Ride the Bobsleigh: A Unique Experience in La Plagne
That's La Plagne
The ultimate adrenaline rush on YOUR next ski holiday
What to expect from the La Plagne bobsleigh
If you ride the bobsleigh, you'll experience a thrill like nothing else!Â
High speed fun
90kmph to 120kmph!
Unique in France
The only pro track open to the public
Bob Raft
For 4, without a driver
Bob Racing
For 3 passengers, with a pro driver.
Speed Luge
Feet first, for 1 person
Book Ahead
High demand and gets busy
Join behind the scenes today and get the insider scoop
Feel the rhythm, feel the ride. It's bobsleigh time!
Looking for an unforgettable adventure that will get your heart racing? Look no further than a bobsleigh ride in La Plagne! This thrilling experience is perfect for anyone who loves a rush of adrenaline and wants to try something new and exciting. Get ready to feel the wind in your hair and the thrill of the ride as you speed down the track in a bobsleigh.
To put the La Plagne bobsleigh into numbers:Â
- 1.5 km from top to bottom
- 19 bends
- 124.5m vertical descent
- 200m of deceleration track (you arrive pretty fast, after all!)
And in case you want to give it a go, the speed record on the La Plagne bobsleigh track is 134 km/h or 83 miles p/h!!
The history of the La Plagne bobsleigh
The La Plagne bobsleigh track for built for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. From 8 – 23rd February, the track hosted 350 athletes from 27 countries. The competitors participated in 3 luge events: men's and women's single, duo and team (4 people).
The La Plagne bobsleigh is the only track in France and is still used for national and international competitions, with the Bobsleigh world cup in 2020 and international competitions scheduled for this winter season. In fact, the IBSF Bob and Skeleton World Cup will be in La Plagne from the 4th – 10th of December 2023!
What is a La Plagne bobsleigh ride?
A bobsleigh ride is a thrilling adventure that involves riding down a track in a specially designed sled. The sled is typically made of metal and has runners on the bottom that allow it to glide smoothly over the ice. Bobsleigh rides can reach speeds of up to 80 miles per hour, making them a heart-pumping experience for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers.Â
Where is the bobsleigh track in La Plagne?
The track is located in the heart of the resort. When you climb up the 21 hairpin bends to arrive at La Plagne, you will see the finish point of the bobsleigh track first, at bend 7, at the village of La Roche.Â
As you continue upwards towards the main La Plagne altitude villages, you will see the bobsleigh track from your righthand windows. The track is covered in a white roof, which was added in recent years as an eco-friendly, energy-saving option to help preserve the ice.
The starting point of the bobsleigh track is from bend 5, and you will see the entrance to the bobsleigh track on the right-hand side as you climb the mountain.
How to get to the bobsleigh track
If you are heading to the Bobsleigh track, there are a couple of options.
Drive – there is a large free car park at the top of the track.
Bus – There is a free bus that runs between La Plagne Centre and Les Charmettes, which also stops at the top of the bobsleigh. The bus runs every hour.Â
After your bobsleigh descent, a van will bring you back to the top of he bobsleigh track, ready to find your feet and head home!
Summer 6000D race up the bobsleigh
When is the bobsleigh track open to the public?
In summer, the track is, of course, closed – although there is a running race in July where runners race up the 1.5km from bottom to top!Â
In winter, the track opens from the 16th of December in 2023 through until the 21st of March 2024. Be aware that the La Plagne ski lifts open on the 9th of December, but the bobsleigh track will not be open for the first ski week of the season.
If you want to ride the bobsleigh, the track is open to the public in the afternoons, from about 4.30 pm, after the sports training has taken place. Rides can be booked throughout the evening until about 7 pm.
What are the different types of bobsleigh rides available?
The bobsleigh track in La Plagne is one of only a handful of professional bobsleigh tracks that are open to the public to ride and experience. It really is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In La Plagne, there are different types of bobsleigh rides available. You can choose to ride solo or with a team, and there are different types of sleds available depending on your level of experience.Â
SPEED LUGE
The most popular option is the “Speed Luge,” which is a solo ride on a sledge that can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h or 56 mph. On the speed luge, you lie down flat, feet first. And the bonus for these daredevils? An unobstructed view of the track.
This is available for ages 16 and upwards.Â
The price is 119€ per person.
BOB RAFT
For those who want to ride with friends, there is the “Bob Raft,” which can accommodate up to four people and is a more controlled ride. This is a ‘slower' bobsleigh without a professional driver, but it still reaches speeds of 80 km/h or 50 miles per hour!Â
There is no age restriction but a minimum height requirement of 1.30m (4ft 2 inches).
The price is 49€ per person.
BOB RACING
Finally, for the ultimate adrenaline rush, there is the “Bob Racing” option, where you can experience the thrill of racing down the track with a professional driver. The bob racing reaches speeds of 120 km/h or 74.5 mph! The professional driver sits in the front with 3 passengers, who are briefed before the descent.Â
This is also available from 16 years and upwards.Â
The price is 135€ per person.
Do I need to book the bobsleigh?
Yes, 100%. You need to book the bobsleigh in advance. The track is open to the public after the sports teams have finished training, so from about 4 pm until 7 pm each evening. The different bobsleigh styles run over different evenings and with limited time and slots available, the La Plagne bobsleigh is in high demand.Â
What safety measures are in place for bobsleigh rides?
Safety is a top priority for bobsleigh rides in La Plagne. All riders are required to wear helmets and safety harnesses, and the bobsleds are equipped with brakes and steering mechanisms. Before the ride, riders receive a safety briefing and instructions on how to properly use the equipment. The tracks are also regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are safe for riders. Professional drivers are also available for those who choose the Bob Racing option, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience.
What should you expect during a bobsleigh ride in La Plagne?
During a bobsleigh ride in La Plagne, you can expect an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other.
You should aim to arrive at the bobsleigh track about 15 minutes before your time slot. As you can imagine, the bobsleigh is very popular, and so it does get very busy here. Booking in advance is essential.Â
When you get to the bobsleigh track, you will check in with the reception and join the other people booked in for that evening. You will wait indoors for your turn on the piste, but you can see the departure point through the windows.Â
When it is your turn, you will make your way onto the ice. Depending on which bobsleigh option you have taken, you will take your place in the bobsleigh. Don't worry – you don't have to run and jump in like the professionals do! Once you are all in the bobsleigh, you will be secured to a safety harness on the side of the bobsleigh track. When it is your turn to go, the harness will be unclipped, you'll hear the sound speaker announce, “La piste est libre” (the piste is empty), and off you go!Â
From my experience, I have done the bobsleigh many times! – you will find the first 2 to 3 bends feel like a fast roller coaster, and then the speed picks up, and the G-force is incredible! Make sure to keep your head up! The bobsleigh run will take a little over 1 minute, but might feel like a lifetime!Â
When your race had finished, you will be able to get out of the bobsleigh, with some help, and you'll see your time on a digital clock. A van will then collect you to take you back to the top of the bobsleigh track, where your car is parked or where you can take the bus back to Plagne Centre.
You can watch the video here, it is in French, but it's a great video to give you an idea about the bobsleigh in La Plagne.
That's La Plagne at the bobsleigh track!
Phew! What do you think? It's gotten my adrenaline up just writing about it! As I said, I've done the bobsleigh several times. I did the Bob Raft and also the Bob Racing. I haven't done the Speed Luge – I need the company!
Whilst it's not the cheapest activity in La Plagne, it really is unique and is like nothing else I've ever done before. It's definitely one for the speed freaks and those looking for a thrill!Â
I'd love to know if you do it – tag me in your photos on the socials if you ride the La Plagne bobsleigh!
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