Bobsleigh
Thrills and adrenaline in bobsleigh in La Plagne
Looking for an unusual activity during your winter vacation in the mountains? Try the bobsleigh in La Plagne, the only resort in France (and one of the few in Europe) to offer this Olympic discipline to the general public. On the famous Olympic track of La Plagne, experience a unique moment combining speed, thrills and high-level sport.
A bobsleigh descent, it's 19 turns at full speed, an incomparable adrenaline rush and a memory etched forever. This activity, accessible to everyone from 14 years old, is ideal for thrill seekers, the curious, or winter sports enthusiasts looking for a unique experience.
At the origins: a sport from Switzerland
Le bobsleigh is born in Switzerland At the end of the 19th century, in the resort of St. Moritz. Originally, these were toboggans modified to go faster and accommodate several passengers. Very quickly, specially designed slopes emerged, with steep turns and complex layouts.
Bobsleigh becomes a official sport of the Olympic Games from 1924, during the very first Winter Games in Chamonix. First practiced as a 4-person bobsleigh, then as a 2-person bobsleigh, it established itself as a discipline of speed and precision, requiring pinpoint piloting and perfect coordination between the crew members.
Mountain heritage in La Plagne
Long before the construction of the legendary Olympic track, the former residents of La Plagne were already practicing the bobsleigh… on the road ! In the 1960s and 70s, the most daring residents of the village would hurtle down the resort's roads on homemade sleds mounted on wheels, in a friendly, sporty... and sometimes slightly crazy atmosphere. This taste for speed and the spirit of sliding is today an integral part of the resort's DNA.
In 1990, this passion took a historic turn with the creation of the only bobsleigh track in France, built for the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games. Since then, La Plagne has become a world reference, combining local tradition, international competitions and descents open to the public.
The Olympic bobsleigh track in La Plagne: a unique site in France
Built for the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games, the La Plagne bobsleigh track is the only track in France, and one of the few in the world still open to the public. Long 1 500 meters, she understands 19 turns and can reach a maximum gradient of 14,5%. It is a monument to sliding sports, and a true gem for thrill seekers.
Today, this track is not only reserved for high-level athletes. Every year, it welcomes thousands of vacationers who come to test the bobsleigh for the general public in La Plagne, with different formulas depending on the level of intensity sought.
The different bobsleigh runs in La Plagne
🔹 Bob Raft : for a first fun approach
Le bob raft is a self-steering, self-braking sled, which can accommodate up to 4 peopleThis is the ideal formula to discover the sensations of bobsleigh in complete safety, without a professional pilot. Accessible from 14 years, this activity is perfect for an outing with friends or family.
👉 Speed : up to 80 km/h
👉 Benefit : no driver needed, great stability
👉 Sensation : fun, fast and accessible to all
🔹 Speed Luge : adrenaline solo
La speed luge is a descent in solo, lying on your back in a streamlined sled. You are at the edge of the ice, as close as possible to the track, for a sensation of increased speed.
👉 Speed : up to 90 km/h
👉 Benefit : individual format, unique sensation
👉 Sensation : intense, sporty, very immersive
🔹 Bob Racing : with a professional driver
It is the most impressive descent ! You get into a real competition bobsleigh with an professional pilotOn board you reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, with acceleration comparable to a Formula 1 (up to 3G).
👉 Speed : up to 120 km/h
👉 Benefit : authentic piloted bobsleigh
👉 Sensation : extreme, technical, ultra-realistic
An anecdote: when Jamaicans inspired La Plagne
In 1993, following the famous film Rasta Rocket, which tells the (true) story of the Jamaican bobsleigh team, a group of Englishmen attempted to recreate the feat in La Plagne. Inexperienced, but with great enthusiasm, they entered an amateur team into a friendly race on the track. The result: a memorable descent, a few shocks, but above all, a good laugh! Since then, the “tropical bob” has become a local legend, and the station's hosts still enjoy telling the story to visitors.
La Plagne, land of bobsleigh and competitions
Besides tourist activity, La Plagne is a mecca for bobsleigh sports.The Olympic track regularly hosts:
- Personalized international competitions : European Cup, national championships…
- Personalized French bobsleigh team training courses and skeleton
- Personalized university exams or military
The track has been the scene of many high-profile performances and remains a world-renowned training center.
Savoyard and French bobsleigh athletes
Savoie has seen the birth or development of several great names in French bobsleigh. Among them:
(I.e. Loïc Costerg
Originally from the region, he has represented France in several Winter Olympic Games (Sochi 2014, Pyeongchang 2018, Beijing 2022). He has won several national titles and top 10 finishes in the World Cup.
(I.e. Romain Heinrich
Also a member of the French national team, he formed a dynamic duo with Costerg for a long time. Both contributed to France's reputation in a sport often dominated by German and North American nations.
These athletes have regularly emphasized the importance of La Plagne in their training and career, thanks to the Olympic track and local support.
(I.e. Margot Boch, pioneer of women's bobsleigh in France
Originally from La Plagne, Margot Boch is an emblematic figure of the revival of French women's bobsleighComing from a family passionate about sliding (her father Bruno Boch was himself a bobsledder), she distinguished herself by becoming the first French woman to represent France in women's bobsleigh at the Olympic Games, during the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Trained on the Olympic track in La Plagne, where she trains regularly, Margot embodies the determination, rigor and audacity. Its objective: to raise France among the great nations of women's bobsleigh, and to inspire a new generation of athletes.
Why rent a chalet in La Plagne to enjoy bobsleigh?
To fully enjoy this unique activity, the renting a chalet in La Plagne offers an ideal setting:
Proximity to the Olympic track
Some chalets to rent in La Plagne are located just minutes from the bobsleigh track. No need for a car: shuttles or walking are all you need.
Comfort after exercise
After a 120 km/h descent, what could be better than a moment of relaxation in a private jacuzzi, a lounge with a fireplace, or a spa with a sauna? The chalets selected by Salt Pointdesigned to provide rest and comfort after the thrills.
Friendly atmosphere
Un chalet with family or friends is ideal for sharing the bobsleigh experience, organizing a souvenir evening, and enjoying meals delivered or prepared by a chef at home.
Tailor-made stay
Pointe de Sel helps you organize a complete experience around the bobsleigh: booking descents, transport, additional activities (skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, etc.), concierge, etc.
In conclusion
Le bobsleigh in La Plagne is a must-do activity for an extraordinary experience in the mountains. Whether you opt for a bob raft ride, a speed luge ride, or the thrill of bob racing, excitement is guaranteed. In an exceptional setting, on the only Olympic track in France, this adventure will leave you with unforgettable memories.
And to take full advantage of it, nothing beats the renting a chalet in La Plagne : comfort, immersion, flexibility, and a warm atmosphere are all here. So, are you ready to embark on the world of bobsleigh?
