Bobsleigh, skeleton, sled
OPENING OF THE BOBSLEIGH TRACK WINTER 24/25
From 14 December 2024 to March 30 2025
You can already book your session !
The team of the Olympic Bobsleigh Track.
Piste de bobsleigh – La Roche – 73210 La Plagne
An Olympic track for all
La Plagne is home to France’s only bobsleigh and skeleton track. Nestled under Plagne 1800, it echoes back to a tradition that is deeply rooted in our Alpine resort. Even before La Plagne was a ski resort, the locals used to race bobsleighs on the road and used the intense cold in the sector to create the precursor of the track. In 1992, the Albertville Olympic Games consecrated our love for bobsleigh and designated La Plagne as the host resort for the Olympic discipline. Since then, the team has shared its passion by creating machines that are unique in the world, invented by and for La Plagne, that allow the general public to go down the track. It is open to holidaymakers at the end of the afternoon, after the sports training. Don’t forget to reserve your descent.
Bob raft, for the fun
Accessible from min. height 1.30 m, this is the descent for families. The raft steers and brakes on its own and holds 4 people for an amazing, shared experience, reaching 80 km/h in the fastest section of the descent. Considered as the “introduction” descent, it is perfect for the “first time”. Let’s be clear, however: La Plagne’s bobsleigh track does not do half measures, so you are taking the same route as the professionals! Price: 55 € per person
Speed luge, for the thrill
If you prefer to go it alone, try the speed luge, lying back with your feet first. The bonus: an unobstructed view of the track. Oh yes, you get to appreciate each of the 19 bends fully! You can even try to count them, but when you’re going 90 km/h, you may well lose count… Price: 135 € per person
Only from 16 years old.
Bob racing, for the action
The bob racing, even faster, is very close to a competition descent. To reach 120 km/h, a driver sits in the bobsleigh in front of the three passengers who are briefed before the departure. The G-force in the bends, the ever-increasing speed, the sound of the friction on the ice… that is the bobsleigh, a passion that leaves you with an unforgettable memory. Price : 145 €/pers. From 10 December 2024 to 23 March 2025.
Only from 16 years old.
Speed luge & bob racing only from 16 years old.
Become a bobsleigh pilot in one completely crazy day
You are hosted and taught by professionals, including federal instructors. The Olympic track and the panoramic room where we hold briefings, offer feedback and analyse your line and speed, are reserved for you .Atmosphere and anecdotes guaranteed! The panoramic room is available all day for your pre-drive briefing and personalised analysis of your performance. There are 4 dates to reserve: 20 December and 10 January 2025 for French speakers, 17 December for French/English speakers and 17 January for English speakers, from 10am to 5pm. Lunch included.
Envied dimensions
We’ll keep it brief. Here are a few figures to give you a better idea of La Plagne’s bobsleigh track: 1.5 km from top to bottom, 19 bends, 200 m of deceleration track (well, you do arrive quite fast…) and 124.5 m vertical drop. A team of ice specialists who lovingly look after the track and are there to assist you in this amazing discovery. Lastly, just so you know, the speed record on the La Plagne track is 134 km/h…
What does a bobsled run consist of?
A bobsled, short for "bobsleigh," is an aerodynamic vehicle mounted on runners that allows you to descend a narrow, winding ice track at very high speeds. On board, there are four passengers: the pilot, at the front, is in charge of steering the bobsled; the brakeman, at the back, operates the brake at the finish; in the middle, the other two passengers help with the starting push alongside their teammates to allow the bobsled to gain maximum speed. That’s what happens in competition!
At La Plagne, there's no need to know how to steer, push, or brake to enjoy bobsledding. Thanks to the Bob Raft, an ingenious self-guided and self-braking device, you have nothing to do: just let yourself slide. The Bob Raft automatically takes the right trajectories, climbs along the vertical ice walls in the banked turns, manages the (very significant) acceleration at the start, and then the powerful braking at the finish.
The sensations? Completely crazy! Like roller coasters that only go down. It goes fast, very fast even! You will need less than 2 minutes to race down the 1500 m bobsled track with its 19 turns (top speed: 80 km/h). Brace your abs well: it shakes...
Want to go even faster? Treat yourself to a ride with a professional driver! On board their bobsled, you will reach the modest speed of 120 km/h (up to 3G in some turns!). A completely crazy one-minute experience that will test your vocal cords. Hold on to your helmet, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Last option to feel your heart racing at very high speed: the Speed Luge. This time, you are alone on board, in a semi-reclined position, feet forward and eyes focused on the illuminated track. Just like in Bob Raft, you don't have to worry about steering or braking, "just" let yourself glide safely... at 90 km/h!
Because a picture is worth a thousand words, check out the Bob Raft in video:
Where to go luge?
In Savoie, on the Olympic bobsleigh track of La Plagne, of course! The only bobsleigh track in France, it was originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games. At 1500 m long, it twists, turns, and twists again (19 banked turns in total), like a long ice serpent racing down the mountain (with a maximum slope of 14.5%!).
Even today, the bobsleigh track serves as a prime training ground for professional bobsledders and lugers in search of medals on the international circuit.
In the late afternoon, the bobsled track opens up to thrill-seekers. The only difference from the pro version of bobsledding? You don't have to worry about steering the bobsled since the descent is done in a Bob Raft (self-guided and self-braking), in Speed Luge (solo) or in bobsleigh (with a professional driver). Other than that, everything is the same: same track, same steep turns, same slope, same thrills.
Who can go bobsledding?
The Olympic bobsled track is not reserved for professional pilots! To tackle its 1500 meters in length and 19 steep turns, all you need is a bit of courage… and a strong taste for thrills and pushing your limits.
The Bob Raft, a kind of self-guided and self-braking bobsled that is 100% safe, is accessible even to children from around ten years old* (minimum height: 1.30m), as long as they are accompanied by an adult during the descent (who's volunteering?).
Speed Luge (or luge de vitesse in French) is practiced solo from the age of 16; just like bobsled racing (sporting descent in bobsleigh, this time with a professional pilot). Also from the age of 16, it is even possible to learn to pilot a bobsleigh during a one-day course (four dates are offered during winter 24/25, two of which are reserved for French speakers).
Attention nonetheless: bobsledding is a high-adrenaline activity that physically shakes you. The ice track looks smooth... but at over 80 km/h, the slightest bump is amplified. Therefore, bobsledding is not recommended for those with cardiovascular or spinal issues, those with epilepsy, and for pregnant women or those who have recently given birth.
*Not recommended for children under 10 years old, even if they are over 1.30m tall.
When can you go bobsledding?
The Olympic bobsleigh track is open from mid-December to the end of March, in other words, when temperatures are optimal for ice. During the day, it is reserved for professional pilots training to shine in upcoming international competitions. In the late afternoon, the bobsleigh track is open to amateurs seeking adrenaline for a bobsleigh run (with a pilot), in a self-guided and self-braking Bob Raft (with four people, no pilot) or in Speed Luge (solo). A must-try after your day of skiing!
Where is the La Plagne bobsleigh track located?
The bobsleigh track in La Plagne (Savoie) is located just below Plagne 1800, in the hamlet of La Roche. Accessing the track is a breeze!
- Are you on vacation in La Plagne? Take the free shuttle “Charmette / Bobsleigh Track” – check the shuttle schedules here.
- Are you coming up from the valley for the occasion? Park in the free parking reserved for bobsleigh track customers.
Remember to book your run before heading to the bobsled track: the activity is very popular, and slots fill up quickly...
How much does a bobsled run cost?
The price of a run on the Olympic bobsleigh track varies depending on the chosen activity.
Thus, a descent in Bob Raft will cost you €55 per person. The Bob Raft is self-guided and self-braking, so you will be "alone" on board (no need to call on an experienced driver to steer the bob around the bends and stop at the finish). Perfect for an activity to share with friends or family! Even children from 10 years old and over 1.30m can board the bob, accompanied by a responsible adult.
For a descent in Speed Luge (solo), you will need to shell out €135. A great idea for a birthday or Christmas gift!
Finally, the ultimate experience to absolutely try if you love thrills… really intense ones: it’s bobsled racing! A descent at breakneck speed (up to 120 km/h) in the company of a professional driver, which will cost you €145 per person.
✨ Quickly book your bobsled descent, or buy a gift voucher to give to a daredevil in your circle. Note: gift vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
How to equip yourself for a bobsled run?
The bobsled track is a long serpent of ice built outdoors. It is therefore very cold. Plan for warm clothing (your ski outfit for example), as well as gloves. On your feet, no ski shoes or snowboard boots: bring with you good sneakers or your snow boots, simply.
No need to bring a helmet for your bobsled ride: it is provided to you upon arrival.
