La Plagne History

The history of La Plagne, between mining tradition and tourism

Nestled in the Tarentaise Valley, in Savoie, at the heart of the French Alps, La Plagne boasts a history as rich as it is fascinating. Its development was first tied to a centuries-old mining tradition, which shaped the region for generations.

From the 1960s onward, the local economy transformed with the arrival of “white gold”: skiing became the driving force of growth, and La Plagne reinvented itself as a world-renowned alpine resort.

The mining origins of La Plagne 1800

The mining history of La Plagne 1800 dates back to Roman times, when deposits of lead, zinc, and silver were already being exploited in the surrounding mountains. This activity developed over the centuries, gradually attracting miners and their families to the region.

However, it was only in the 20th century that mining took on significant importance. From the early 1900s, the opening of several lead-zinc mines marked a major economic turning point. A range of infrastructure was then established: tunnels, industrial buildings, and workers’ housing came to shape the landscape of this Alpine village undergoing transformation.

Bobsleigh in La Plagne and the 1992 Winter Olympics

The practice of road bobsleigh in La Plagne goes back several decades. There is a real local tradition of bob and luge, with competitions held on icy mountain roads. The most famous one linked the canteen of La Plagne (today’s Plagne 1800) to the hamlet of La Roche. These events became true celebrations, where crews from the region and beyond competed.

These traditions paved the way for La Plagne to be chosen as the official site for the bobsleigh events of the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympic Games.

The bobsleigh track, built specifically for the 1992 Olympics, is 1,507 meters long, has 19 turns, and a vertical drop of 124 meters. It welcomed athletes from 27 delegations between February 9 and 23, 1992.

It is located in La Roche (below Plagne 1800), at the very spot where miners had raced down on sleds 50 years earlier.

Even today, this track remains a benchmark in France, regularly hosting competitions and international training sessions, while offering unique experiences to holidaymakers with activities such as Bob Raft, Speed Luge, and Bob Racing.

The birth of the La Plagne ski resort in the 1960s

The La Plagne resort, as we know it today, was born in the 1960s during a decisive turning point for the region. Faced with the decline of the mining industry, once a local economic pillar, Dr. Pierre Borrione envisioned a new development model: mountain tourism.

His ambition was to create a modern ski resort to revitalize the area and open new economic opportunities. The old mining infrastructures were then repurposed to welcome skiers and visitors, marking the beginning of a profound transformation.

La Plagne aujourd’hui

La Plagne today asserts itself as one of the most dynamic and renowned resorts in the French Alps. Integrated into the prestigious Paradiski domain, it forms, together with Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, a ski area of over 425 km of slopes, offering an exceptional variety of routes for all levels.

Ski enthusiasts find well-maintained pistes, modern lifts, and spectacular panoramas, ensuring an unforgettable experience on the snowy peaks.

While maintaining its family-friendly character, La Plagne has evolved to meet the expectations of a discerning clientele. It offers a wide range of activities: ski schools for children, snowshoe hikes, sledding runs, as well as wellness areas, swimming pools, and other entertainment for all ages.

La Plagne: a dynamic and sporty resort

After 23 years of absence, La Plagne returned to the Tour de France in July 2025 with two legendary cycling stages. The riders set off from Albertville for a 130 km stage with 4,500 meters of elevation gain. After climbing four mountain passes, they finished with the final 19.1 km ascent to Plagne Villages, at over 2,000 meters altitude.

The peloton passed right in front of the terrace of the Chalet du Bois Melay in La Plagne 1800!

Winter Olympic Games 2030

France has been officially designated to host the 2030 Winter Olympic Games in the Alps. La Plagne, with its world-class infrastructure, will play a central role, notably by hosting the bobsleigh and luge events on its famous Olympic track.

These events further strengthen La Plagne’s position as a leading sports destination, attracting snow and cycling enthusiasts from all over the world for unforgettable moments.

Discover the history of La Plagne at the Heritage House

Located in the heart of Plagne Centre, within the Espace Pierra Menta, the Heritage House invites you on an immersive journey into the history of La Plagne and the Tarentaise Valley.

Spanning over 100 m² of exhibition space, this carefully curated display traces the evolution of the resort: from the first mountain villages to the creation of one of the most iconic ski areas in the Alps. Anecdotes, archives, period objects, and testimonies bring this lively and accessible visit to life.

An immersion into the past
From humble beginnings to the spectacular growth of the resort, explore the key moments that shaped La Plagne’s unique identity. A perfect place for history enthusiasts and the curious alike.

A stay rooted in authenticity
Take advantage of your luxury chalet rental nearby to explore the local heritage and discover the deep roots of this legendary resort, blending tradition and modernity.

Le Bois Melay at La Plagne 1800

The Chalet du Bois Melay takes its name from the Plante Melay forest, a vast woodland surrounding the chalet in La Plagne 1800. This typically Savoyard forest shelters a rich variety of trees: firs, larches, and Swiss pines, the latter being a resinous species emblematic of the Alps.

Traveling up the departmental road from the Aime-La Plagne valley, you will pass 21 numbered hairpin bends in descending order. At hairpin bend number 2, a sign marks the hamlet of Plante Melay. The Chalet du Bois Melay is located just after hairpin bend number 1, overlooking the village of La Plagne 1800.

Chalets in La Plagne

In La Plagne, many chalets have been carefully renovated, blending alpine authenticity with modern amenities. The most beautiful addresses can be found notably in La Plagne 1800, Plagne Villages, Plagne Centre, and Belle Plagne—areas prized for their charm and direct access to the slopes.

Among the most exclusive accommodations, our 5-star Chalet du Bois Melay stands out with its high-end features: private spa, tailored concierge services, personalized care, and an elegant atmosphere.

La Plagne thus combines an exceptional skiing experience, family-friendly hospitality, and discreet luxury for unforgettable holidays in the heart of the Alps.

Visit our luxury chalet in La Plagne 1800

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Best of La Plagne Resort

Our guests share their experience

5-star reviews!

What a wonderful discovery in La Plagne! We were there for the second time with our extended family and friends and had an incredible mountain getaway! Elise is a wonderful host, she was easy to reach with any questions and gave us helpful tips about the area. We can't wait for our next visit!

Brand new chalet, very comfortable and welcoming. It is also very well equipped, featuring a delightful pool. Elise gave us a very warm welcome, and we highly recommend her services!

Chalet du Bois Melay is a little haven of peace. Nestled among the fir trees, each room offers a breathtaking view that is simply dreamy! The design and cleanliness of the chalet are top-notch. The amenities are comprehensive: each room is equipped with an ensuite toilet/shower, and there is also a pool, sauna, and an incredibly cozy dining room. The icing on the cake is the warm welcome from the hosts. I can only recommend a stay at the chalet. And for skiing, a little warm-up is offered, and it's definitely worth it!

I have stayed several times in this beautiful chalet. Great location, just 5 minutes on foot from the slopes. Elise is attentive to all your questions. The chalet is very luxurious, and my children loved the pool and the cinema room 😉. I highly recommend it!

Thank you for these few days spent under the La Plagne sun, in a very pleasant chalet with a rejuvenating spa pool for after skiing—all in a peaceful and relaxing setting. The thoughtful gestures and communication were perfectly suited to support us. Thank you, we will come back. Highlights: Luxurious · Beautiful panorama Rooms: Comfortable and bright rooms with large bathrooms. Nearby Activities: Equipment rentals are available very close by. A short walk takes you directly to the slopes. Interesting Details: A wood fire and relaxation amenities were much appreciated after skiing. A big plus is the combination of an indoor heated pool and sauna.

Great stay at Chalet du Bois Melay! We were treated like royalty and thoroughly enjoyed the chic, cozy atmosphere of this magnificent, cocooning chalet right at the foot of the slopes. The pool and private sauna after skiing are truly priceless! Thank you, Pointe de Sel, and thank you, Elise, who is incredibly attentive, always smiling, and for whom the well-being of her guests is paramount! We will be back!

Magnificent chalet! The owner is top-notch! Everything is perfect for a successful stay. Really nothing to say—only pure bliss!

This chalet has been completely redesigned in a modern style and equipped with all the modern amenities. The place is magical, and this chalet will make you feel wrapped in a warm cocoon. Last but not least, Elise will take excellent care of you. She truly excels in hospitality with genuine sincerity.

An amazing chalet, exceptionally well-equipped for upscale vacations. It features a pool with an unbeatable view of the snow-covered mountains, and Elise takes excellent care of her guests.

Very beautiful chalet with excellent facilities. The owners are kind, attentive, and available. Shuttles are conveniently located to take you to the slopes. I had a wonderful week (it was my first time). I highly recommend it!

We had a wonderful week with friends at the chalet. The chalet is comfortable, spacious, and beautifully decorated. The children really enjoyed playing in the pool after a day of skiing. The shuttle to the resort is convenient and runs regularly. We will gladly return.

We had a wonderful stay at the Chalet. Beautiful spaces: the bedrooms are very comfortable, the living area is spacious, and the decor is warm. A real highlight was the relaxation area with the pool and sauna! I’d like to add a little extra for the piano, which made our evenings even more delightful. Thank you for the warm welcome—I highly recommend it!

Stunning location, ideal in the summer (tested!) and undoubtedly also in winter! Every room is stylishly decorated with meticulous attention to detail and personalized touches. The pool is top-notch, and the balconies allow you to enjoy the view and the fresh mountain air. The communal area invites relaxation and socializing. In short, a must-see!

The chalet is ideally located for scenic hikes and enjoying the region. The living area is perfect for wonderful evenings, the bedrooms are well arranged, and the pool was much appreciated after our long walks! I highly recommend it!

Cozy chalet, tastefully decorated. A very warm welcome and a comfortable living area. The pool and sauna really won us over.

An extraordinary family getaway in this magnificent chalet, ideally located in the heart of the mountains with delightful summer activities.

La Plagne History

The history of La Plagne, between mining tradition and tourism

The mining origins of La Plagne 1800

Bobsleigh in La Plagne and the 1992 Winter Olympics

The birth of the La Plagne ski resort in the 1960s

La Plagne aujourd’hui

La Plagne: a dynamic and sporty resort

Winter Olympic Games 2030

Discover the history of La Plagne at the Heritage House

Le Bois Melay at La Plagne 1800

Chalets in La Plagne

Continue the visit ofLa Plagne

5-star reviews!

How to rent chalet du Bois melay ?

Call us

Send us a message

TARIF

A partir de 1400€ par personne*

La Plagne History

The history of La Plagne, between mining tradition and tourism

The mining origins of La Plagne 1800​

Bobsleigh in La Plagne and the 1992 Winter Olympics​

The birth of the La Plagne ski resort in the 1960s

La Plagne aujourd’hui

La Plagne: a dynamic and sporty resort

Winter Olympic Games 2030

Discover the history of La Plagne at the Heritage House

Le Bois Melay at La Plagne 1800

Chalets in La Plagne​

Continue the visit ofLa Plagne

5-star reviews!

How to rent chalet du Bois melay ?

Call us

Send us a message

TARIF

A partir de 1400€ par personne*

The mining origins of La Plagne 1800

Bobsleigh in La Plagne and the 1992 Winter Olympics

Chalets in La Plagne