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La Plagne is naturally associated with ski slopes, chairlifts, and snowy descents. Yet every summer, this mountain area in the French Alps transforms into an exceptional playground for lovers of nature, sports, and the outdoors. Alpine hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, mountain lakes… La Plagne in summer offers plenty of surprises for those willing to discover it outside the ski season.
Whether you are staying with family or friends at Chalet du Bois Melay, here is the complete guide to making the most of La Plagne during July and August.
La Plagne in summer: a different side of the mountains
As soon as the snow melts, La Plagne reveals its flower-filled meadows, spruce and larch forests, and breathtaking alpine scenery. Many ski lifts remain open throughout the summer, allowing easy access to the peaks without strenuous effort.
At an altitude of 1,800 meters in the village of La Plagne 1800—where Chalet du Bois Melay is located—temperatures remain pleasantly cool even in the height of summer, typically ranging between 20°C and 25°C during the day. It is generally about 10 degrees cooler than the valley below, making it an ideal escape during heatwaves.
Summer visitors to La Plagne are quite different from winter guests: families seeking relaxation away from crowded beach resorts, athletes looking for high-altitude challenges, and travelers who simply want to enjoy the beauty of the Alps in an unspoiled setting.
Must-do activities in La Plagne during summer
1. Hiking: trails for every level
La Plagne and its surrounding villages offer numerous marked trails winding through alpine pastures, forests, and mountain lakes.
- For families: The Frasses Loop, starting from Plagne Bellecôte, is an easy walk with beautiful views over the alpine meadows. Children particularly enjoy spotting marmots along the way.
- For experienced hikers: The hike to the Bellecôte Glacier is unforgettable. You can take the lift up to Roche de Mio (from Belle Plagne) and continue on foot toward the glacier at 3,000 meters altitude. The panoramic views of the Alps are spectacular.
- For adventurers: The legendary 6000D trail race connects Aime-La Plagne to the Bellecôte Glacier over 67 km. Even if you’re not running, the trails used by the race are accessible to hikers and provide some of the region’s finest viewpoints.
2. Mountain biking
La Plagne has become a leading destination for downhill and enduro mountain biking.
The Colorado Bike Park in Plagne Centre opens during July and August and offers:
- 11 downhill trails ranging from beginner to expert level
- Dedicated lifts (Colorado and Colosses chairlifts)
- Free shuttle services between villages, including La Plagne 1800
- Mountain bike and e-bike rentals for all skill levels
Since bicycles are allowed on the lifts, riders can enjoy multiple descents without exhausting climbs. This is particularly popular among groups staying at the chalet, combining adrenaline with stunning alpine scenery.
3. Paragliding: soar above the Alps
The heights of La Plagne provide ideal conditions for tandem paragliding flights.
Several certified schools and instructors offer introductory flights with spectacular views over Mont Blanc, glaciers, and the Tarentaise Valley.
No prior experience is required—the instructor handles takeoff, flight, and landing. It’s an unforgettable experience, perfect for celebrating a birthday or special occasion.
4. White-water sports: rafting and canyoning
The mountain rivers flowing down from La Plagne create ideal conditions for white-water adventures.
Rafting on the Isère River
Several operators organize rafting trips suitable for both families and thrill-seekers. Guided excursions are available for children as young as six.
Canyoning at Eau Rousse Canyon
Located near La Plagne, this canyon features natural slides, jumps into pools, and abseiling sections supervised by qualified instructors. It is especially popular with groups of friends and families with teenagers.
5. Via ferrata and rock climbing
For those who enjoy vertical challenges, the rocky areas around La Plagne offer several via ferrata routes and climbing sites suitable for different skill levels.
These activities are excellent for building confidence and pushing personal limits in a spectacular natural setting. Local guides provide fully supervised outings with all necessary equipment included.
The Bourtes Via Ferrata in Belle Plagne is easily accessible from your luxury chalet rental La Plagne.
6. Zip lines, adventure parks, and mountain karting
For fun and excitement suitable for all ages, La Plagne in summer also offers:
- Zip lines
- Forest adventure parks (accrobranche)
- Mountain karting—gravity-powered karts that race down grassy mountain slopes
These activities are particularly popular with families.
La Plagne with children: family-friendly activities
La Plagne in summer is especially well-equipped for families.
Nature workshops
Throughout the summer, the Tourist Office organizes workshops introducing children to Alpine wildlife and flora, including:
- Plant identification
- Marmot observation
- Basic orientation and navigation skills
Partner mountain guides also offer educational family hikes.
Cani-hiking
The sled dogs that pull teams in winter accompany visitors on summer hikes, connected by waist belts and leads. Children especially love this unusual mountain experience.
Heated swimming pools
Your chalet with a private indoor heated pool already provides an excellent family swimming option. The outdoor heated pool at Plagne Bellecôte is also open during summer.
Mountain biking for children
Local mountain bike schools offer introductory courses for children aged approximately 11–12 and older, taught by qualified instructors.
Horse riding
Horse and pony rides through the alpine meadows provide a gentle and magical way for children to discover the mountains.
Aime La Plagne leisure area
This leisure area includes a small lake where families can enjoy games and refreshing swims during hot summer days.
Planning your summer stay in La Plagne
When to visit?
- July and August: The liveliest months, with all activities operating.
- June and September: Quieter periods with fewer visitors and often lower prices.
Getting around
A car is recommended for exploring the various villages and activities.
From La Plagne 1800, free shuttle buses connect the villages throughout the summer. If traveling by train, the nearest station is Aime-La Plagne TGV, with buses and taxis available for transfers to the resort.
Where to stay?
Nestled in the forest of La Plagne 1800, Chalet du Bois Melay is ideally located for enjoying all of these activities.
With its heated indoor pool, sauna, and spacious living areas, it provides the perfect place to relax after a day in the mountains. Its concierge service can also organize summer activities directly from the luxury mountain chalet.
What you won’t find in summer
To be honest, some winter services are not available during summer. Not all ski lifts operate, and the resort’s larger shopping areas are quieter.
However, this is precisely what gives La Plagne its summer charm: a more authentic mountain experience, fewer crowds, and a stronger connection to nature.
Summary: La Plagne in summer, a destination worth rediscovering
La Plagne in summer is the opposite of crowded beaches and overheated seaside hotels. It is a vibrant, active, and generous mountain destination where everyone can create the holiday experience they want—whether energetic and adventurous or peaceful and restorative.
Whether you want to hike to alpine peaks, ride mountain bike trails, soar through the sky in a paraglider, or simply relax beside a high-altitude lake, La Plagne has everything needed to make your summer unforgettable.
Interested in staying at Chalet du Bois Melay this summer? Contact chalet manager Elise to organize a tailor-made holiday and reserve your activities in advance.
