Christmas in the mountains

December 25th in La Plagne is an enchanting day, and every activity appeals to the child in every tourist! As the day progresses, the resort's slopes are filled with attractive characters. On the Funslope, at the top of the Arpette chairlift, Father Christmas awaits those who have been good this year. The white-bearded gentleman has a photo opportunity on the slope, which is littered with jumps, speed spikes, tunnels and sound effects, before setting off on his world tour of the chimneys.

Christmas means chocolates! On the Piste Mauve, keep your fingers crossed for a chance to meet Lila, the Milka cow, who'll be handing out chocolates between two moments on the slopes. A Christmas photo on Santa's lap or next to the Milka cow? It's up to you to decide how sweet your photo album should be!

For pedestrians, Father Christmas comes to meet travellers at the snow fronts of the resorts, accompanied by his elves. If you weren't lucky enough to get a chocolate from the Lila cow, Father Christmas may be able to offer you a wrapper.

Great freedom and maximum closeness to nature: that's the image of majestic sled dogs. At La Plagne, you can enjoy a family outing in the snow, pulled by a dozen or so dogs. From one to four people, depending on whether or not there are children present, an introduction to this unforgettable activity is the perfect way to mark Christmas Day.

With your mind travelling to Alaska, Lapland or Greenland and sitting on reindeer skins, the ride at the pace of the dogs and the musher seems timeless. The professional accompanies the baptism with explanations of the dogs' lifestyle and character. Meet up on the Longefoy plateau, below the La Plagne ski resorts.

For more motorised thrills, there are also companies offering snowmobile rides from several resorts. Between the bobsleigh run, the Colorado Luge and these machines from the far north, La Plagne is full of out-of-the-ordinary machines!

At the foot of the Christmas tree

Latecomers can take a few moments to browse the shops in La Plagne and find the perfect gift. For those with a sweet tooth, there's plenty of choice when it comes to food! In terms of cheeses, Reblochon, Tomme, Beaufort and Abondance are the region's must-tries. For those with a sweeter palate, blueberry or milk jam is a perfect daily treat. Génépi liqueur, with its pronounced herbal flavour, is the most typical of Savoyard digestifs, but should of course be drunk in moderation!

Many gifts that last longer are also emblematic of this mountain region. Woolen slippers, for young and old alike, are perfect for keeping the warmth of the Savoyard spirit alive in all circumstances. Lovers of cooking and utensils are always delighted to be offered the classic Opinel pocket knife. Make your choice (quickly), to cover the last empty spaces at the foot of the Christmas tree!

Traditional entertainment

The La Plagne teams adapt the programme every year, to continue to surprise regular visitors. Shows with enchanting themes to lull the little ones to sleep throughout the week, dance demonstrations and sculpture creations are often on the bill. But if there's one event that can't be changed, it's meeting Father Christmas!

Christmas activities take place throughout the week and even the month at La Plagne. A living nativity scene, a Christmas market in the village, encounters with marcottes, tea parties, elf hunts, challenges of all kinds, sports initiations, etc. are just some of the many activities already available on the resort.

Every week, the La Plagne resorts offer a torchlit descent by the ESF instructors, accompanied by the children who have taken the week's group lessons. It's a light show on the slopes, darkened by nightfall, and marks a key date in the week.

For Christmas, this show will be staged on 25 December, in the early evening, immersing spectators in the magical atmosphere of the most magical evening of the year! Streaks of light travelling from the top of the mountain combine with the twinkling stars of the festive Christmas night sky.

With mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand, the conviviality and spirit of the mountains are perfectly suited to end-of-year celebrations. Après-ski in the snow and mittens on warm the spirits of the lucky holidaymakers with their eyes wide open.

Generosity, rusticity and conviviality are the three perfect adjectives to describe a traditional Savoyard meal. At Chalet des Colosses, in Plagne Bellecôte, the promise is kept! In a setting where wood is king, from floor to ceiling, and where authenticity takes precedence over modernism, the guests of the day are always welcomed like old friends.

Savoyard cheese melted in a traditional appliance, accompanied by a platter of charcuterie and exceptional potatoes will delight raclette fans. Other fondues, pierrades and tartiflettes will join you at this generous Christmas table. A chocolate dessert is a must to keep with the theme!

Not to be underestimated, the menu offers vegetarian dishes and options. Located at the foot of the Colosses chairlift, the restaurant is also ideal in the middle of a ski session. In summer, mini-golf and table tennis are available, along with a sweet treat.

As the highlight of the evening, La Plagne organises a fireworks display in the heart of the resort. The lucky ones can stay warm and watch from their windows, while they unwrap their presents at the foot of the tree, while the others warm up with a hot drink in front of the fireworks display.

Finish the evening in a family atmosphere, with a board game or a Christmas film on the television. For those who want to extend their holiday, La Plagne also has a full New Year's Eve programme to enjoy with family and friends!