This winter, La Plagne is embracing its future while honoring its past. From reimagined landmarks and innovative technology to bold cultural experiences, the resort is rolling out some of its most exciting upgrades in decades. The 2025–26 ski season, running from 13 December 2025 to 25 April 2026, marks a new chapter for one of France’s most beloved alpine destinations.
A Game-Changing Gondola: Roche de Mio Returns
The beating heart of La Plagne’s ski area is back, fully reimagined. The new Roche de Mio Gondola, centerpiece of a modernized lift link from Plagne Bellecôte to the summit at Live 3000 (3,080 m), promises speed, comfort, and connectivity.
- Opening: December 2025
- Capacity: 10-person cabins, carrying 3,140 skiers per hour
- Journey time: Just 7–9 minutes from Plagne Bellecôte to Roche de Mio
- New mid-station at Col de Forcle: linking Champagny-en-Vanoise, Plagne Bellecôte, and Roche de Mio with ease
Together with the recent redevelopment of the Live 3000 high-altitude area, this investment ensures La Plagne’s lift network is futureproof, efficient, and designed with skiers in mind.
Innovation Meets Safety: The ‘Guardian Angel’ Drone
La Plagne is raising the bar for mountain safety with the arrival of a DJI drone nicknamed the Guardian Angel. Equipped with thermal cameras and AI, the drone can:
- Detect avalanches
- Scan danger zones
- Guide rescue teams in minutes
Four patrollers trained for a year to master the system, which is already proving invaluable both on the slopes and in year-round maintenance.
Adventures for Young Skiers: Guided Off-Piste
For teens and young adults ready to explore beyond the pistes, La Plagne’s ESF is offering guided off-piste sessions. With expert instructors, full avalanche training, and equipment included, skiers from strong intermediates to experts can dive into the powder confidently. Prices start at €80.
A Legendary Hotel Reborn: Welcome to PopAlp
La Plagne’s oldest hotel, the Christina (1961), has been reborn as PopAlp Hotel 4*. The Cîmehotel group brings its bold, pop-art inspired design—already a hit in Alpe d’Huez—to Plagne Centre. Think:
- Balconies decked out with rainbow-hued retro skis
- Pop art murals, sculptures, and bespoke artworks
- 50 rooms and 7 apartments, each individually designed
- Retro-chic brasserie The Pop
With rates from €250 per night (B&B), PopAlp is more than a stay—it’s part of the story of your trip.
Beyond the Slopes: Fresh Experiences for Winter 25–26
- Paradiski Comedy Club (14–28 February 2026): The world’s first aerial stand-up show transforms the Vanoise Express cable car into a stage suspended 380 m above the valley. Four minutes, one comedian, French or English—it’s comedy on a whole new level.
- Silent Nights, Electric Rides: Local operator Elpro introduces six sleek, fume-free electric snowmobiles. From €150 per vehicle.
- Gourmet Snowshoe Hikes: Set out from Montchavin–Les Coches, hike under the stars, and finish with a Savoyard feast at Chalet du Plan Bois. €110 per person.
Olympic Legacy, Olympic Future
La Plagne’s 1992 Olympic bobsleigh track is gearing up for a second Olympic chapter as part of the JOP Alpes 2030. Renovations focus on sustainability—reducing energy use and emissions—while preserving its status as one of the world’s great winter sports venues.
And for New Year’s Eve? The legendary Red Pompom Night returns on 31 December 2025 after a five-year hiatus, bringing lights, music, and dancing to ring in 2026.
Greener Ways to Arrive
La Plagne is championing low-carbon travel. This season, the Travelski Express sleeper train returns to the Alps for the first time since 2016. Running between Paris and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, it offers 660 berths, a restaurant car, private cabins, and even women-only spaces. Operating 14 rotations between 19 December 2025 and 20 March 2026, it’s part of La Plagne’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
A Resort with Many Faces
Today, La Plagne encompasses 11 unique sites—seven purpose-built high-altitude resorts and four traditional villages nestled at 1,250 m. With 225 km of pistes (60% green and blue) and access to the 425 km Paradiski area shared with Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, the variety is endless. Beyond skiing, guests can try:
- The Olympic bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track
- Ice climbing, Nordic skiing, and paragliding
- Dog sledding, horse-drawn sleighs, or spa indulgence
Where to Stay
| Preference | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Luxury & Spa | CGH White Pearl Lodge & Spa |
| Design-Forward Family Stay | Araucaria Hotel & Spa |
| Central Ski‑in/Ski‑out | Manaka Residence, Hotel Carlina |
| Spacious Chalets/Groups | Cassiopee Apartment |
Pro Tips:
- Book Early: Popular weeks—Christmas, New Year’s, February holidays—fill up fast.
- Know Your Transfer Options: Aime–La Plagne station is served by TGV and Eurostar, making train access convenient.
