After-dark activities in La Plagne
For many, completing the last run of the day leads to a well-deserved après-ski drink and a bit of a boogie in the local bar. However, as the sky darkens in the French ski resort of La Plagne, a selection of other possibilities come to light. Whether it be sliding down the slopes wearing head-torches, flying through the mountains on zip wires, cosying up in the Hot Igloo, or tucking into delicious Savoyard-style food at altitude, take a look at these exciting after-dark activities…
Slide down the slopes on a Superluge sledge
When the last skier has left the mountain, don a head lamp, board a Superluge sledge and, with an instructor, head downhill from Plagne Aime, at 2,000 m, to La Roche at 1,550 m – a 1.5 hour, 5 km descent – for an unforgettable après-ski sledge ride. At the end, enjoy a warming mug of chocolat chaud or a smooth vin chaud. The Superluge experience is available from Tuesday to Saturday throughout the winter season, and costs from €27 / £20 pp for the 90-minute descent, starting at 5 pm (minimum age 14). For more information, visit la-plagne.com.
Fly through the mountains on new zip wires
Eightnew zip wires, from 50 m to 200 m in length, have been installed and run from Belle Plagne to Plagne-Bellecôte, two of La Plagne's high-altitude villages. Make the most of this new area, which comes complete with spider nets, wooden bridges and a final nine-metre base jump. The wires will be open all winter and offer a fun, new slope-side activity, and a different take on traditional après-ski events. Open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, a 90-minute session on the zip wires costs from €19 / £14 per child and €27 / £20 per adult (minimum height 1m 30). For more information, visit elpro.fr.
Cosy up in a Hot Igloo
Fancy a change of scenery? Spend the night in a 'Hot Igloo', in La Plagne's Igloo Village (situated at over 2,100 m). Designed for those who prefer warmth to ice, the Hot Igloo is an insulated and spacious white bubble tent, with a double bed and a wood burner. Enjoy an indulgent fondue before snuggling up under the stars, appreciating the captivating views over majestic Mont Blanc. Dinner, bed and breakfast in the Hot Igloo costs from €199 / £152 pp per night. For more information, visit blacksheep-igloo.com.
Tuck into a different type of cheesecake
Known for its first-class Savoyard-style cuisine, and delicious Tartiflette cake, head to Le Forperet – an altitude restaurant in Plagne Montalbert – for a night to remember. Tuck into a selection of tasty treats throughout the evening, before donning head torches and returning to the village by 'snakegliss' (a series of sledges that fit together to form a snake, designed to seat groups of families or friends) with an instructor. The evening costs from €45 / £34 pp and includes free transport to Le Forperet, dinner, and return by 'snakegliss' (minimum height 1m 30). Experience on demand, minimum of six people needed. For more information, visit forperet.com/.
Looking for a traditional experience? Better make it Bar La Mine
For an 'old-fashioned' après-ski session, saunter off the slopes and into this impressive underground lair in Plagne 1800. True to its name, Bar La Mine comes complete with mining carts for tables and multiple mining props, including an array of excavating tools and a fake train track, all of which add to its character. Open from 4 pm on weekdays and from 2 pm at weekends, make the most of the two happy hours (4-6:30 pm and 8:30-9:30 pm) and varied live music performances. Enjoy a glass of white wine, or an ice-cold beer, from €3 / £2.20 pp. For more information, visit bar-lamine.fr/.
One week's self-catering accommodation in La Plagne costs from €215 pp / £164 pp (four sharing) including a six-day lift pass. Return flights (London-Geneva) currently cost from approx. £38 pp with easyJet. Call La Plagne on +33 (0)4 79 09 79 79 (la-plagne.com) for accommodation bookings and advice.
