In 1961 La Plagne was born ... 60 years later La Plagne is renowned as one of the most iconic ski destinations in the Alps with a variety of winter activities including the Olympic bobsleigh experience!
La Plagne blows out 60 candles this ski season so we thought we would put together 5 facts about La Plagne that you may not know...
@Plagne-Centre_O-Allamand
1) The Beginning
La Plagne as a ski resort was created in 1961 as the traditional livelihoods of agriculture and mining were no longer sufficient to support the local population. Young people were moving away to nearby cities such as Lyon and Chambery in search of work elsewhere due to the industry crisis. Doctor Pierre Borrione is considered the creator of La Plagne. His goal was to save the communes in the valley from depopulation by creating 500 - 600 jobs in a ski resort.
@Pierre-Augier
2) The Olympics
La Plagne was home to the 1937 Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, which saw the success of the local ski champion Emile Allais. Years later La Plagne was back in the limelight when hosting the 16th Winter Olympics in 1992 which featured the Olympic Bobsleigh Piste, the only one in France. The bobsleigh is one of La Plagne's most popular attractions today.
@Olivier Allamand
3) World War Two
La Plagne was first developed in the 19th century due to people digging for silver in lead mines around the slopes. These mines became refuges for members of the French Resistance during the Second World War, a place where they could hide out and test their weapons without fear of discovery.
The mines were also used to hide munitions that were dropped by British troops before being distributed further afield, there is a war memorial in Plagne Centre to the British aircrews that were involved.
@OTGP
4) The History
Many traditional features remain in La Plagne and are littered throughout. The Church of Saint-Sigismond is well worth a visit for history lovers; The Church of Saint-Sigismond, who founded the abbey in 515, has been a parish church since the mid 12th century and the current building dates back from 1715.
Did you know? Sigismond was killed by the Frankish King Clodomir in 524. His remains were brought back from Orléans and placed in the chapel of St John, which later became the parish church of Saint-Sigismond.
@Philippe Royer
5) La Plagne becomes Paradiski
In 2003 La Plagne became part of the huge Paradiski area, linking Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express cable car. Travelling at a speed of 12.5km/h The Vanoise Express double-decker cable car can carry 2000 people per hour. This unique experience consisting of 360° panoramic views with transparent glass panels on the floor is one to remember.
This stunning ski-in/ski-out chalet is in a unique location in Arc 2000, on the snow front and opposite the ESF snow kindergarten yet set apart from the resort centre allowing you to appreciate the quiet of the mountains when the slopes close.
4* Carlina in La Plagne is ideally located next to the slopes of Belle Plagne and offers ski-in/ski-out possibilities, allowing easy access to the vast Paradiski ski area. The residence is just a 5-minute walk from the resort centre, with its selection of shops, restaurants, and services.
Opening in December 2021, White Pearl Lodge & Spa in La Plagne is in a great location on the slopes and just 100m from the shops. These spacious, comfortable apartments enjoy superb facilities including a heated indoor and outdoor pool, separate children’s pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, fitness room, salt cave, and a spa, where we can pre-book massages and treatments for you.
Ready to look at winter holiday options in La Plagne this season? Call our friendly team if you have any questions on 023 9289 0960, or request a quote to check availability and pricing.
Keep an eye on our top ski offers and stay up to date with all our latest French Alps ski news with our newsletter. You will also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so do join us and say hello!
