Plagne Montalbert was where it all began for Mountain Heaven, the family-run company that has made a speciality out of providing apartment and chalet holidays in France and Switzerland with that extra level of personal, local service that makes all the difference for their many repeat-bookers.
Montalbert is perhaps one of La Plagne’s less well known resorts, originally a traditional village it has much more ambience and atmosphere than the purpose-built altitude centres with a mixture of some very high quality, modern accommodation and traditional Savoyard mountain buildings dating back centuries before ski arrived that now house bars and restaurants.
Being located a little away from the heart of the giant Paradiski region (you’ll find it in the bottom right corner on the piste map), the village was able to establish a strong identity and community all of its own.
There are glorious runs back down to the village of around 2,000 vertical metres if you go all the way to the top of La Plagne’s huge vertical before starting your descent, the perfect way to end the day. But one thing the village has lacked, until this winter, was a quick way to get up the slopes. Instead it was up to a 45 minute succession of rather slow lifts to get up to La Plagne’s altitude slopes and the famous Vanoise Express double-decker cable car across to Les Arcs on the other side of Paradiski.
But on 19th December, a brand-new gondola will open in Plagne Montalbert, saving skiers and snowboarders valuable piste time. Replacing the Montalbert and Fornelet chairlifts, the new state-of-the-art gondola will take 10 people per cabin and will shorten the journey time to just six minutes.
Mountain Heaven continue to operate more than a dozen excellent self catering apartments in Plagne Montalbert, ranging from two bedroom accommodations for up to four people to large four bedroom properties for eight or even ten guests.
Most of the apartments are within modern developments which have been built in an architectural style that’s sympathetic to the Savoyards tradition – in other world wood and stone clad chalet style buildings, not the concrete tower blocks of some altitude areas. Most are larger and spacious, come complete with free wi-fi and often have free parking if you plan to self-drive or rent a car. They are all within a short distance of slopes and lifts.
With Mountain Heaven, unlike with some other providers, all bed linen and towels are included and beds are made up before you arrive (except sofa beds), all local tourist taxes are paid and a final clean is included (except the kitchen area).
The company also offers discounted equipment hire, a lift pass collection and delivery service (when pre-ordered), discounts on some lift passes in La Plagne and access to ski lockers. You can also opt to order welcome grocery packs, fresh bread and croissant/pain au chocolate delivery to your apartment and Mountain Heaven can also organise transfers and ski lessons if you need them.
The company has staff in Plagne Montalbert who can help if any queries or problems arise.