The area has two main types of lift pass: the full-area Paradiski Pass and the local La Plagne Pass. The Paradiski Pass links to the neighboring resort of Les Arcs, giving you access to an enormous ski area of 264 miles (425 km). The La Plagne Pass covers the various villages and pistes on the La Plagne side of the ski area only and it works well for beginner skiers. The Paradiski pass is the more popular as it allows you to explore the area and the neighboring resorts without having to worry if you’ve ‘crossed a border’.
Children under 5 years and adults over 75 years are free but you will need to show proof of age to get these passes. These passes need a photo (though this can be taken at the lift office counter) and there is a 3 euro charge for the ‘hands-free card’. There are discounts for families based on 2 adults and a minimum of 2 children and for 2 or more passes bought for 6 days+ for the same ski area.
In Plagne Bellecote and Belle Plagne, you will find nursery slopes with magic carpet lifts that don’t require a lift pass. These areas are signposted as the beginner area and are sloped at a nice, gentle gradient to help get you started. There are also five free lifts in Montchavin Les Coches.
There are pedestrian lift passes that are available for single journeys to seven days. The seven-day La Plagne pedestrian passes don’t include access to the Vanoise Express.
For most of the cross-country skiing, you don’t need a lift pass although you may need to use the shuttle bus to get to the trail areas. There is one track where you will need a pass – the Champagny track which is the longest and hardest track in the resort.
You can add ski insurance to your lift pass to cover you in case of accidents but you do need to check against your holiday insurance to see if you need this additional coverage.