great resort to learn to ski or snowboard. There are a number of designated beginner areas in La Plagne, so look out for the ‘Zone Débutant’ signs.

There are 14 free lifts in La Plagne:

• Le Solu & Le Biquet in Plagne Soleil & Plagne Village
• Telebaby in Plagne Centre
• Aime la Plagne in Aime la Plagne
• Praconduit in Plagne 1800
• Belle Plagne & Croets in Belle Plagne
• Montchavin, Sucette & Plan Bois in Montchavin
• Patinoire & Le Petit Sauget in Les Coches
• La Bergerie in Champagny
• Montalbert in Montalbert

Intermediates
With almost 80% of the 225km of slopes in La Plagne being blue or red, the ski area is an intermediates paradise. The long sweeping Mont de La Guerre red run with 1250m/4100ft vertical from Les Verdons to Champagny is great for intermediates.

For early intermediates, there are gentle blue motorway pistes in the main bowl of La Plagne. The blue Arnica run in Plagne Bellecôte has loads of little jumps and bankings to play on and is accessible via the Colorado chairlift. The Pierres Blanches blue run over in Montchavin/Les Coches is very similar.

For the more advanced intermediates, try the wide but fast Les Laines and L’Arpette from Dos Rond to Plagne Bellecôte.

Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
For experts, the most challenging area of La Plagne has to be the Glacier de la Chiaupe, more commonly known as the Bellecôte Glacier. Le Rochu and Bellecôte black runs are definitely not to be missed and can be enjoyed in any snow conditions. There is also a challenging 200m long mogul field here, at the top of the Traversee chairlift.

At 2350m, just above Aime La Plagne, you will find ‘Le Biolley’ which is another good area for advanced skiers. Les Etroits is the longest and most challenging black run here plus you have Morbleu, Les Coqs and Plsembleu.

Another good, long and fast run is Inversens onto Les Crozat's black, accessible from the top of the 'Roche de Mio'. Experts will, of course, get the very best out of the ski area if they hire a mountain guide and explore the off-piste.

La Plagne holds vast and varied terrains with excellent spring snow and has some of the most challenging off-piste powder skiing in the whole of the Tarentaise Valley.

The main off-piste area is the 'Glacier de la Chiaupe', more commonly known as the Bellecôte Glacier. The most famous runs are on the north face. The easiest is the Petit Face Nord, which is easily accessible from the Traversee chairlift. The next step, involving a hike up, is the Couloir Canadian.

Avalanches are common on the glacier and parts are very steep so as with most off-piste, a professional mountain guide is highly recommended – this will not only ensure your safety but will also allow you to experience the very best off-piste areas that La Plagne and the Paradiski ski areas have to offer.

Champagny ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ Champagny ski hire and/or Champagny lift pass with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.

Champagny group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 12 years in Champagny with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 9 years+. Option for children to have meal and childcare with their ski lessons, please enquire.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Champagny private lessons (not pre-bookable)

Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.

Contact ESF Champagny for private lessons - 0033 479 55 06 40

Champagny childcare (not pre-bookable)

Childcare from 3 years-6 years (non-skiers)

The Creche "Cabris" takes care of your children situated in a secure and safe environment especially designed for toddlers. Our team of professionals specialise in early years childcare and will provide care and fun for your child. They can enjoy indoor games and activities and enjoy the fresh air of the mountain without skis. The nursery is closed on Saturday.

The Cabris daycare center is composed as follows:

• a large room with a "play area" and a secure "baby area",
• a changing room-toilet,
• a kitchen,
• a dining area,
• 2 x dormitories,
• an outdoor play area (depending on weather conditions).

Please contact Cabris direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 55 05 37

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top snow activities to experience in La Plagne

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

La Plagne as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.

There are more activities in Les Arcs also, which can be accessed by car or using the Vanoise Express on skis.

AEROLIVE!
La Plagne's exclusive new experience, the only one of its kind in the world. From summer 2024, treat yourself to a sensational aerial ascent on the Glaciers gondola. Two cable cars, named "L'ACROBATE" (Acrobat) and "LA FUNAMBULE" (Tightrope walker) replace the classic cable cars to take the daring among you to the summit. Open to the elements, they'll transport you to the heart of the mountains while offering you an exceptional unobstructed panoramic view (no windows in the gondola, you are secured into the gondola by ropes). Departure from Roche de Mio. Takes 30 minutes including briefing and cabin ride. Capacity 6 persons and minimum height is 1.40m.

Ice tower (24m high)
In the valley of Champagny le Haut (1500m), the natural waterfall freezes due to the very cold conditions. It´s the favourite "playground" of climbers from December to March. The ice is created by water spraying: shaping and maintenance are easy due to the ideal site conditions, low sunlight and very low temperatures. Several routes with various angles offer multiple reliefs and difficulties, for beginners as well as experienced climbers or for competition.

Bobsleigh track
The impressive Olympic Bobsleigh Track was built in La Plagne (Montalbert) when Albertville hosted the 16th Winter Olympics in 1992. It is still used today for European and World events and is not surprisingly one of La Plagne's most popular attractions. This amazing track is 1.5km long, has 19 bends and is located just below Plagne 1800. There are 3 different options of excitement for you:

• Bob Raft – is a bob for 4 people and requires no driver as it has automatic steering and braking. It reaches 80km/hour. Minimum height: 1.30m. 
• Mono Bob - no driver, no one else, just you and the ride of your life! You are in a semi-horizontal position and fly down the track at approximately 90km/hour.
• Taxi Bob – this bob is for 3 people and a professional driver will get you up to a speed of more than 100km/hour. This is similar to the competition bobsleigh. 

Tickets can be purchased at the track, from the ESF ski school or at the tourist office.

Night hikes with snowshoes
Night hikes followed by a Savoyard meal (fondue, meat, salad and dessert) at the refuge of le Bois. Accompanied by an instructor who is a mine of local information, during your walks you'll find out a fascinating amount about the nature and history of the area.

Dog sledging
Dog sledging on the valley of Champagny-le-Haut. One sledge, from 1 to 4 pers., 9 dogs, duration: 30 minutes (20/25 mins ride). Booking at the tourist office

Sledging area (Champagny-le-Haut)
The sledging area is located at the departure of the ski runs (Nordic area). It is safe daily maintained.

Sledging area (La Plagne)
Sledging in Paradise! One mile sledge run with the most spectacular view on the highest mountain in Europe: Le Mont-Blanc.

Trikke in La Plagne
Get ready to live one piece of news experience on the snow thanks to really easy handling. After some simple instructions on the use of Skki, you will be ready to slide quite freely on this new machine which does not leave indifferent. Easy to check, within 30 minutes you will be able to slalom and to take advantage completely of your stay in the winter sports!!

Champagny Snowshoe Walks
Between the hamlet "La Couaz" and "Laisonnay", going through the hamlets "Le Bois" and "Friburge". The itinerary goes along the cross-country slope or in the forest. Leaving from Champagny le Bas: 3 pedestrian walks or snowshoe routes (depending on snow conditions). 1 route to the top of the cable car, near the ski area, accessible with a pedestrian pass. The Nordic domain of Champagny le Haut: pedestrian routes and snowshoe routes open to the public.

Over the Moon - once in lifetime experience
"This is the tale of a snow groomer that could no longer be used for grooming". A facelift later, it has been transformed into a place to stay… with a queen-size bed, glass roof and dimmed pink lighting, coffee maker, heating, mini-bar, home cinema - it climbs the slopes with its loving couples on board. Its destination is the top of the Arpette, at some 2385m altitude, overlooking Mont Blanc. Over the Moon stops just next to a (covered) hot tub. Champagne and macaroons are included as well as a love box. Don’t try and find this anywhere else, it simply doesn’t exist!

Top activities to experience in La Plagne

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

La Plagne as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.

There are more activities in Les Arcs also, which can be accessed by car or using the Vanoise Express on skis.

Paragliding (two-seater paragliding flight)
Try a different alpine winter sport and experience a new activity, sensations are guaranteed. Offer a unique original gift, accessible to everyone. Fly over the Champagny ski domain with your instructor, a professional pilot passionate about flying.

Swimming pool
The heated swimming pool is equipped with a removable roof. You can admire the view of the church and the surrounding mountains at the time of sunset.

Champagny The Museum of Glacier
The secrets of mountain glaciers revealed… this interpretation centre, located in the old presbytery at Champagny le Haut, can be found in a beautiful listed valley right at the foot of the glaciers.

Champagny Walks
Around the village of Champagny, 4 marked walks for pedestrians (according to snow conditions) through the forest overhang the village or till the end of the valley, are an opportunity to go off in nature. In the valley of Champagny le Haut: an itinerary for pedestrians, along which exploration signs to give you information about fauna, flora, geology. The path follows the cross-country slopes.

La Plagne news

What's new for the 2024/25 season:

• AEROLIVE! La Plagne's exclusive new experience, the only one of its kind in the world. From summer 2024, treat yourself to a sensational aerial ascent on the Glaciers gondola. Two cable cars, named "L'ACROBATE" (Acrobat) and "LA FUNAMBULE" (Tightrope walker) replace the classic cable cars to take the daring among you to the summit. Open to the elements, they'll transport you to the heart of the mountains while offering you an exceptional unobstructed panoramic view (no windows in the gondola, you are secured into the gondola by ropes). Departure from Roche de Mio. Takes 30 minutes including briefing and cabin ride. Capacity 6 persons and minimum height is 1.40m,
• "Le Lounge", open to visitors at 2,800m at the top of Roche de Mio, this new heated picnic room has comfortable modern furniture with incredible views,
• 2 dedicated "LA PAUSE" picnic areas at the top of the mountain with tables, deckchairs and mobile phone charging points,
• Roche de Mio gondola project - redevelopment of the Roche de Mio gondola with opening
  planned for December 2025. The plan is to remove the existing Roche de Mio gondola from Belle Plagne to Roche de Mio, keeping just the section between Plagne Bellecôte and Belle Plagne. Construction of a new gondola following a different line: starting from Plagne Bellecôte (1,930 m) passing through an intermediate station at Col de Forcle (2,273 m) and arriving at Roche de Mio (2,739 m). The capacity will raise to 10 seats and journey time cut in half to 7-9 mins,
• Chalet du Bresson restaurant - completely renovated by the La Plagne Tarentaise commune, management of the Chalet du Bresson has been taken over by a team of 3 highly motivated friends. The setting combines modernity with old-style cachet, so the olden-day objects, including the wood stove that hums at the back of the room. Ideally located at the crossroads to a number of hiking trails. 

La Plagne events

Events taking place in the 2024/25 season:

• Junior Luge World Cup 3rd-7th December 2024: in Plagne Montalbert. A 2030 Olympic site, France’s only bobsleigh track will be continuing its tradition of hosting top-level international competitions,
• Ice Climbing World Cup 31st January-2nd February 2025: in Champagny. The 22m-high ice tour in Champagny-en-Vanoise is one of a kind in Europe. It also has a dry tooling route so the world’s elite can compete with their ice axes and crampons,
• 40th Altigliss Student Ski and Snowboard World Cup 15th-22nd March 2025: Every
  winter, the event brings together over 1,000 participants of 30 nationalities from 45 international schools and universities, with a single aim: to promote winter sports to students from all over Europe,
• La Mega Bell Course 14th-19th April 2025: The concept is a competition unlike any other, with 5 completely crazy races that are both fun and challenging.

La Plagne apres-ski, bars & restaurants

The range of bars and restaurants is surprisingly large in between all levels of the resorts of La Plagne. There is a free bus system between the core villages - also seconded by lifts - that run until after midnight.

Mountain Restaurants
You are completely spoilt for choice of mountain restaurants in the Paradiski ski area. There is an impressive total of nearly 40: 18 in La Plagne, 13 in Les Arcs, 2 in Peisey-Vallandry, 4 in Champagny and 1 in Montalbert.

Why not try the famous Folie Douce in Arc 1800 for a different kind of dance scene. This branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2019, introducing the chain’s trademark Austrian-style afternoon party scene. You will find 7 other Folie Douce in the French Alps - Val d'Isere opened in 1976, Val Thorens in 2009, Meribel in 2012, Alpe d'Huez in 2013, St Gervais/Megeve in 2014, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018. Ski and pedestrian access by the Villards gondola for Les Arcs FD (free for pedestrians), La Folie Douce is on the left at the finish line. Last descent at 7pm (8pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Please note, to get back to La Plagne you need to take the Vanoise Express and then lifts (or maybe a bus) back to your accommodation so please check last lift/bus times!

Champagny Amenities

Champagny is served by a range of amenities including supermarket, bakery, laundry, dry-cleaners, petrol station, newsagents, craft shop, post office, cash point and post office. There's also a medical centre, dentist, chemist, physiotherapist, bank, at Bozel (5km). 

Getting to Champagny, France

By road:
Our holidays include a return FlexiPlus Eurotunnel LeShuttle. Accommodation only and ferries can also be arranged. Listen to Autoroute FM (107.7 FM) for traffic news in English.

Calais to Champagny 600 miles (9hrs 10) Motorway A26/A5/A31/A39/A40/A42 following signs for Turin. Then A432 signposted Aeroport de Lyon Exupery followed by A43 signposted Chambery. Exit junction 14 Chambery (aeroport). Follow A41/A43 signposted Turin then A430 in the direction of Tarentaise. Leave motorway after Albertville onto D915 signposted Moutiers to Bozel then follow signs to Champagny.

By air:
4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).

Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to La Plagne is roughly 73 miles, approximately 1hr 30
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to La Plagne is roughly 125 miles, approximately 2hrs 15
Geneva Airport to La Plagne is roughly 125 miles, approximately 2hrs 20
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to La Plagne is roughly 114 miles, approximately 2hrs 10 mins

Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.

The nearest train station is Aime la Plagne.

Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.

La Plagne opening dates

See resort opening information