Ski-concierge La Plagne ski report day 3

After a heavy nights snow (and drinking) we dragged ourselves out of bed a little later than usual. At first glance it seemed like perhaps the perfect day, with at least 10cm of snow overnight and clear blue skies, however soon enough the cloud moved over leaving a somewhat duller day. Quite a few runs were closed due to the avalanche risk being at 4, including the Glacier de la Chiaupe and all the runs from the top of Cretes lift. The Avalanchers were out in force throughout the day ensuring that the pistes that were open were safe to use.

Once we had finally managed to get out of the UCPA we discovered fantastic conditions on and off piste. Due to the amount of snow overnight many runs were left unpisted so great for enjoying the powder. We started off heading down to the 1800 lift on our way towards La Roche. From the top of 1800 we took the Corne Gidoulle blue which swept through the forest down to La Roche, from there we took the La Roche chairlift up and then the Emille Ailais red run back down to La Roche again. This run was unpisted and was an absolutely fantastic run down, so much so we got back on the La Roche chairlift and did it again!! This red is fantastic for improvers as some parts were steep and challenging, excellent progression onto blacks.

We then decided (probably due to our hangovers) that we should head down towards Plagne Montalbert to have an earliesh lunch. After our third trip up La Roche chairlift (which by the way is a 6 seater speedy lift), we headed down the Corne Guidoulle blue and onto the Adrets chairlifts, from there we skied down the Fornelet red into Plagne Montalbert.

The runs into Plagne Montalbert were really lovely, and empty too. A great spot for getting away from the crowds it seems. It’s a lovely little resort at 1250 with good connections up to La Plagne. It’s very traditional and has several restaurants and bars, ski school and a good nursery ski area. We had a fantastic pizza a piste side restaurant, it was very reasonable at 9-12euros each. After lunch we went up the Montalbert then Fornelet chairs and then needing some warming up we skied down the Pralloud long unpisted winding blue through the woods with some great powder.

Later in the afternoon, with the skies clearing to leave a lovely clear sky, we headed up the Becoin chairlift to do the unpisted Sardane red run, having had a great time skiing down the powdery moguls, we did it once more for good measure and then headed up the Z button and then the Verdons Nord, which was quite a slow, though sheltered chairlift. From here we went down the Les Verdons blue run which again was unpisted and absolutely fantastic powder all the way down. It being pretty chilly and 4.30 we decided to call it quits and head in for a hot chocolate in La Maison bar, and what fantastic hot chocolates they do, I’d definitely recommend a visit.

Photo’s © Arthur Bullard