Residence W2050, Belle Plagne, France

Compact appartments, (it IS france!) decently furnished though and FANTASTIC location. Bubble 20m outside front, shop 25m and pub 20m. Very friendly village but with wierd cowboy thing going on in the bars! Large system to explore, couple of small, flat, areas to trouble novice boarders. The only place I've been to where i'm actively trying to get back there next year!

Jimmy Acton

I usually book catered chalet holidays but this year went with The Cassiopee Apartments in Belle Plagne as there was three of us holidaying. The price via Iglu was an excellent deal, sub £500 for all three. The apartments are in a large complex and are very basic with two bunk beds and sleep on sofa's with a small kitchenette area with microwave and hot plates, not brilliant but right for the price. The location is excellent with the lift pass office right next door, skiset directly opposite, a variety of shops and restaurants all in a nice courtyard area and the Roche de Mio bubble lift mid station right in the locality. So it's all directly on the doorstep. The lift takes you directly up to the glacier lifts and you can also ski straight down to the Chambery ski area which is the sunny side of the resort with lots of very nice blue runs as well as access to good off-piste skiing. Belle Plagne is on the right side for taking a lift over to Les Arc. Though my advice would be not to bother with the full Paradis Ski Pass, it just takes too long to make your way across to Les Arc and by the time you get there it's time to come back. The La Plagne pass allows you one day to go across and I would advise save the extra cost and stick to La Plagne which just has masses of excellent on-piste and off-piste skiing. There are some particular downsides to the apartments; on arrival day the rooms weren't available until 5.00pm. If you have a very early flight you will arrive around mid day which left everybody sitting on the floor in the tiny reception all very tired and no where to go which was not good. Bring some towelling with you as there isn't any provided but you can hire at a charge. We went first week of Jan which coincides with the week long Russian new year celebrations. If your unfortunate to be in the wrong room expect plenty of noise to 3.00 in the morning both inside the apartments and outside. Eating out isn't cheap, about 20/25 euros per head with a drink and the supermarket food is also pricy. We met people who brought there own in from the UK in their cases. All in all, cheap and cheerful apartments in a great location with fabulous skiing supported by the usual quality experience.

Apres-Ski 3/5
Accommodation & Value 4/5

Russell Lutwyche