With the 2017/18 ski season fast approaching, the popular family-friendly resort of La Plagne in the French Alps has announced a whole host of NEW activities and amenities to tempt both experienced skiers and beginners alike to the slopes this year.
On the slopes
The ‘Go to Ski’ revolution
The ‘Go to Ski’ looks like a snow scooter and reproduces the eight movements made by a skier’s feet, mechanically. This impressive innovation was originally created as an aid for disabled skiers, allowing them to ski in an upright position, thereby making skiing more accessible to many. The device also helps complete beginners take to the slopes for the very first time, assists skiers who want to perfect their off-piste technique and aids those already experienced on the slopes in perfecting their posture. Some 98% of the machine’s actions are undertaken using the hands, with the foldaway handlebar ensuring it is easier to manage the feet and to steady the body, without falling backwards or forwards.
Extended: Fun slope – the longest in France!
La Plagne’s family fun ski run launched last winter (2016/17) and is already the longest in France. This year will see exciting new elements added and the slope extended. Situated at the top of St Jacques’ blue run on the Plagne-Bellecôte sector, the run is suitable for all ages and is made up of tunnels, jumps, raised bends, bridges and exciting interactive elements – fun for all the family!
Superslalom – the world’s longest! 31 March 2018
After the success of the first-ever Superslalom event last year, the world’s longest slalom race is back. Both amateur and experienced skiers will pitch themselves against pros from the world of international skiing in an event that is the brainchild of slalom champion Julian Lizeroux, alongside pioneer of freestyle and back-country skiing, Julian Régnier. Taking place on 31 March 2018, this is a truly original event with a route that will encompass a 4-km descent and 320 poles; 400 participants are expected to take part.
Refuel
UK Michelin-starred chef to open new restaurant
Highly-regarded UK chef, Phil Howard, is to open a new restaurant in Plagne Montalbert this winter. After managing a double Michelin-starred restaurant for 25 years, Phil wanted to start a new project that would be a complete change from his city life, in the village that he has loved for over ten years. Providing an all-new, contemporary Alpine setting, the restaurant will serve consistently high-quality food from ingredients that are rigorously seasonal. Opening on 16 December with a team of chefs from London, in an open-kitchen format, the restaurant will offer dinner seven days a week.
Le 360 Restaurant
This new restaurant focuses on the very best panoramic view of the Plateau du Fornelet in Plagne-Montalbert. It is a contemporary version of a classic design and is situated at 1,970m, yet the stunning view is not the restaurant’s only talking point. Constantly reinventing itself, it now has French Michelin-starred chef Jean-Michel Bouvier at its helm, and will be offering a menu based on quality local products at affordable prices with the aim of satisfying all palates and pockets.
Relax and recharge
Newly-renovated four-star hotel: Araucaria Hotel & Spa
Purchased by the ASSAS Hotel Group, Araucaria Hotel & Spa in Plagne Centre has now been completely renovated, and will feature a 1,000 m² extension this wintertime. Opening for Christmas 2017, the hotel will have a ‘sport-chic look’, with a refined character and a relaxing atmosphere that will make it a fun, modern place to stay. The new 450 m² Nuxe Spa will boast a swimming pool, treatment rooms, sauna and tepidarium, and there will also be a children’s area with a fun ‘Treasure Island’-style pool. The new feel will allow for different ages to come together in a space that they will all enjoy, with other facilities including a cocktail bar, a cosy mountain nook, an auditorium, arcade games, and a children’s area with an igloo and a secret passage.
