Which resort in La Plagne

Hi there

I think I have decided to go to La Plagne next year 2010. Probably around March time. We are NOT going in school holidays so can go pretty much anytime. there are 2 adults and 2 children ages (9 and 11) - a bit worried about going in January as I think it might be too cold for the kids, wanted to avoid February with school holidays, so thought March would be best. Is early March or late March best?

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of the right resort.

Here are a list of things we would like but obvisouly we will have to compromise on some things.

1. Near a supermarket. We are going self catering (unless we can get half board for same price) so we really need to be close to a supermarket (although we will have a hire car).
2. ski in - ski out (but will this be possible with a car? dont really know how it works. possibly down a blue run (hubby and kids have one weeks ski school under their belts so could manage a red at a push). if not ski in ski out, then very close to the lifts.
3. nightlife - dont really need any but something for kids to do on a couple of the nights would be good ie sledging,swimming.

not sure if i am expecting too much. or even if it is the best place for us. These things are just trial and error. Basically we are looking for nice easy cruisy runs, nothing too difficult (especailly as hubby thinks his achilles tendon is going to snap - left foot went a couple of years ago playing footy so dont want runs that are too vigourous).

The other place I have been looking at is Grand Massif. In particular, Flaine. Does this offer more or less the same as La Plagne? Our main requirements are nice easy varied cruises and accomodation close to the slopes.
WE are probalby going to book this DIY or should we go the TO way?

Very grateful for your help.

Was in Sainte Foy at the end of January and the weather was perfect, cold was not an issue (-10 or something was the lowest temperature experienced).

We did flights+transfers+accommodation (full chalet board, unlimited wine and beer) +lift pass for about £550. Probably spent £600 for the whole week in total. Remember in the same area you have Les Arc/La Rosiere/Tignes/Val d'Isere!

With your criteria, I would head for Belle Plagne over Grand Massif. All of La Plagne has lots of easy cruising slopes, and it's possible to visit the other villages in the system without tackling steep slopes, or getting on a bus.
Most folks visiting Belle Plagne use the underground pay car park built into the complex, you won't need your car at all, so consider if the cost of hiring one is the best option, or maybe go T.O. The car park has connections to most of the apartments/chalets/hotels in Belle Plagne without going outside. It's a self contained resort with a supermarket/bars/hire shops etc, and is connected to Plagne Bellecote by gondola until usually 1am IIRC. IMHO it's got the best architecture of the purpose built villages in the system, and it's very snowsure.

Hi Caron,

I have only been to La Plagne twice but I would highly recommend Belle Plagne. Many of the buildings are right on the Piste and it is around 2000m so the snow is always good. Also it is much newer than most of the rest of La Plagne so is much prettier.

From what you have said I think you will really enjoy La Plagne.

Have a look at my pics from this Feb


http://www.pbase.com/mike3000/montchavin

karen
I went to La Plagne for the first time in April there and really enjoyed it-we stayed in Plagne 1800 which was mainly catered chalets but had a nice winding road going down through the village-a Spar half way down a great couple of bars right outside the beginers kiddies slopes-la mine and another one-cant remeber the name!
Aime la Plagne has loads of self catered appartments but is rather an eyesore and I agree you would be better up in Belle Plagne-loads of new chalets appartments JUST been built there but not sure about supermarkets etc-must be one somewhere though!
Runs-wise sounds like you will be very happy, all very medium difficulty cruisy blues with lots of width but one or 2 challenging ones and some hidden gems!-see my other thread for photos and other banter
(wouldnt go to Sainte Foy-friends parents have a chalet there and its pretty tough i hear-great off piste though)
Youll have a great time in La Plagne!

Stayed at Plagne 1800 and would recommend Belle Plagne )

Another vote for Belle Plagne - great for ski in ski out onto the blue run which goes right through the village. We went in January a couple of years ago and spent most lunchtimes and last run of the day get-togethers, slobbed out in deckchairs in the sun! Stayed in Plagne 1800 a few Easters ago (April) and the runs were very slushy in the afternoon with lots of bare patches on the lower runs, which meant some of the really low villages couldn't be skied to.
Very big ski area with lots of variety and you can get over to Les Arcs on the Vanoise Express which is worth doing.

And another vote for Belle Plagne - we stayed in Le Soleil, about a mile from Plagne Centre - skied over to Belle Plagne via Bellecott - will stay there when I go back. It was my first ever week of skiing and there were plenty of runs within my capability across much of the La Plagne area. We went in the first week of March 2007 - snow conditions were perfect and temperatures were comfortable.