Where to Ski And Snowboard - La Plagne to host bob world cup

La Plagne to host bob world cup

30th November 2011, by Chris Gill

La Plagne's 4-man tourist bob [OT La Plagne]

La Plagne is celebrating not only its 50th anniversary as a ski resort, but also the imminent arrival of Olympic stars to compete in this year’s Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup.

The event, originally scheduled for Cesana in Italy, will take place on La Plagne’s single track bob run from 5 to 11 December 2011. And Britain’s Olympic gold medallist in Vancouver, Amy Williams, will be competing.

Officials from the International Federation for Bobsleigh and Tobogganing called for the event to be moved due to an uncertainty about the opening of the Italian track, which was built for the Turin Winter Olympic Games.

It is the first time since 2003 that France has hosted the World Cup and La Plagne is delighted to welcome the competition to its bobsleigh track, which was also built for a Winter Olympic Games – Albertville 1992. The run is a popular attraction for visitors to the resort, who can scare themselves silly on a descent either as part of a four-man team or lying down in a special mono-bob that clocks speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour.

The men’s skeleton event takes place on Friday 9 December, followed by the women’s bobsleigh. Saturday is the women’s skeleton and men’s 2-man bobsleigh. Sunday 11 December is the men’s 4-man bobsleigh team event, starting at 9am.

La Plagne at 50

La Plagne has further reason to celebrate the start of the winter 2011/12 season: the resort hits a half-century in business on 21 December. Plenty of entertainment is lined-up for that day, including a live evening show – whose cast will consist of local ski school and lift company staff, as well as past and present ski champions. A firework display will follow on the front at Plagne Centre, which is undergoing a multi-million euro spruce-up.

Also new in resort this season will be Champagny’s smart new six-pack – we breath a sigh of relief that the ancient and queue-prone Verdons Sud chair is at last being upgraded.

Work to improve piste connections and snowmaking has continued, and the Hotel Carlina above Belle Plagne is now a 4-star (new services include improved dining options and bedroom slippers!) And skiers staying in Montchavin-Les Coches can enjoy time out in a new swimming pool and spa centre.