The La Plagne 1800 Guide: Everything You Need to Know for an Exceptional Stay
Welcome to what is, for us, the true emotional heart of the resort. La Plagne 1800, long nicknamed "Plagne Lauze," is unlike any other high-altitude resort in the Tarentaise valley. While La Plagne is often associated with its grand architectural structures of the 60s and 70s, the village of 1800 plays a different tune: one of authenticity, wood, stone, and perfect integration into the larch forest.
By choosing Chalet Dakota, you aren't just settling into a premium rental; you are joining an ecosystem where everything can be done on foot. This guide has been designed to offer you a panoramic view of our village, from its mining secrets to its most exclusive dining spots. Whether you are a dedicated skier looking for logistical efficiency or a family seeking serenity, La Plagne 1800 has the assets to satisfy every member of your group.
We stumbled upon La Plagne 1800 by chance ten years ago and immediately fell in love with the village's charm, its exceptional location at the heart of the La Plagne resort, and the down-to-earth nature of its locals.
1. The Soul of La Plagne 1800: Between Tradition and a Forest Setting
La Plagne 1800 occupies a unique place in the La Plagne constellation. While the high-altitude stations (Plagne Centre, Aime 2000) were designed as functional "snow liners," 1800 has prioritised gentle integration and the aesthetic of a village-resort.
Mining Heritage and Visual Unity
The development of the village, which began in 1982, took place on the former lands of silver-lead mines. This origin dictated a strong architectural choice: the extensive use of noble materials such as brushed wood, shale stone, and lauze.
Lauze—the flat stone characteristic of traditional Savoyard roofs—gives the village its historic nickname: "Plagne Lauze." It provides a rare visual unity, transforming every residence into a true Alpine refuge.
Architecture on a Human Scale
Unlike the vertical structures of its neighbours, La Plagne 1800 extends horizontally. Your view is never obstructed by concrete blocks. Here, residences rarely exceed three or four storeys, and individual chalets, such as Chalet Dakota, are the norm.
This controlled layout helps preserve the forest ecosystem. By staying here, you are living literally among the larches and spruces. In the evening, the atmosphere is hushed and almost secret, far from the urban bustle of the high-altitude shopping centres.
The Ultimate Alpine "Cocooning"
The charm of 1800 also lies in its topography. The village is made up of small hamlets linked by snowy paths and wooden staircases. It is a resort where you take the time to walk, breathe in the scent of wood smoke from the chimneys, and admire the north face of Bellecôte which towers over the village.
2. La Plagne 1800: Located at the Heart of La Plagne
A common misconception is thinking that moving away from Plagne Centre makes getting around more difficult. At 1800, the exact opposite is true. The resort was designed as an extremely efficient "soft mobility" platform.
Access to the Slopes:
From Chalet Dakota, accessing the ski area is disarmingly simple. By walking down the cul-de-sac for 150 metres, you arrive directly at the La Plagne 1800 snow front. From there, you have two options:
- The Plagne 1800 Chairlift: It whisks you toward the Roche de Mio sector and Belle Plagne.
- The Mélèzes Chairlift: Shorter and perfect for reaching the nursery slopes or crossing over to the Plagne Centre runs.
The Free Shuttle Network
La Plagne 1800 is at the heart of the resort's inter-village shuttle network. Our chalets are located approximately 250 metres on foot from the Rond-Point stop. This walk is along a flat path, with no tiring slopes after a day of skiing. This stop is strategic:
- To Plagne Centre: A 3-minute journey. Ideal for accessing the vast shopping gallery or the cinema.
- To Plagne Bellecôte: 2 minutes. This is the starting point for the glacier or for taking the Vanoise Express toward Les Arcs.
- Frequency & Hours: Buses run every 15 minutes, from 8:00 AM until midnight. This freedom allows you to dine in Plagne Centre and return home without worrying about driving your car.
The Secret Pedestrian Path
For forest walk enthusiasts, a small waymarked trail starts right behind the chalet. A 20-minute peaceful walk through the pine trees brings you to Plagne Centre. It is a magical route in the early morning or under the moonlight—perfect for a post-meal stroll or for admiring the resort lights from the forest.
While La Plagne 1800 provides all the essential services for your daily needs, we love to encourage our guests to take a little excursion to Plagne Centre. Just a 20-minute walk via the forest path, you can access a true concentration of Alpine craftsmanship: from local delicatessens to artisanal cheese shops, not forgetting the hidden home decor boutiques. It is the perfect route to pick up an authentic souvenir or to put together an exceptional gourmet apéritif back at our chalets.
3. The Best Dining Spots: Where to Eat in La Plagne 1800?
La Plagne 1800 has attracted a community of passionate restaurateurs. Here, the focus is on the quality of the ingredients rather than the number of covers. Here is our exclusive selection, tested and approved season after season.
Le Petit Chaperon Rouge: Culinary Excellence
This is undoubtedly the most prestigious table in the village, located at the bottom of the resort. The atmosphere is hushed and elegant, blending Savoyard tradition with subtle Corsican touches.
Why we love it: For the selection of exceptional meats cooked over an open wood fire and an absolutely remarkable wine cellar. It is the ideal address for a celebration or a romantic dinner. Please note, booking several days in advance is essential.
Le Loup Blanc: Family-Friendly Hospitality
Run by a dynamic and friendly team and open year-round, this restaurant offers excellent value for money at the bottom of the village.
The Dakota View: We go there for the classic Savoyard specialties (raclettes, fondues) but also for their generous French cuisine. It is the perfect spot when you want a "home away from home" welcome with the children.
O Tour du Grill: The View and the Fire Pit
Located right on the slopes but easily accessible on foot from the top of the village, this restaurant stands out for its magnificent sunny terrace with a stunning view of Mont Blanc.
The little extra: Grilling on the brasero (fire pit) which adds a unique flavor to every dish. It is the ideal spot for a lunch between two runs with a breathtaking Alpine panorama.
4. Bars and Après-Ski: The Spirit of Celebration
After the lifts close, La Plagne 1800 comes alive with a communicative energy. The Anglo-Saxon influence here is historical, guaranteeing authentic pub atmospheres.
- La Mine: This is the must-visit bar. Its decor pays tribute to the village’s mining past. With live music concerts almost every night, it is the place where the whole village gathers for a craft beer.
- La Cantine: More relaxed and located near the SPAR supermarket. It is the spot for a "snack & chill" après-ski: pizzas, burgers, nachos, and an impeccable playlist. A young and friendly atmosphere.
- La Bergerie: Located directly on the slopes (Plagne Village sector), it is famous for its festive afternoons with DJs and a VIP room. The major advantage? A blue run allows you to ski directly back from La Bergerie to within 150m of Chalet Dakota.
5. The Complete Guide to Shops and Services in La Plagne 1800
Despite its peaceful appearance, the village of La Plagne 1800 is entirely self-sufficient. Within a 5-minute walk of our chalets, you will find everything you need for smooth logistics without ever having to touch your car.
🛒 Food and Daily Life
- SPAR Supermarket: Located in the centre of the village. Well-stocked, it offers a delivery service, a rotisserie, and all everyday essentials.
- Les Délices de la Mère Boudu: Located 200m from the chalet. This is the must-visit spot for fresh bread, morning pastries, and a curated selection of local products (Beaufort cheese, cured meats, artisanal jams).
- Le Café Gourmand: A small boutique offering souvenirs and take-away snacks: roasted chicken, beer, crêpes, paninis, cookies, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more.
- Electric Vehicle Charging: 4 charging stations are available at the free car park located opposite Le Loup Blanc restaurant.
⛷️ Ski and Snowboard Equipment
La Plagne 1800 hosts major sports brands offering personalised services:
- Oxygène Ski Shop: Our preferred partner. They offer a delivery service for your skis and snowboards directly to the ski-room at Chalet Dakota (20% discount code available).
- Intersport Plagne 1800: Located on the snow front, offering a full range of gear and a high-performance repair workshop (20% discount code available).
- Decathlon Mountain / Skimium: Located in the characteristic wooden hut at the bottom of the path (3 min away). Ideal for Skimium rentals and purchasing technical Decathlon accessories at affordable prices. The only Decathlon in a ski resort in the world!
- Skiset Boudu: Located in the heart of the village, they offer expert advice for purchasing new or second-hand equipment.
🎫 Public and Administrative Services
All the essential services for your organisation are grouped on the snow front (300m from the chalet):
- Lift Pass Sales Point (Edelweiss Residence): The lift ticket offices are located at the foot of the Mélèzes chairlift. You can buy or collect your Paradiski skipasses here.
- Tourist Office / Information Point: Located opposite the SPAR supermarket. An essential stop for piste maps, updated shuttle schedules, and the entertainment programme.
- ESF Plagne 1800: The office and lesson meeting point (nursery/kindergarten) are on the snow front. Very convenient for dropping off the children in the morning.
- ATM (Cash Machine): Located at the top of the village, right next to the main road leading up from Aime-la-Plagne.
Map of services and shops in La Plagne 1800
There is no pharmacy in La Plagne 1800. The two nearest pharmacies are located in Plagne Centre (3 mins via free shuttle) or Plagne Bellecôte (3 mins via shuttle).
OTHER VILLAGES TO VISIT
- Belle Plagne (charm)
- Plagne Centre (shopping)
- Aime 2000 (architecture)
6. A Captivating History: The Village’s Working-Class Soul
It is fascinating to realise that where you ski today, men worked hard underground for decades. The history of La Plagne 1800 is inseparable from the silver-lead mines.
Mining operations began long before tourism. Until 1973, La Plagne 1800 was not a holiday destination, but a living hub for miners. The administrative buildings, the canteen, and the dormitories occupied the current site. This is why the village’s architecture is so clustered and consistent.
The famous La Roche Bobsleigh track, a legacy of the 1992 Winter Olympics, is deeply rooted in the history of the mines. To have some fun after their shifts, the miners would organise races on handmade sleds down the snowy road leading toward La Roche. This tradition of high-speed sliding remained anchored in the terrain, leading naturally to the selection of this site for the Olympic track.
The transformation into a ski resort only took place in 1982, making La Plagne 1800 one of the resort's newest villages, yet paradoxically the one with the oldest and richest historical past.
7. Organisation: Lift Passes and Information
To finalise your preparations, there are two essential points of contact within the village:
- The Lift Pass Sales Point: Located in the Edelweiss Residence, on the snow front (next to the Mélèzes chairlift). Open daily, it allows you to collect passes ordered online or purchase your Paradiski lift passes on-site.
- The Tourist Office (Information Point): Also located on the snow front, it provides piste maps, weekly entertainment programmes, and shuttle bus information.
- The ESF (French Ski School): Meeting points for beginner and children's lessons are located directly on the 1800 snow front, avoiding the stress of transporting the little ones to Plagne Centre in the morning.
The entire Chalet Dakota team is at your disposal to refine these tips and make your stay in La Plagne 1800 absolutely unforgettable.
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Check availabilityExpérience Dakota: Your Premium Rentals in La Plagne 1800
Much more than an anonymous chalet rental in La Plagne, Expérience Dakota is first and foremost a passion project run by private owners who love La Plagne. We have purchased and renovated our collection of retreats in Plagne 1800 as genuine family homes, a world away from standard hotel experiences. Whether you choose the flagship Chalet Dakota — which can host up to 15 guests — or one of our other gems in the heart of Paradiski, you will stay in a place with soul, designed for creating lasting memories with family and friends.
As dedicated owners, our priority is the complete success of your alpine getaway. Unlike a standardised mountain chalet rental, we pride ourselves on offering direct, personalised support. From preparing for your arrival to sharing insider tips on the resort's best-kept secrets, we share our local expertise with you. Choosing an Expérience Dakota chalet means enjoying the 5-star comfort of a prestige property with the warmth and responsiveness of a direct owner-to-guest welcome.
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