Dates for the diary and new activities in La Plagne this summer

It’s not all about just winter sports in the French Alps resort of La Plagne. Come summer, the mercury rises, alpine landscapes turn a vibrant shade of green and ski boots are set aside for hiking boots. La Plagne has a vast selection of events and activities on offer this summer, whether travelling solo or as a couple, with family or a group of friends. From tough trail-running challenges and cruising around the resort on e-bikes, to family festivals or simply soaking up the sunshine, scenery and fresh mountain air, there’s something for everyone.

Summer 2019 promises several NEW events and activities in La Plagne, as well as some popular favourites:

Dates for the diary:

NEW: Giant waterslide festival for children, 15-19 July in Plagne Montalbert

Families will love this festival created specifically with kids in mind, featuring a giant bouncy waterslide which is a whopping 125 metres long! There are also various live shows, skill games, a planetarium and science workshops such as rocket-making going on throughout the event, for children of all ages to enjoy. 15-19 July in Plagne Montalbert. Free of charge.

NEW: Dolce Vita Week, 29 July to 2 August in Plagne Montalbert

Put down your suitcase and relax, La Plagne will take care of the rest! This top-quality programme with an Italian ‘live the good life’ theme includes fitness sessions, hiking and the uniquely Italian practice of ‘farniente’ (put simply: doing nothing). 29 July to 2 August, Plagne Montalbert. Free of charge.

NEW: Pilates in a 1000-year-old basilica in Aime, July & August

The beautiful 11th century St. Martin’s Basilica in Aime plays host to a series of summer Pilates sessions. Work your core surrounded by spectacular southern Romanesque architecture, ancient carved stonework and Old Testament murals; afterwards, refuel at one of Aime’s fantastic Savoyard restaurants. 7 & 21 August. Cost: €6 / £5.30 pp.

NEW: Sensory trails through a Baroque church, July & August in Champagny en Vanoise

This summer, the church of Saint Sigismond in Champagny en Vanoise is offering sensorial guided tours, allowing visitors to experience Baroque art through sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch. Led by an art and history guide, gaze at art and antiques accompanied by the scent of incense and the soft tones of Baroque music. 15 & 29 July and 12 August. €5 / £4.40 pp.

30th anniversary of La 6000D ultimate trail running event, 26-28 July

Now in its 30th year, La 6000D is a well-known trail-running festival and a must-do for mountain runners. Eight races for all levels are organised over three days: from a family treasure hunt, to the star 6000D race itself – clamber up mountains, through forests and over streams on a 65 km course with 3,500 metres of elevation gain. As well as the organised races, La Plagne boasts 19 permanent marked trail runs, various easy walking routes, two steep ascents and a variety of itineraries, so all ages and abilities can experience trail running for themselves. 26-28 July. Many of the races are free, although the main 6000D event costs from €60 / £53 pp. For more information visit www.la6000d.com/en/.

Activities to enjoy:

NEW: Mountain Mario Karting for children 10+

Hurtle down the mountain on a three-wheeler Mario Kart with “Harley Davidson” style handlebars and a hydraulic braking system. Anyone aged 10-plus can take the chairlift to the top of the Mountain Kart slope at Plagne Bellecôte and become a budding Mario or Luigi. Drivers can also test its cousin, the Deval Kart, based in Plagne Montalbert, which has a braking system on the steering wheel and is accessible via drag lift to the top of the slope. Cost is €3 / £2.50 for one descent or €10 / £8.80 pp for four descents.

NEW: E-biking fun zones in Plagne Montalbert and Bellecôte

See more of the mountains this summer by taking an e-bike adventure in the French Alps. Firmly established as a key destination for electric mountain biking, La Plagne boasts 150 km of maintained, marked trails across the resort, with individual trails of between 13 and 23 km, and altitude gains of 155 m to 900 m, with the chance to spot ibex, chamois and golden eagles amidst pastures and forests. This summer there are three new ‘E-Spots’ across the resort – fun zones where cyclists can try new tricks and traverse raised turns, modules and jumps. E-bikes make mountain biking easier and can be hired from €65 / £57.50 pp, with children’s bikes from €33 / £29 pp per day. Access is free of charge.

Hiking, wildlife and remote refuges in the Vanoise National Park

The Vanoise National Park was established to protect the various species of wildlife that call this Tarentaise haven their home. With a third of France’s ibex population, marmots, chamois and ample birdlife, including golden eagles and bearded vultures, there is much to interest lovers of the outdoors. Take an alpine hike through rolling landscapes and charming mountain villages from Champagny en Vanoise, using the network of free trails suitable for all ages and abilities – from fun circuits for families, to rugged routes for experienced hikers. There are seven refuges across the resort in which to stay, offering rustic yet comfortable lodgings which will bring Heidi’s chalet to mind! Refuge accommodation starts from €16 / £14 pp per night (two sharing). 

Relax at a state-of-the art spa and pool

Champagny en Vanoise saw the opening of a 250 m² spa in summer 2018, featuring two saunas, Jacuzzi, steam room, Turkish bath, cold splash pool, relaxation room with ‘experience’ showers and treatment areas. After a day of energetic mountain hiking, treat those weary muscles to a relaxing spa session, as well as a swim in the newly-refurbished Piscine Municipale. Entrance to the spa and swimming pool costs from €14 / £12.40 pp for a one-day pass.

Return flights (London-Geneva) cost from £112 pp with easyJet. One week’s self-catering in Plagne Centre costs from €60 pp / £53 pp, based on four sharing a studio apartment.

For more information or to book any of the events or activities above visit www.la-plagne.com, or call La Plagne on +33 (0)4 79 09 79 79.

Note to Editors: For additional information, see the full summer 2019 press kit.

Press: For further information, high-resolution images, and press trip enquiries, please contact Kate Chapman or Lizzie Cooper at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.chapman@travelpr.co.uk or l.cooper@travelpr.co.uk.