La Plagne history
La Plagne, located in the Tarentaise Valley in Savoie within the French Alps, has a rich and fascinating history. Its development is closely linked to the mining activity that flourished in the region for centuries and later to the development of the La Plagne ski resort with the advent of "white gold."
The Mining Origins of La Plagne 1800
The history of mining in La Plagne dates back to Roman times, when lead, zinc, and silver were primarily extracted from the surrounding mountains. This activity continued to grow over the centuries, attracting miners and workers to the region.
However, it was not until the 20th century that mining took on significant importance in La Plagne. In the early 1900s, several lead-zinc mines were opened, creating an economic boom in the area. Mining infrastructure, buildings, and housing were constructed to support this burgeoning industry.
Bobsleigh in La Plagne and the 1992 Winter Olympics
The tradition of practicing bobsleigh on the roads of La Plagne dates back several decades, setting the stage for its selection as a site for the 1992 Winter Olympics.
The bobsleigh track, specially built for this event, measures 1,507 meters long, features 19 turns, a vertical drop of 124 meters, and hosted athletes from 27 delegations from February 9 to 23, 1992.
Even today, this track remains a benchmark venue in France, regularly hosting international competitions and training sessions, while offering unique experiences to vacationers with activities like Bob Raft, Speed Luge, and Bob Racing.
The birth of the La Plagne ski resort in the 1960s
La Plagne, as we know it today, emerged from the need to provide housing for miners and workers in the mining industry. With the mining industry declining in the region, Dr. Pierre Borrione conceived the idea in the 1960s to establish the La Plagne ski resort to revitalize the area and offer new economic opportunities through tourism. The former mining infrastructure was redeveloped to meet the needs of visitors and skiers, transforming the village into a sought-after destination for winter sports enthusiasts and mountain lovers.
The resort quickly gained popularity thanks to its extensive ski areas and modern facilities. The village of La Plagne 1800 derives its name from its altitude, 1800 meters, thus offering privileged access to ski slopes and the surrounding mountain landscapes.
La Plagne today
Today, La Plagne stands out as one of the most dynamic and prestigious ski resorts in the French Alps. With an exceptional ski area, La Plagne is part of the vast Paradiski area, offering skiers and snowboarders over 425 km of varied slopes suitable for all levels. Winter sports enthusiasts will find well-maintained slopes, modern ski lifts, and breathtaking panoramas, ensuring an unforgettable experience on the snowy slopes.
La Plagne has managed to maintain its family-friendly character while evolving to meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding clientele. The resort offers a multitude of activities for all ages: ski schools for children, snowshoeing trails, toboggan runs, and leisure spaces such as swimming pools and wellness centers. In summer, La Plagne transforms into a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts with its renowned bike park, as well as for paragliding and hiking enthusiasts, consolidating its attractiveness all year round.
Many traditional chalets have been carefully renovated, blending authentic charm with modern comfort. New upscale accommodations like our 5-star chalet at Bois Melay offer exceptional amenities, including private spas, dedicated concierge services, and high-quality facilities. La Plagne provides an unparalleled skiing experience in a warm and family-friendly environment, while also meeting the expectations of vacationers seeking luxury and comfort.
