News of La Plagne in 2009

Sunday, December 27, 2009 | Municipal magazine of Macot-La Plagne      

Macot just published its second magazine of 2009. The sixth page 6 is entirely about the site www.PERSo-LAPLAGNE.fr. I thank the Mayor, Richard Broche, and Laurence Corompt, of Communication service.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 | Project of a new residence in Plagne Soleil      

If you read this site for several years, you know that I would like we stop to built new residences or hostels in La Plagne, for several reasons. First, because La Plagne already holds a record number of beds (39 366 beds in the top resorts, 52 691 in total), while the ski area will not be larger. We therefore chose a denser resort, quit to run the risk of saturation of the slopes and ski lifts. Then, recentd building projects have impacted the environment, as the Hotel des Deux Domaines. Despite all this, since 2005, eleven hotels or residences were unearthed, and the list of projects grows.

Latest project, a residence in Plagne Soleil. This resort is the only one that did not have a urban plan originally thought, and its the resort the less convenient and the more diverse. Well, here is a trait that will be reinforced by the bill that has cleared the municipality Macot, almost unanimously, "after extensive debate. Alongside modern buildings (1990), small cottages (1998), the massive neo-Savoyard residence MGM (2007) and the equally massive hotels Vancouver Sun Valley (2008), should be constructed fifteen large chalets two or three stories (along the lines of those of Meribel), with terraces and pools. This will be a luxury resort, what Michel Bezançon had planned for this site before leaving La Plagne, with the difference ... there are now as Plagne Soleil neighborhood.

The project 

The area, on a photo of Plagne Soleil, in April 2009  

Source : Compte-rendu du Conseil municipal de Macot du 7 Décembre

Saturday, December 19, 2009 | The new snowfront of Champagny      

We have followed this summer the works of Champagny's snowfront, whose main goal was to completely separate skiers and traffic. The first phase of works was completed in time for the season.

The new snowfront of Champagny on December 19 

Thank JP

Friday, December 18, 2009 | Bergerie chairlift evacuated !       

There is not often (never ?) an evacuation of a chairlift in La Plagne. Yesterday, shortly before 11a.m., the driver of the new Bergerie chairlift decided to stop it, due to a problem with the drive pulley. It was therefore necessary to evacuate 29 passengers, which took about 45 minutes. Poma was there earlier this afternoon to diagnose the failure that almost certainly require the closure of the chairlift during two days, writes the Dauphiné Libéré, which relates the incident today. About the photo below, the smoke comes from the new boiler... not from the chairlift !

The evacuation of Bergerie chairlift on December 17  

Source : Le Dauphiné Libéré | Thank Rodolphe

Sunday, December 13, 2009 | Season 2009/2010 : j+1      

La Chiaupe slope on December 13  

Sources slope on December 13  

Bergerie area on December 13  

Bergerie chairlift on December 13  

Mélèzes chairlift on December 13  

Thank Jean-François

Sunday, December 13, 2009 | Inauguration of La Plagne's boiler       

We have followed since July 2008, major steps of the construction of the new biomass boiler of La Plagne, a project led by Veolia and USCPPC (owners of Plagne Centre). The largest boiler built in the Alps has now been officially opened yesterday, and this winter will ensure the production of heat and hot water for 47 buildings and 90 shops.

With this installation, La Plagne turned resolutely towards a greener future, avoiding the release of 4000 tonnes of CO² into the atmosphere each year, even if it is only a first step. “In 60's and 70's, nobody worries about the environment and energy costs. There was a lot of heat loss, the apartments were poorly insulated, that we corrected by performing insulation work” said to AFP the chairman of the USCPPC Jean Robino.

The boiler on December 1  

Saturday, December 12, 2009 | 2009/2010 first day       

Today La Plagne opens its ski area. No euphoria this year. With only “25 cm of wet snow” at 2000 m, snow cover is certainly in the middle, but far from 110 cm in 2008 and 115 cm in 2007, two exceptional years... About 1/3 of the slopes have been opened for the first day. Moreover, the weather was very stuffy. So, a few of snow today, and maybe more tomorrow.

Les Coches on December 12 at 4:10pm  

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 | The pist map 2009/2010      

The new pist map has just been published. With all informations given on this site all the year about the ski area, you will learn little. Major changes are the “removal” of Rochu and Bellecôte slopes, the disappearance of Véga chairlift and Saint Esprit drag lift, and the new Bergerie and Melèzes chairlifts.

But, like every year, there are a few mistakes, because the map is not reread carefully. The biggest is that La Bergerie restaurant is not at the right place : while the works of the area would be beneficial to it, those who come in the Plagne for the first time will have trouble finding it. We also regret the lack of promotion of the new lifts and the removal of the Plagne Centre flat... No large arrow to show that Aime-La Plagne is now connected with Bellecote thanks to a new lift in Plagne 1800... Maybe it's because of the Mélèzes chairlift with its 4 seats ? But that's the early-year debate !

The pist map 2009/2010 

Thank Anne

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 | First evaluation at d-18       

In early November, everyone was very optimistic about snow cover for 2009/2010 season, and for good reasons : it had snowed up valley and mountain pastures were covered by 30 cm of snow powder. Unfortunately the milder weather after November 11 had melted snow below 2000 m. But for 48 hours, the snow is back (10 cm) and it will be cold this week. According to forecasts, the weekend is promising. Follow the snowfall live with the Forum de Paradiski.

La Plagne on November 24  

Thank Anne

Saturday, November 7, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts       

Now the chairlifts are completed, seats have been installed and final tests have begun (see videos below). These two new lifts that we have followed in detail (since February 5) the project and the construction, will radically change traffic in high-altitude resorts : Plagne 1800 which was a resort a little isolated will be revitalized, while less skiers pass (push !) in Plagne Centre.

Bergerie chairlift on November 6   

Mélèzes chairlift on November 6 

Thank Agnès

Thursday, November 5, 2009 | Rochu, Bellecôte disappear from the piste map !       

We believed for some days to an update error of the piste map on Paradiski.com, but the information was confirmed this morning : Rochu and Bellecôte black slopes will not appear on the piste map of 2009/2010 season. Why ? Because they are “too often closed” according to SAP. However, the slopes will be marked and are not in off-slope area (that's important for safety and insurance).

In any case, it is a strange approach, difficult to understand. Maybe, communicate about slopes which remain closed is a problem and La Plagne wants to avoid disappointment for skiers. But these slopes are not always closed ! And if the opening is a criteria, La Plagne must also remove Lognan, Coqs or even Mont de la Guerre slopes !

If you want to do these slopes next year you'll have to go there, because the slopes would disappear also from Lumiplan in the resorts, as from the list of open slopes available online, and that's a shame !

The piste map on Paradiski.com 

Ski area state with skiplan 

Source : Société d'Aménagement de La Plagne | Thank Rodolphe, Dominique and Christophe

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 | Bergerie chairlift       

It is under the snow (it has already fallen about twenty centimeters at 2000 m) that 6 seats have been put on cable of Bergerie chairlift, this afternoon, as the final adjustments. Previously, the chairlift has ran for 70 hours.

Bergerie chairlift on November 3  

Thank Dominique

Saturday, October 31, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts      

Works are now finished, and first trials have begun. The seats of the Bergerie chairlift have been delivered, and they will be put on next week.

Works of Bergerie chairlift on October 30  

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on October 30  

Thank Dominique

Monday, October 27, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts       

Area global view on October 24 

Works of Bergerie chairlift on October 24 

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on October 24 

Dou du Praz on October 24 

Directions sign in Plagne Centre  

Thank Jean-Pierre

Monday, October 26, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts       

As the first snowflakes fell on La Plagne last week, and there are still a few above 2000 m, works of new Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts are nearly finished. Only a few finishing touches, seats of Bergerie to put on and tests will begin. Other photos to see at remontees-mecaniques.net.

Works of Bergerie chairlift on October 24  

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on October 24  

Thank Geoffroy | remontees-mecaniques.net

Monday, October 19, 2009 | The project of a Dérochoir slope “postponed”      

Last week we talked about the projects to expand the ski area that are abandoned for environmental reasons. The Municipal council of Bellentre has discussed the project of a Dérochoir slope on September 21, 2009. It is “postponed for botanical reasons (there is a protected plant in this area)” : it might be the Androsace alpine. La Plagne has already had to change “the road to arrival station of Bellecote gondola”.

The project to create a slope in this off-slope area (very dangerous after heavy snowfall) is regularly evoked since 2004.

So the project is postponed, but it has been seriously studied by SAP ans it is not abandonned...

Source : Bellentre | Thank Rodolphe

Sunday, October 11, 2009 | La Plagne abandons its plans to expand      

In recent years, like most companies, La Plagne has gone green, trying to combine ski area and sustainable development. The resort has always been a pioneer : first resort to replant grass on its slopes and trees. All these initiatives are on a page of new website of La Plagne.

Since 2002, The « Société d’Aménagement of La Plagne » (SAP) who managages the La Plagne ski area has undertaked considerable certification measures. Once certified ISO 9001 in 2004, the SAP then concentrated on obtaining an environmental and security certification. On the 27th May 2008, the SAP officially received a QSE (Quailty-Security-Environmental) certification, relying on the ISO 9001 (Quality), the OHSAS 18001 (Security) and the ISO 14001 (Environment) references. The QSE certification implies certain rules, notably concerning the security and the environment. This certification allows the implementation of certain procedures and management techniques aimed at maximising client satisfaction, improving staff security, and reducing the environmental impact and the energy consumption linked to the company’s activities...

So, we can not accuse La Plagne to do “greenwashing”, because its environmental communication is based on real action. The latest is abandonment of extension projects launched in 1994, for which the station had asked authorizations (some successfully).

Projects abandoned  

Are abandoned extension projects : in areas of Jarset (1), Friolin (2), the North Face of Bellecôte (3), Tougne and Combe of Arriérés (4) and the project of a cable-car called Les Chardons betwenn Chalet de Bellecôte and Roche de Mio (5). Remind that authorization to extend the ski area in les Écuries de la Chiaupe (south side of Col de la Chiaupe) has not been granted by the authorities. The project of a slope in Dérochoir is not mentioned...

Note on the same theme, thate Macot-La Plagne has signed a national environmental charter in partnership with ADEME and Mountain Riders.

Thank Rodolphe and Pipecrakes

Saturday, September 26, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts... and Véga      

Works have progressed a lot, and the departure station of Bergerie chairlift in Plagne Centre is near to be finished. This chairlift will have an output of 3,600 skiers per hour, as high than the Funiplagne. Vega chairlift has been completely dismantled, and there are now only the seats. A page of history is turned for Plagne Centre...

Works of Bergerie chairlift on September 23 and 24 

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on September 24  

New snowfront and ski school of Plagne 1800 on September 24  

Works of removal of Véga chairlift on September 23  

Thank Pol

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 | Removal of Véga chairlift      

Removal of Véga chairlift have begun today. No lift will be build in replacement, this year, while awaiting the project to move Colorado chairlift, evoked on April 30.

Removal of the chairlift on September 15 

Thank Anne

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts      

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on September 8 

Works of Bergerie chairlift on September 8  

Thank Agnès

Friday, August 28, 2009 | Salla chairlift is moving back       

What a lot of works this summer in La Plagne ! New chairlifts, works on many slopes, and now a chairlift station to move. This is the Salla chairlift, built in 2004. The station is moving back 10 meters because the ground under is unstable.

Works on August 28 

Thank Agnès et Aalin

Friday, August 21, 2009 | Mélèzes chairlift      

All the pylons of Melezes chairlift have been heliborne today from 9 a.m. Works around departure station are still important. But, there will be still some elements of Bergerie chairlift to heliborne...

Pylons have been heliborne on August 21 at 9 a.m. 

Works on August 21 in the afternoon 

Friday, August 21, 2009 | Plagne Soleil : no drag lift, but a slope       

After many months of debate, we believe since last spring, that there will be a drag lift between Plagne Soleil and the Dou du Praz this winter, according with elected representatives of Macot. Well, against all odds, and from official source, there will be no drag lift this winter, and nothing is decided yet for next year. So, there will be no lift in this resort in December and customers will have to go down to Plagne Centre, and take the new Bergerie chairlift... But they will be not alone ! People will come from Montalbert, Aime-La Plagne, Plagne 1800 and Plagne Centre to go to Bellecôte. No lift in Plagne Soleil, despite the agreement between the Société d'Aménagement de la Plagne and towns, which requires one for each resort.

But Plagne Soleil will have a new slope from Bergerie chairtlift. No fear about that the sinkholes, because the slope will be created on existing tracks.

The new slope on a SAP's map  

Source : Société d'Aménagement de La Plagne | Thank Emmanuel

Thursday, August 20, 2009 | Bergerie chairlift       

Yesterday evening, there has been a violent thunderstorm over La Plagne. The rain has dug recently terraced slopes and the parking garage where the pylons and the seats of Mélèzes chairlift has been invaded by the mud. Today, almost all the pylons of Bergerie chairlift have been heliborne. France 3 Alpes broadcasted a report about the helicopter that had already heliborne those of a new chairlift of Les Ménuires in the morning. In La Plagne, the helicopter began around 2 p.m. The remaining pylons will be put in place tomorrow morning, together with those of Mélèzes chairlift.

Pylons have been heliborne on August 20, at 2 p.m.  

Works on August 20 at 6 p.m. 

Thank Anne, Raphaël et Cédric

Monday, August 17, 2009 | Mont de la Guerre, Verdons and snowfront of Champagny      

On last April 30, we talked about works projected on the top of Mont de la Guerre slope. They started a few weeks ago, with the goal to suppress all unevennesses (natural moguls...) that emper a good snow packing. These works are impressive in this area not very developed. Regular visitors will miss one of the most “natural” slope of La Plagne, which every time gave the impression to ski out of slopes in the ski area... As expected, there will be no works on the low part this year, because of some owners, as mayor of Champagny told in April. Anyway, Bernard Chancel announces, in Champagny's municipal magazine, that SAP will continue works in a “near future”. Furthermore, according with an unofficial source, SAP would think to artificial snowing on the slope...

In the same magazine, the SAP's President announces a 6-seater chairlift to replace the Verdons Sud. No more details, but it seems that admistratives steps have begun for a construction in 2011, in accordance with information of April 30.

Map of the works 

Works on Mont de la Guerre slope on August 16  

Unevenennesses of Mont de la Guerre slope 

Works of Champagny's snowfront on August 16 

Thank Stéphane

Friday, August 14, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts      

If the scope of the works surprises you, if you don't understand anything and if you did'nt read dozen of articles about news for season 2009/2010 on www.PERSO-LAPLAGNE.fr since August 3, 2008, a summary is essential !

Diagram based on a photo taken on August 12 

Sunday, August 9, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts      

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on August 9 

Works of Bergerie chairlift on August 9 

Thursday, July 30, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts      

Works of new Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts are really considerable, an unexpected godsend for many construction companies of the region in these times of crisis. Besides construction of chairlifts by the Comag, three companies supervise works (earthworks, networks burial, rocks, artificial snow...) in Plagne 1800, Plagne Centre and Plagne Villages.

In Plagne 1800, the departure station of Mélèzes chairlift has been set up yesterday morning, after the other last week. Praconduit short drag lift has been dismantled and will be rebuilt on the new snowfront. Also, ESF built a new school of more of 100m ². As regards Bergerie chairlift, bases of the departure station are near to be finished, and the arrival station is being assembled. The electricity line that crosses the chairlift will be dismantled in the coming days. Two chairlifts's pylons should be heliborne late August-early September.

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on July 29  

Works of Bergerie chairlift on July 29  

Thank Agnès

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 | Municipal magazine of Macot-La Plagne      

Last November, the municipal magazine of Macot-La Plagne has been published on www.PERSo-LAPLAGNE.fr. Since, Macot has open a new site, and the summer magazine has just been published.

An article tells about renovation of Plagne Centre's galleries. An ambitious project : renovating in three years 1,2 km of galleries (3000 m²). The pictures of studies by architects of Maironi office are on its site (projets > publique > n°5). The agreement of all properties is necessary to launch the works.

Friday, July 10, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts      

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on July 6  

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on July 9  

Works of Bergerie chairlift on July 6  

Dismantling of Saint Esprit drag lift on July 6  

Thank Mickael

Thursday, July 9, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts       

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on July 5  

Works of Bergerie chairlift on July 6  

Thank Grégory ( r-montagne.fr )

Monday, July 6, 2009 | Mélèzes and Bergerie chairlifts       

It's official, the Mélèzes chairlift, moved between Plagne 1800 and Plagne Centre keeps its name. Important works on the slopes continue. Some bases of pylons and stations have been poured. But...why are there still two of Mélèzes's old pylons in Plagne Soleil ?

Works of Mélèzes chairlift on July 6 

Works of Bergerie chairlift on July 6  

Source : SAP | Thank Anne and Raphaël

Sunday, July 5, 2009 | Works of Champagny's snow front       

Champagny's snow front will be completely reorganized this winter : expensive works (2 millions of Euros) have begun. To remove cars from arrival area of Mont de la Guerre and Les Bois slopes, a “covered gallery” and an underground car park will be build. A real snow front will be created, and in the future a children's garden. Surrounding area of Champagny gondola - actually not very welcoming - will be renovated. On the picture under, works area appears in orange (the aerial photo was taken two years ago). Others works are projected along the gondola for next years.

Works of Champagny's snowfront on June 28  

Thank Stéphane, Robert and Agnès

Sunday, June 21, 2009 | Chairlifts 1800-Plagne Centre and Bergerie      

Works of Bergerie chairlift on June 19 and 20  

Works of “Mélèzes” chairlift on June 20  

Thank Pol

Monday, June 15, 2009 | Chairlifts 1800-Plagne Centre and Bergerie      

Works in Plagne 1800 on June 15 

Works on the bottom area of Bergerie chairlift on June 15 

Works on the top area of Bergerie chairlift on June 15 

Thank Dominique

Friday, June 12, 2009 | Bergerie chairlift       

Works at the bottom on June 12  

Thank Anne

Thursday, June 4, 2009 | Chairlifts Plagne 1800-Plagne and Bergerie      

Earthworks are in progress, and near to be finished in Plagne 1800, where they begun last autumn, after dismantling of Lovatière drag lift. The crossroad between slopes Lovatière (from Aime-La Plagne) and Les Mines (from Plagne Centre) has been completely modified, the brook canalized and a few trees cut. The future chairlift to Plagne Centre (still called Mélèzes) will leave from there.

Aerial view and map of works area in Plagne 1800  

Works on May 31 and June 2 

For the Bergerie chairlift, as announced on May 30, the arrival area and links with existant slopes have been created. Some sinkholes have been or will be banked, notably for the new short slope to Plagne Centre (in light-bleu on the map below).

Aerail view and map of the arrival area of the Bergerie chairlift  

Works on May 31 and June 2 

Thank Dominique

Sunday, May 31, 2009 | Bergerie chairlift       

Dou du Praz without Mélèzes chairlift's pylons on May 31 

Thank Dominique

Saturday, May 30, 2009 | Bergerie chairlift       

All pylons of the Mélèzes chairlift but one have been removed. Earthworks are in progress : at the bottom, creation of an exchange area between the two chairlifts and at the top creation of two slopes, the first to go back to Bellecote and the second to Plagne Villages (just under La Bergerie restaurant).

The works at the bottom on May 27  

The works at the top on May 27  

Thank Apple//GS

Sunday May 24, 2009 | Bergerie chairlift       

Works of the Bergerie 6-seater chairlift have begun. First phase : dismantling of the Melèzes chairlift which will be installed between Plagne 1800 and Plagne Centre (for more informations, refer to August 3, 2008), works on the slopes and clearing. The Saint Esprit drag lift and the Véga chairlift have not been dismantled yet.

Works of dismantling of Mélèzes chairlift this afternoon  

Works of Dou du Praz slope this afternoon 

Works of clearing this afternoon 

Thank Anne

Thursday April 30, 2009 | SAP's works and projects for 2009-2012      

After months of incertainty, removal of Vega chairlift and Saint-Esprit drag lift will begin on May 15, followed by moving of Mélèzes chairlift, construction of Bergerie 6-seater chairlift by Poma and of a new drag lift between Plagne Soleil and the Dou du Praz. As it does not cross the slope, it will be above the MGM Granges du Soleil, and not really in the resort.

Besides the “restructuration of the area Plagne 1800-Plagne Centre-Plagne Villages”, SAP has projected for this summer, as announced on 19 August 2008, important works on Mont de la Guerre slope, for 200 000 €. But these works would concern this summer only the upper part of the slope, even though it's on the lower part that projected works are the most important : SAP wants to change its route. So, no works this summer on the lower part of the Mont de la Guerre.

Why ? Because there is a land problem. The top of the slope is on Champagny's pieces of land, but not the bottom. Complexity of Champagny's cadastre is impressive. And the town needs owners's agreement to authorize the works. “We have now 90 % of yes, and 10 % of no” says the mayor of Champagny-en-Vanoise. In case of persistant disagreement, proceedings would last many months, because the law says that the Syndicat Intercommunal de La Grande Plagne (SIGP) could authorize the works despite everything. But it would be too late for this summer.

The slope of Mont de la Guerre and the cadastre of Champagny  

The other major project in Champagny is of course the replacement of Verdons Sud chairlift, by a 6-seater detachable chairlift. Contrary to what was announced here on last February 14 (and in the Macot's municipal council report of January 30), “it was never intended” to replace the Verdons Sud in 2010. It's disappointing but we have to wait one more year ! The Verdons Sud chairlift, its endless queues and its 12 minutes to go up, is still there for at least two seasons !

Why 2011 and not 2010 ? Because the priorities of development are planned in consultation with the SIGP. And it seems more urgent to replace the Fornelet chairlift “which leaves from a resort” than the Verdons Sud...

We evoked, in February, the project to replace the Fornelet by a 6-seater detachable chairlift. The 4-seater, which is not paid off yet, would replace Bauches and Carroley chairlifts. But the Mayor of Aime wants a gondola lift between Montalbert and the top of the Fornelet. During our meeting in March, Bernard Chancel, President of SAP, said that a gondola “is 30 % more expensive than a chairlift and less efficient”. Furthermore, to install a gondola lift, SAP would need an authorization UTN (New Touristic Unit). In France, since the Law Mountain, resorts need this authorization for each new building project. Not to mention the desastrous impact on environment !

For the Mayor of Aime, a gondola lift it's a question of prestige and attractiveness. In 1993, the construction of the Lac Noir gondola in Les Côches had the same goal. But it didn't work and it was very expensive (of course initially the gondola was to be extended to the Dos Rond...). Today, between a gondola and a high-speed chairlift many skiers choose the chairlift : by example with the Plan Bois or with Blanchets and Carella chairlifts to reach to Roche de Mio. If SAP fails to convince the Mayor, the Verdons Sud chairlift could be replaced in 2010.

In 2011, SAP, to honour its commitments with Macot, should install the Colorado chairlift instead of the Vega chairlift. In 2012, the Télémétro between Plagne Centre and Aime-La Plagne would be renovated (cables, stations, cabins...). Renovated and not rebuilt, because in case of rebuilding SAP must separate the cable-car and the resorts, and it would be much more expensive. The Télémétro will be 40 years old next year.

For the future, SAP have to replace the Roche de Mio gondola and to renovate Bellecôte gondola. Not many details about these projects, just rumors about Belle Plagne. The law requires that lifts be now completely separated of resorts. So, the intermediate-station of Belle Plagne should be modified. Bernard Chancel said in February that SAP projects to rebuild a new gondola with exactly the same route. But in 2004, SAP obtained an UTN authorization for a new cable-car (called Chardon) between the Chalet de Bellecote (under the Col de la Chiaupe) and Roche de Mio (we evoked this on March 23, 2006). So the same or another route ? That's still vague... Let's be careful !

Source : Meeting with Bernard Chancel, Société d'Aménagement de La Plagne and Town of Champagny-en-Vanoise

Saturday, April 4, 2009 | The projets for the next season (5)       

For many months, we follow the serial about the projects for 2009/2010. All was frozen three weeks ago, because of a disagreement between Macot-La Plagne and the Societe d'Aménagement de La Plagne. The projects approved by Macot-La Plagne after many discussions, were suspended to the issue of Vega chairlift. Finally, a compromise has just be found, and the construction of the two chairllifts beetween Plagne 1800 and Plagne Villages, announced last year, is now certain. In answer to the elected representatives' query, the SAP has agreed to install, by 2011, the 6-seater Colorado chairlift, instead of the two-seater Véga chairlift, a solution that Bernard Chancel evoked during our meet. So, with an written commitment of the SAP, Macot-La Plagne has therefore agreed to the dismantling of the Véga chairlift this summer.

To reach the Verdons Nord chairlift, skiers would only have the Z drag lift (of course with the Funiplagne it is faster to go to Champagny directly from the top of the Grande Rochette !), a situation which should not last a long time... Some Macot's elected representatives seem to want the construction of a 6-seater chairlift between Plagne Centre and the Verdons. But regarding the flows of skiers, this second lift (with the 6-seater chairlift of Verdons Sud projected for next year) would pose a problem. According to Bernard Chancel, it would then “double the capacity of all the slopes”, which would destroy the environment... However, for the SAP, the most important issue is (finally !) the Verdons Sud chairlift.

The issue of maintenance of an important drag lift in Plagne Villages will be reconsider next year, beacause the Aollets drag lift remains even a season.

Thank Agnès, Alain, and Rodolphe

Wednesday, March 11, 2009 | The projets for the next season (4)       

We still don't know if the lifts projected for this winter will be built or not. There is a trial of strength between the Société d'Aménagement de La Plagne (SAP) and Macot-La Plagne, for the first time for at least 10 years. There is no compromise even after many meetings. So, the investments of the SAP for the next season are called into question. What are the reasons ? It is very difficult when you don't live in La Plagne to understand in a few hours some issues sometimes going back a decade. I met Bernard Chancel and several elected representatives of the commune of Macot. Here is a summary of views of both parties.

First, there is a dispute about the role of each. The elected representatives of Macot want to give their opinion about SAP's projects. It's justified, because they will be judged by what happened in La Plagne during their mandate. Thus, the majority of the Municipal council of Macot, all lists taken together, blams SAP, including its President Bernard Chancel, for a lack of dialog, listening and compromise. According to the elected representatives that I met, the debates of the Municipal council are more lively, but richer than during the mandate of Auguste Picollet. Recall that three lists competed in the elections of March 2008.

For his part, Bernard Chancel, regrets the confusion between the professionals of development of ski areas (he has managed several ski areas) and the politicians, who are not qualified. So, when I asked him why he does'nt want to take into account the opinion of the elected representatives, he answered with numbers and technical studies.

Then there is a dispute about the content, focused on two issues. First about the Véga chairlift. We have already said that it could not be reopen this winter, unless pay an expensive technical visit. Bernard Chancel refuses to give some money for a lift promised to a future destruction, and he doesn't want to keep it closed next winter: “Do you imagine the reaction of our customers ? Queue at Colorado chairlift, queue at the Funiplagne, and this chairlift closed ? We would be lynched !” The elected representatives of Macot accept this argument, but they want that SAP consider the replacement of the Véga chairlift. So, for now, Macot refuses to allow dismantling the chaitlift, while it's a precondition for Bernard Chancel, to build the other lifts... The SAP also suggested that the Funiplagne replace the Vega. In this case, the wall of the Mira slope (“a dark red” according to Bernard Chancel) would be radically modified to be accessible to all, works refused by the elected representatives because of it's environmental impact. SAP seems to ignore the Petite Rochette slope, which is a very good alternative to the Mira. The replacement of the Véga chairlift by the Colorado 6-seater is also considered.

The other burning question : Plagne Villages and its lifts. As requested by Macot, the SAP does not remove the Aollets drag lift this summer, a reprieve of one year “to see”. But it will certainly be removed in 2010 and his replacement is problematic. SAP's final plan projects the construction of a new drag lift in Plagne Villages to replace both Aollets and Chevrette drag lifts. But today, SAP doesn't want to build some surface lifts crossing the slopes (there are accidents daily according SAP, rarely according to the elected representatives...). So this future drag lift would be too short to go to Plagne Bellecôte. It's good for beginners and their parents. But not enough. Plagne Villages without an important lift is a less interesting resort. Elected representatives, listening owners and ski schools, want the construction of a lift enough long to go to Plagne Bellecôte. According to Bernard Chancel, this is a wrong logic. First, as a professional of ski areas, he wants “major structural lifts” from major resorts, what rules out “bits of string” (drag lifts). And, Plagne Villages is, according to him, a “dormitory resort” and all skiers will go to Plagne Centre, because “nobody wants to take drag lifts today”.

I rarely give my opinion there. But I think the solution only be a compromise. The question of Véga chairlift is the result of a lack of dialog between all the actors, each standing one's ground, without hearing other's arguments. Véga chairlift can't to be maintain, but SAP should work on an alternative : either replacing the Véga or making access easier for ski schools to the future Bergerie 6-seater chairlift. In the case of Plagne Villages, the projected drag lift should be fifty meters longer and the crossing with the slope should be more secure (with nets and LEDs panels).

Source : Meetings with Bernard Chancel, SAP's President and many elected representatives of Macot.

Sunday, February 15, 2009 | Two medals for Julien Lizeroux ! Bravo !       

• World Vice-champion of Slalom
• World Vice-champion of Super-combined

Julien Lizeroux, the skier of La Plagne gives two medals of three for France, at the World championships in Val d'Isère.

Saturday, February 14, 2009 | The projects for the next season (3)...and the future      

As we have already reported on February 5, the Municipal council of Macot-La Plagne of January 30, was only about the projects for the next season. On this occasion, Bernard Chancel, President of the SAP and Pascal Abry, Director of the ski area, were invited to present the projects and to discuss with elected representatives. An extensive report was published yesterday by Macot-La Plagne on its website.

Much of the debate focused on the moving of the Mélèzes 4-seater chairlift between Plagne 1800 and Plagne Centre, that the elected representatives refused on January 12. The SAP wants this moving because the chairlif, built 18 years ago, is not paid off yet. And the SAP also refuses to build a detachable chairlift because it would be is too short, we have already talked about this. The argument is technically valid. But about this, Bernard Chancel says that the “the shortest detachabale chairlift in France is 900 meters long”. Perhaps, he does not know that there are 6 detachable chairlifts of less than 900 meters long, in Tignes (570 meters), in Valmorel (725 meters), in Les Arcs (881 meters) and ... in La Plagne (the Montalbert chairlift, 817 meters).

However, the Council of February 9 decided to validate the projects, we have already talked abiut this last Tuesday. But the relationships between Macot-La Plagne and the SAP are particularly difficult. There were unpleasant words between Bernard Chancel and some elected representatives and the reaction of some of them during the Council speaks for itself. René Allamand, the unsuccessful candidate for last elections, “is afraid to accept the SAP's projects without compensation” and Joel Ougier-Simonin, urban development Deputy mayor, said that the Council would have less authority if it accepts all the projects.

The meeting with the SAP also allowed to examinate the projects for the future. In 2010, the SAP projects the replacement of the Verdons Sud chairlift and probably also the works on the Mont de la Guerre slope. In 2011, the Fornelet chairlift should be replaced. And because it is not paid off, it should be moved to the Bauches to replace the Bauches and Carroley 2-seater chairlifts. The SAP also thinks to replace the Télémétro, to modernize the Bellecôte gondola or modify the Colorado chairlift.

Source : Macot-La Plagne

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 | The projects for the next season (2)       

Yesterday, the Municipal council of Macot-La Plagne has examined again the projects for the next season. It has authorized the two chairlifts projected by the SAP, abandoning the idea of a detachable chairlift between Plagne 1800 and Plagne Centre. But the Council wants to keep Aollets and Chevrette drag lifts still one year, or their replacement by a new drag lift, long enought to go to Plagne Bellecote. In Plagne Soleil, a comparable drag lift would be built this year to replace the Saint Esprit drag lift. Concerning the Véga chairlift, it will not be kept, except to pay 335 000 € to respect the security standards. The Council wishes that a new chairlift be built in replacement. According an elected representative, a “compromise” is indispensable.

Thank Agnès and Alain

Thursday, February 5, 2009 | The projects for the next season       

We already talked about the projects for the next season on www.PERSo-LAPLAGNE.fr. They're known for a long time, but they're not fixed in the details yet. There are still talks between Macot-La Plagne and the Société d'Aménagement. This question was the central point of the last Municipal council on January 30.

During the Municipal council of October 6, 2008, many disagreements have become apparent, notably about the Mélèzes chairlift, which will be moved to link Plagne 1800 and Plagne Centre. Despite the ask of Macot-La Plagne, the SAP refuses the construction of a 6-seater detachable chairlift, because it would be too short (400 meters), and it would wear out too quickly. According to the FIRM, this detachable chairlift would be the shortest in France, shorter than Bollin chairlift in Tignes (570 meters). Macot-La Plagne answers that Mélèzes 4-seater chairlift may be saturated.

Removal of Saint Esprit and Aollets drag lifts is the other problem. In its first project, the SAP did not replace the drag lifts, so Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil would no longer have lifts to go to Plagne Bellecote. The agreement between the SAP and the towns says that each resort should have an important lift. Since, the SAP has modificated its project, and two new drag lifts are planned. But these lifts would not allow the link with Plagne Bellecote.

Finally, the third disagreement is the removal of Véga chairlift... To try to find a compromise, a commission has been created, with some elective representatives and some managers of the SAP.

Thank Agnès and Alain

Monday, February 2, 2009 | Situation just before the February holidays      

From January 18 to 24, it fell more of 60 cm at 2000 m, and 80 cm at 3000. These snowfalls are auspicious just before the February holidays in France. There is as much snow as last year : 150 cm at 3000 m, 125 cm at 2000 and 20 cm at 1250 m. Here some recent pictures.

Champagny,on January 20  

Bozelet area, on January 25  

Mont de la Guerre slope, on January 25  

Champagny-le-Haut, on January 22  

Thank Marc and Benoît