Sport & Nature Activities in La Plagne: Your Summer at Chalet Dakota

1. Hiking: Exploring Massifs and Alpine Pastures

La Plagne offers a vast playground ranging from 1,250m to 3,417m in altitude. The geological diversity is fascinating: schist, cargneule, and limestone carve out a rich variety of landscapes.

The Bief Bovet Trail: A 13th-Century Heritage

Starting near the Bobsleigh track (Plagne 1800), this trail is a feat of historical engineering. You will walk alongside an irrigation stream ("bief") hand-dug by medieval farmers. Stretching across several relatively flat kilometres, 80 educational panels explain the history of water management. It is the perfect warm-up hike, shaded by stone pines before arriving to the nice Montalbert chalets.

Mont Jovet: The "Balcony" of the Tarentaise

For seasoned hikers, Mont Jovet (2,558m) is our absolute favourite. Departing from Aime 2000, this 11.4km loop (800m elevation gain) crosses marmot nesting grounds. At the summit, the 360° panorama takes in Mont Blanc, the Grand Bec, and the Meije. Insider Tip: Return via the ridges towards the Col du Becoin for a feeling of total freedom before heading back to the resort centre.

Lakes and Picnics: Lac Vert and Lac du Carroley

Lac Vert, located just across from Chalet Dakota, is reachable in 40 minutes. For a wilder experience, head for Lac du Carroley (starting from Belle Plagne). It is a "mirror" lake where the peaks are reflected with startling clarity. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck with the trout (permit required, available at Decathlon Aime).

2. Well-being & Relaxation: Absolute Rejuvenation in the High Mountains

After a day exploring the trails of Mont Jovet or a challenging mountain bike session on the Comanche, the body craves a transition to serenity. In La Plagne, the well-being offering is as impressive as its ski area: spectacular and deeply restorative.

The altitude (1800m - 2000m) naturally aids recovery, but it is the combination of heated water and expert treatments that transforms your stay at Chalet Dakota into a true rejuvenation retreat. Here is our exclusive selection of the best spas and swimming pools in the resort.

Deep Nature Spa Belle Plagne: The Temple of Relaxation (1,500 m²)

Located in Belle Plagne, just 10 minutes away by shuttle or via the Télébus from Plagne 1800, the Deep Nature Spa is one of the largest and most luxurious spas located in a large chalet in the French Alps. Designed with noble materials (stone, glass, wood), it offers a unique sensory experience.

• The Outdoor Aquatic Circuit: Bathe in 35°C water facing the peaks of the Vanoise. The outdoor whirlpools and hydromassage jets are an unforgettable experience, even (and especially) in summer.
• The Premium Area: An adults-only space featuring a bio-sauna, hammam, sensory showers, and a tea room with panoramic views.
• Signature Treatments: We recommend the Cinq Mondes treatments, particularly the "Grand Nord" massage, ideal for releasing muscle tension after a day on the mountain.

The "Magic Pool" at Plagne Bellecôte: Swimming Facing the Peaks

A true local institution, the heated outdoor pool at Plagne Bellecôte (Magic Pool) is very easily accessible from Chalet Dakota. With water maintained at 29°C, it allows you to swim proper laps while enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Owner's Tip: This is a favourite spot for families. While parents relax in the pool, children can enjoy the play area. At the end of the day, the low light hitting the ridges makes the moment truly magical.

3. Cycling & Mountain Biking: From Paradiski Trails to Tour de France Hairpins

La Plagne is a land of cycling in all its forms. Whether you are a fan of technical forest riding, an e-bike explorer, or a road purist in search of legendary mountain passes, the area offers a variety of terrain unique to Savoie. From Chalet Dakota in Plagne 1800, you are right in the heart of the action.

The La Plagne Bike Park: For Gravity Lovers

The Colorado and Bergerie sectors contain the bulk of the Downhill (DH) trails. The terrain here is perfectly shaped to offer both flow and technicality.

• Shoshone (Green): The perfect route for getting used to banked turns and working on your balance in a gentle environment.
• Comanche (Red): Our personal favourite. A playful trail with fluid sequences, well-crafted jumps, and clear escape routes to help you progress without the stress.
• X'Trem Canyon (Black): A steep and rocky track that demands precise line choice, reserved for expert riders only.

E-MTB: Limitless Exploration on the Balcony Trails

Electric Mountain Biking (E-MTB) has revolutionised access to the peaks. We particularly recommend the traverse towards Plan Bois via the Frasses balcony trail.

This fluid route, mostly through woodland, offers spectacular openings over the Haute-Isère valley. Dakota Tip: Push on to the village of Montchavin for a lunch break before heading back up effortlessly using the gondolas equipped with bike racks.

Road Cycling: The Climb to La Plagne, a Legendary Challenge

For keen road cyclists, staying at Chalet Dakota means living at the top of a Tour de France monument. The climb to La Plagne, with its 21 numbered hairpins (similar to Alpe d'Huez), is an "hors-catégorie" ascent tackled by the greatest names in cycling, from Stephen Roche to Miguel Indurain.

• The Profile: Starting from Aime, it is a 19km ascent with an average gradient of 7.5% to reach Plagne Centre (2000m). Passing through Plagne 1800, right in front of the chalet, marks the entry into the final, most exhilarating third of the climb.
• The Experience: The road is wide, the tarmac is excellent quality, and every bend offers a new perspective over the Beaufortain massif.
• Beyond La Plagne: The chalet is the ideal base camp for tackling neighbouring passes: the Cormet de Roselend or the Col de l'Iseran.

4. Height and Flight: Defying the Laws of Physics

Via Ferrata des Bourtes: Altitude in its Purest Form

Situated at an altitude of 2,540m, the Via Ferrata des Bourtes in Belle Plagne is a vertical adventure graded AD+ (Fairly Difficult+). It features two airy footbridges and, most notably, two giant 600m zip lines. It is one of the few via ferratas in France to offer such a high adrenaline-to-safety ratio. We highly recommend it to all our guests.

5. White Water Sports: The Isère, a World-Class River

The Isère is considered one of the finest rivers in Europe for rafting. Its flow is regulated by the Tignes dam, guaranteeing high-octane thrills throughout the summer.

Rafting: From the "Washing Machine" to the "Dessert d'Aime"

The full 18km run between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Centron is a must-do. You will navigate through the famous Gorges de la Pucelle, a narrow limestone canyon where the silence is broken only by the splash of paddles. Tackling the Machine à Laver (Washing Machine) rapids requires perfect coordination with your guide.

Hydrospeed and Canoe-Rafting

For those seeking direct contact with the water, hydrospeeding (white water sledging) lets you feel the power of the currents at eye level. It is a physically demanding activity that usually concludes with a tasting of local produce at the Aime water sports centre.

6. Trail Running: Find Your Lungs in the Land of Giants

La Plagne is not just a world-renowned ski resort; it is sacred ground for trail running. With its varied terrain, ranging from the dense woodlands of Montalbert to the lunar ridges of the Bellecôte Glacier, the area offers rare oxygenation and a privileged technical training ground for runners of all levels.

The 6000D: The Race of Giants

For over 30 years, at the end of July and beginning of August, La Plagne has hosted the legendary 6000D, one of Europe's most respected alpine trails. Nicknamed "The Race of Giants," its flagship 67km route with 3,400m of positive elevation gain (D+) is a true test of strength and resilience.

• The Route: The race traditionally starts amongst the apple trees in the valley before climbing to the chalets of Montchavin, then rising towards the high-altitude villages such as Montchavin and Champagny-en-Vanoise.
• The High Point: Reaching the summit of the glacier at 3,047m is the race's "moment of truth," offering runners a breathtaking panorama of Mont Blanc before a vertiginous descent.
• The Legacy: Even outside of race week, running sections of the 6000D is an experience we highly recommend to our guests to feel the aura of this historic challenge.

Twenty Permanent Routes and Expert Waymarking

Beyond the main event, La Plagne has established a network of twenty permanent trail routes, all precisely waymarked. Whether you are looking for a recovery loop or a long preparation run, the entire area is mapped out.

A detailed trail guidebook is available at the Tourist Office and within our chalets.

7. Orienteering: A Playful Adventure for Budding Explorers

If you are looking for an activity that combines strategy, sport, and nature discovery, orienteering is the quintessential family experience in La Plagne. Far from screens, it offers a true immersion into alpine topography for your children.

The Tourist Office provides a dozen themed courses free of charge. At Chalet Dakota, this is a favourite activity for our own children: they have become masters at decoding an IGN map, setting their compass, and reading the landscape. It is as much a school of nature as it is a life-sized treasure hunt.

Courses from Beginner to Expert

The area offers a clever progression so that every age group finds its match. Courses range from blue (easy) to black (difficult) level, covering distances from 300 metres to 5 kilometres.

• Le Dou du Praz: An enchanting environment of alpine pastures and small groves, ideal for younger children. It is the perfect spot to learn how to locate markers while enjoying an unobstructed view of Mont Blanc.
• The Canyons of Plagne Centre: For those seeking a more technical challenge, the rugged terrain above Plagne Centre offers a complex playground where reading the ground becomes paramount.

The Treasure Hunt: A Challenge for the Whole Family

For tribes seeking a concrete goal, the Tourist Office also offers a specific treasure hunt. Be warned, the level is not that easy! You will need sharp wits and keen observation to solve the local riddles.

Logistics: Simply stop by the Tourist Office in Plagne 1800 or Plagne Centre to pick up your laminated maps and route sheets. Access to the marker zones is completely open and free of charge.

8. High Thrills: Defying Gravity between Sky, Earth, and Water

For our guests in search of an adrenaline rush, La Plagne transforms in summer into a vast adventure playground. Far from passive sightseeing, these activities engage your senses and offer fresh perspectives on the Vanoise and Mont Blanc massifs. From our chalets, you are perfectly placed to experience these high-flying adventures.

The Giant Zip Wire: Soaring Above the Valley

The "Suityrolienne" experience in Belle Plagne is a must. Imagine yourself suspended dozens of metres in the air, gliding over alpine pastures for a distance of nearly 600 metres.

• The highlight: The two giant zip wires integrated into the end of the Via Ferrata des Bourtes. They offer a sensation of total weightlessness and exhilarating top speeds, all while facing snow-capped peaks.
• Expert's view: It is the perfect activity to round off a sporty morning before heading back down to 1800 for lunch.

Climbing: Verticality within Reach at High Altitude

Rock climbing in La Plagne is not just for seasoned alpinists. The high-altitude area offers "turnkey" initiation and improvement sites, accessible in just a few minutes from our chalets like Chalet dakota. It is the ideal activity for developing children's agility and discovering the rock in total safety.

• Le Rocher de l'École (Plagne Centre) - The nearest: Located just below Plagne Centre (accessible on foot from Plagne 1800 via the pedestrian path or a 2-minute drive), this site is a local benchmark. It offers around fifteen routes ranging from 3b to 6a.
  Expert's view: Its South/South-West exposure makes it perfect for climbing in the sun. The slabs are gently angled, which is reassuring for a first family experience.
• Le Rocher du Petit Loup (Belle Plagne) - High mountain atmosphere: Accessible via the Télébus from Plagne Centre or by shuttle, this site is close to Belle Plagne. It offers a wilder setting with breathtaking views of the Bellecôte summit. The routes are short but varied, ideal for children and teenagers.
• Learn with the Pros: For total safety, we recommend using the resort's guides (ELPRO or the Bureau des Guides). They provide all the equipment (harnesses, ropes, climbing shoes) and know every corner of the rock to help you progress without the stress.

The Dakota Tip: After a climbing session at the Rocher de l'École, take the opportunity to return to the chalet via the forest path: a gentle transition between vertical effort and the comfort of your terrace facing Mont Blanc.

Mountain Cart: The All-Terrain Descent

Mountain Carting is the resort's exciting new activity. Starting from the top of the Colorado chairlift (2500m), you hop onto a three-wheeled engine-less vehicle equipped with powerful brakes to hurtle down the slopes over a 1500m descent.

Guaranteed thrills: You steer like a go-kart, but on winding mountain terrain. It is fun, fast, and particularly popular with our guests who enjoy motor sports (without the noise!).

Treetop Adventure: Agility in the Larch Forests

The Parcours Aventure at Plagne Bellecôte offers total immersion in the forest. The obstacles are fixed to century-old trees, providing protective shade.

• Levels: From "Ouistiti" circuits for the youngest to very physical "Black" circuits for the sporty, including monkey bridges and Tarzan swings.
• Why we love it: The view of the cross-country ski trails—metamorphosed into flowery meadows in summer—is sublime from the treetops.

Wam Park: The Water Sports Hub of Albertville

For a complete change of pace, we recommend a trip to Wam Park, located near Albertville (about 1 hour's drive from Chalet Dakota). It is the premier water sports base in Savoie for teenagers and sports enthusiasts.

• Wakeboarding & Waterskiing: A huge cable system allows you to practice waterskiing or wakeboarding on a lake of pure water.
• Water Jump & Modules: Giant slides and XXL inflatable structures for acrobatic jumps.
• Dakota Tip: Perfect to combine with a visit to the medieval town of Conflans, located right next door, for a day blending intense sport with culture.

9. Culture & Heritage: The Soul of Savoie Beyond the Summits

While La Plagne is a sanctuary for sports enthusiasts, it is also the beating heart of a thousand-year history. From Romanesque churches nestled in the valley floor to perched medieval towns, the Haute Tarentaise offers a fascinating cultural interlude. Staying at one of our chalets provides the perfect base camp to explore these treasures of Savoyard heritage.

Montchavin: The Authenticity of a Preserved Village-Resort

Just a 40-minute drive away (or accessible by mountain bike via the Sentier des Frasses for the more athletic), Montchavin and its lovely chalets is living proof that a mountain resort can retain its soul. An old farming hamlet saved from abandonment in the 70s, it is now one of the finest examples of traditional architecture in the region.

• Not to be missed: Its cobbled streets, flower-filled wooden balconies, and ancient stables restored with infinite care.
• Dakota Tip: Take the time to stroll at sunset, when the stone of the chalets takes on a unique golden hue, before enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this slope facing the Beaufortain.

The Basilica of Saint-Martin d'Aime: 2,000 Years of History

Located 15 minutes from the chalet heading down towards the valley, the Basilica of Saint-Martin d'Aime is a jewel of 11th-century Romanesque art. Built on the remains of a Roman temple, it bears witness to the historical importance of Aime, once the capital of the Graian Alps province (Axima).

• Local Expertise: The basilica houses exceptional medieval frescoes and an underground crypt revealing layers from the Roman era. It is a listed Historic Monument that well deserves a guided tour to fully grasp its complexity.

The Medieval Town of Conflans: Sentinel of the Alps

Perched on its rocky outcrop overlooking Albertville, the Citadel of Conflans is an essential stop on your holiday route. This fortified enclosure from the Middle Ages seems to have stopped time.

• The Experience: Pass through the Porte de Savoie to discover wrought-iron signs, centuries-old fountains, and hanging gardens offering a plunging view over the Combe de Savoie.
• Owner's advice: This is the perfect excursion for a less sunny day. The town is full of craft workshops and small boutiques selling local specialities.

Annecy: The Venice of the Alps (Prestige Excursion)

For a day trip, Annecy (located about 1h30 from Chalet Dakota) is the region’s premier destination. Its lake, with crystal-clear waters ranked among the purest in Europe, is surrounded by majestic mountains.

• Heritage: Explore the "Vieille Ville" (Old Town) with its winding canals, flower-decked bridges, and iconic Palais de l'Isle.
• The Sunday Market: If you visit on a Sunday, don't miss the traditional market: the stalls of farmhouse Reblochon cheese and artisan charcuterie are a feast for the senses.

10. Unique Family Activities: Experience the Unexpected in La Plagne

Because the most lasting memories often spring from the unexpected, we have selected a range of off-the-beaten-track experiences for our guests at Chalet Dakota. Forget the daily grind and dive into pure adventure, from reconnecting with nature to observing the cosmos.

"Bushcraft" Survival Course: A Wild Adventure with Guillaume Brun

Transform your tribe into true mountain adventurers. Accompanied by Guillaume Brun (GB Montagne), an expert in mountain environments, we invite you to experience a total immersion far from modern comforts.

• The Programme: Over a single day or a two-day expedition format with an overnight bivouac, you will learn the fundamentals of wilderness living.
• The Skills: From filtering water from mountain torrents to building a natural shelter, mastering the art of a safe campfire, and reading IGN maps to navigate without a GPS.
• Why we love it: It is an exceptional family bonding activity. Children love learning to be self-sufficient and understanding nature's cycles under Guillaume’s expert guidance.

Night Hiking and Astronomy: A Date with the Stars

When the ski lifts stop and a deep calm settles over the resort, the mountain reveals its most mysterious side. Join Philippe from Espaces Montagnes for a sensory night hike departing from Plagne Villages.

• The Route: A gentle ascent towards the Col de Forcle (2368m). Far from any light pollution, the sky reveals itself here with incredible clarity.
• Observation: Philippe will guide you through the constellations. With a bit of luck and precise timing, you might even spot the International Space Station (ISS) traversing the starlit sky.
• The Dakota Tip: Bring a head torch and an extra thermal layer, as temperatures drop rapidly at this altitude once night falls. It is a moment of absolute contemplation that stays with you forever.