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Travel guide – la plagne

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Overview

La Plagne is a vast ski resort with an enormous vertical drop of 6,562ft (2,000m), double that of Aspen for example. One of Europe's largest resorts, La Plagne is made up of 10 different 'villages', six purpose built and four traditional that are connected by public conveyances and a lift system. As such it can boast the largest ski area of any single resort in the world, and its linked trail system (Paradiski) with Les Arcs means there are now 261 miles (420km) of trails and 144 ski lifts. This high altitude resort centres on apartment life; there are few hotels and its convenience makes up for its lack of charm. The highest complex at Aime La Plagne is 6,890ft (2,100m) is considered to be the most convenient with many of the best apartments, while the lowest mountain village, at 5,906ft (1,800m), is the neo-Savoyard Plagne 1800. The largest complex with the liveliest atmosphere is the original Plagne Centre, one of the first villages in Europe to be built catering specifically for the skiing season. The lifts are near to the accommodation and you can generally ski to your door. For beginners and intermediates, this is the best of the European ski resorts.

Shopping

Each complex of the purpose-built sections of La Plagne has apartments, with stores and ski shops all interconnected by tunnels and walkways. The underground passages are reminiscent of a subway shopping mall and shoppers will find clothes and accessories, bookshops, gifts, jewellery and handicrafts.

Restaurants

There are more than 50 restaurants to choose from in the resort, most of them in Plagne Centre.

Nightlife

There are several nightclubs in the resort, as well as cafes and coffee houses that offer live music, karaoke and concerts.

Activities

Besides the fantastic skiing and snowboarding, other activities include ice skating, dog sled rides, an Olympic bobsleigh piste, ice climbing, a night skiing slalom stadium, cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Hang gliding and paragliding are also available. Some complexes offer outdoor heated pools, fitness centres, ten-pin bowling and electronic golf.

Climate

The French Alps offer lots of sunshine, but cold weather from November to April when the ski season is in full swing. The resorts are generally high and the snow is excellent, although the weather is relatively mild in comparison to the North American resorts. During the summer months the cool, sunny weather attracts hikers and climbers, particularly from July to September when the weather has settled and the high snows have melted.

Health

French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it. There have been increased reports of hantavirus (caused by rodents) in the Ardennes, Aisne and Jura regions. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travellers, but close contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.