Friday, December 22, 1961 | La Plagne, newest french resort, opens today       

La Plagne opened its slopes and lifts to its first skiers fifty years ago today. The leaders of the youngest resort of Savoy assured the four pistes were very snowy, and the two lifts (the Biolley and Lovatière) worked perfectly. They had only a few months, previously there were only two cow barns in La Plagne. Today starts the most modern resort which wants to be the most original in France. The development was entrusted to the young architect Michel Bezançon, he had already designed tens of thousands of beds, at several other sites. In future years the progress of this small resort became very rapid and today you can discover a huge area and the very mountain tops !

La Plagne during season 1961/1962  

Illustration : Fonds Martzolf conservé à la Société d'Histoire et d'Achéologie d'Aime

Saturday, December 17, 2011 | Excepetional snow cover      

La Plagne has just experienced a snowfall even more extensive than that which ended 10 days ago. The accumulation of snowfall at 2000 meters since December 13th exceeds one metre. An unusual episode for Claude Schneider, who stated “this is a long time since we had seen so much snow at once.” The snow in Plagne Centre is now 140 cm according to the statement by La Plagne, far exceeding the previous record for the month of December, which was 115 cm December 13, 2007. It is therefore more than 11 years since such snow early in the season. A snowfall of exceptional measurs. Given the avalanche risk was again this morning 5 out of 5, the area is still largely paralyzed with the incessant triggering of avalanches. According to reports this morning on Radio La Plagne, trees have fallen on pistes and lift cables, but without elaborating. Pedestrian traffic outside the station was banned throughout the altitude areas by the City of La Plagne-Macôt. At the time of writing there are only 29 of 107 ski lifts open. No doubt this day will be remembered at the station which celebrates its 50th anniversary in five days time.

Plagne Centre on December 17 at 2pm  

Plagne Centre on December 17 at 1pm  

Plagne Centre on December 17 at 8pm  

Plagne Villages on December 16 at 11pm  

Belle Plagne on Decemner 16 at 10am  

Thank Olivier and Marie

Thursday, December 8, 2011 | Heavy snowfall across the area (2)       

After the heavy snowfall in recent days, La Plagne was today under the sun.

Plagne Centre on December 8 at 2 p.m  

Belle Plagne on December 8 at 3 p.m  

Champagny on December 8 at 3 p.m 

Thank Olivier and Marie

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 | Heavy snowfall across the area       

It was awaited with much anxiety, but the snow has finally arrived ! The latest survey conducted by Claude Schneider, La Plagnes nivologue, the weather front, still active tonight, forecast since last Saturday, gave a large amount of snow. The cumulative total amounts to 91 cm at 2000 meters, and 140 cm at 3000 meters (note, one does not do not speak of effective height, but of the snow accumulation). After starting timidly, Saturday 2 cm, 6 cm Sunday, then interrupted by high temperatures (rain snow limit at 2200 m in the night from Sunday to Monday), the snow had "unleashed to pour a steady stream of flakes" from Tuesday morning. This morning at 8 am, Claude Schneider reports 36 cm of fresh snow, and 30 cm fallen since this morning (40 on the Glacier), with about 15 cm expected tonight. We observe the same in the villages, but obviously smaller amounts. One bad thing to point out, the wind that accompanied the snow, and formed "very large accumulations." With this "intense" episode, there is no longer any concern for the opening of this high-altitude resorts Saturday. We are reassured!

Champagny webcam on December 7 at 7:30 p.m 

Belle Plagne webcam on December 7 at 6 p.m 

Rossa webcam on December 7 at 8 a.m 

Thank Claude Schneider, and Mike for translation

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 | Piste map for 2011/2012       

The piste map for 2011/2012 has just been released and published as in previous years on the website www.PERSo-LAPLAGNE.fr

New this year some Pistes are referred to as "Natur" ie, non-groomed: pistes, Bosses, Colosses, Coqs, Etroits, Grande Pente and Morbleu. In fact there is little change since these tracks were rarely pisted. The resort of La Plagne, as did Les Arcs last year, communicates these areas as more "natural". Note that the Dérochoir, the former off-piste route turned into a piste, is not on the list. As announced the other day, the lower part of the Carina disappears as a piste.

We regret that a new feature, namely the Verdons chairlift is not emphasised. A few years ago the new lifts were underlined and highlighted, today, nothing. Finally, we find once again on the map, unfortunately, the same typographical errors observed for several years, and reported here. A mountain restaurant in the wrong place, a strange use of capital letters in the names of the pistes some with some without, but none to "emile allais' (sic), which should read Emile Allais, one of the fathers of La Plagne.

Piste map in hight reslution 

Thank Mike for translation

Saturday, December 3, 2011 | Snow... ! (At last !)       

Until last night, there is in the alpine only artificial snow. No snowfall since early October. We therefore saw yesterday that dotted white surreal and some white marks on the tops. At La Plagne as everywhere in Savoie the snow waiting. The weather trend seems reversed, and the snow has finally arrived, and consistent snow are expected in the coming days, with certain forecasts up to 40 cm at 2000 m. At last ! The grass was white, even timidly, and this morning the webcams show winter colors.

Grande Rochette's webcam on December 2 at 4 p.m  

Grande Rochette's webcam on December 3 at 2 p.m 

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 | New in 2011 : Colorado Park       

This winter, skiers looking for another activity will have at their disposal a new toboggan run, of 1,5 km length : Colorado Park. According to information from the SAP this park will take place on the Carina slope, downstream of the Colorado chairlift. Lugers should not be hampered by skiers, since logically the slope will be reserved to them.

Colorado Park will be open every afternoon until 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, and even 6:30 pm from February 11, 2012 (whenever 1 hour after the close of slopes). Access will be paid and will include the location of the sled, helmet, and probably access by Colorado chairlift for those without skipass : € 8 for a descent, the price will be decreasing for 2 or 5, which will cost in this case € 32 instead of 40. For that price, La Plagne promises “fun and feel”.

Location map 

Source : Société d'Aménagement de La Plagne / Office de Promotion de La Plagne

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 | Works of the Verdons Sud (10)      

The construction of Verdons Sud chairlift seems to be now complete, and testing had begun. With Bozelet's photos, we see how the flow will pass to the chairlift : the former site of the chairlift is a sort of vast public square, organized almost like a traffic circle (see diagram at end of article) . The last problem : the way to the Borseliers is a bit narrow. Also, datas about the new chairlift have been published : 3000 skiers / hour , and a rise time divided by 2.

Verdons Sud chairlift on November 28 

Diagram of flows 

Thank Bozelet

Tuesday, November 3, 2011 | Renovation of Plagne Centre's galleries (4)        

Since the last new, on October 20, the works have not advanced a lot. The Ventoux's gallery was being completed and cleanup on November 1 after the installation of the skins of door frames for access to the apartments and stairwells. The works of the Rue de la Gaieté advance, but will it be finished in time ? Probably not according with the workers on the site.

The works in Ventoux's gallerie on November 1 

The works in Mont Blanc's gallerie on November 1  

The works in the Rue de la Gaieté on November 1  

Thank Dominique

Monday, October 31, 2011 | Works of the Verdons Sud (9)        

Apparently, the work has not advanced much since October 4. However, much has been done inside the stations. For comparison, the seats of the Bergerie chairlift were installed on November 3rd 2009, and testing began afterwards. Do not worry, therefore, because is on the calendar. We note that in the modified areas re-growing this summer is pretty spectacular, using a new product which sets the grass seeds, fertilizer and the supplies needed for fast growth.

The works on October 31  

Slopes transformed and regrassed  

A new cottage for slopes security service, moved near the Verdons Nord  

Thank Dominique and Mike for translation

Thursday, October 20, 2011 | Renovation of Plagne Centre's galleries (3)        

Started in June, the renovation of the galleries of Ventoux and la Gaieté have
made good progress since our last report in August. They are almost completed in regard to the Ventoux however a good weeks work remains even if all the items still missing were delivered, including the skins of door frames for access to the apartments and stairwells, and some fixtures. In the gallery, Rue de la Gaieté, the work is just beginning ... We are worried because the completion was scheduled for the month of December ...

With the information which had already been given, Christian Cathelin, President of the USCPPC and Corinne Maironi Gonthier wished to make some corrections and clarifications.

Firstly about the materials: the floors of the galleries consists of stone slabs, wall panels are cast in concrete, structured, dyed and treated with several coats of matte anti-tag. (Anti graffiti paint) Regarding the elements of atmosphere, the red wire that had to be present in all the galleries has unfortunately been abandoned. Technical difficulties or financial reasons ... versions differ. This is unfortunate, because red is the ‘corporate’ colour of La Plagne. In the galleries, some rectangular niches were created. They accommodate flat panel displays (protected by an unbreakable glass) to disseminate information to the MATO, advertising or visual interest. Regarding the windows of restaurants and shops of the Rue de la Gaieté, the commitment was made by the majority of shops that showcases would be remade in accordance with the Charter aesthetic Maironi designed by the agency, although at present no work seem to have begun. Lastly, the final tranche of work, the project to recreate a real fireplace in the square of the same name was vetoed by the county fire service. Too bad !

The works in Ventoux's gallerie on October 15  

The works in Ventoux's gallerie on October 20  

The works in Mont Blanc's gallerie on October 20 

The works in the Rue de la Gaieté on October 20  

The wood covering the walls 

Thank Christian Cathelin and Corinne Maironi, Thank Jean-Pierre, Agnès et Alain and Mike for translation

Monday, October 17, 2011 | Restructuring of Aime 2000 : Public Inquiry       

Broader consultation. This is the approach adopted by the City of Aime to complete the project already presented publicly in August. Corine Maironi Gonthier, Assistant Planning Aime, has provided new details.

About the aqua-play space
It will be a relaxing recreational innovative entertainment which combines the spectacle of fountains with that of the high mountains. The reference is Center Parcs, but with views of Mont Blanc, waves, geysers, hot and cold sensations, waterfalls, water slides, surfing aquaplaning, etc ... This first part is very lively, with a large scale for the children, and will be complemented with spaces for well-being,and quiet areas with saunas, spas, steam rooms, and massages.

Equipment 2600 m² will be fully funded and managed by a private investor, with a minimum commitment of 15 years. The estimated cost is 14 million €, and operation is based on an entry about € 3.50 per person.

About other facilities and services
To compose a multi-leisure facility attractive to winter and summer Aquapôle should be accompanied by 1,900 m² of fun activities like a squash, bowling, game rooms and a 500 m² conference room, and 1 500 m² of shops, preferably complementary to those galleries of Aime 2000. For example a bar - brasserie - panoramic restaurant. Added to this are all the public facilities (communal areas, access, galleries, ski slopes ...). The cost of these services and major features of the site is estimated at 37 million €.

The town would finance its share of meeting rooms and entertainment, and a multi-home day care for toddlers, of 600 m², the new junction of access road, parking in the open air, and public networks and retention basins for storm water, for a total cost of 1.8 million €.

2400 additional tourist beds
Without surprise to anyone, the municipality wants to build upscale housing, providing a clear novelty and modernity, so as not to compete directly with the current supply, and promote instead the complete restructuring of the real estate (currently 53 000 beds for the Grande Plagne, including 5500 in Aime 2000).

The program provides 44,000 m² of tourist residences, of which 14,000 m² extension to below Hauts Bois, and 2500 square feet of hotel, located at the site of the former ice rink, for one hundred beds of 3 or 4 star. To finance the operation, the City needs to sell land to investors at a charge of about € 700 / m² to build. It's ambitious, but essential to the financial balance of the program. The alternative to reduce it to € 550 / m² would be to remove some landscaping, walkways tracking, street furniture, to save about 4.5 million €. Private investment is not guaranteed. Note that nothing is set aside to improve the final integration of existing residences. The Planning relies on boosting the momentum of the project to convince the condominiums of Aime 2000 , and Club Med 2, to respect the harmony of a new architectural framework when they renovate the building facades .

The project will also require the construction of 1 200 m² to 60 seasonal beds, and 800 square meters of permanent staff accommodation.

Integrated Parking
The commitment is to cover the majority of car parks (345 + 550 public private), re location of the existing 380 parking spaces that no longer exist, and recreate 135 spaces integrated in the open air, along the roads, new or existing. The full integration of the cars, as well as the feature architecture roofs are strong themes of this landscaped plan. Eventually, there would be 651 additional places in accordance with the program.

The study planning and implementation
It takes about 4 successive years of study before realising an early construction. Indeed, the administrative procedures are numerous and the time of consultation with various public and private, and the phases of consultation with the public, are long and unavoidable. It is necessary to ensure subsequent viability of such a project. In addition, Corine Maironi states, only a good program can serve a good achievement. She stressed that the financial risk of the town is very limited since it is currently a work project.

In December 2011, the prefecture will decide on the request for new tourism (UTN). From the beginning 2012, the draft ZAC and the final program and will be detailed in the study, to arrive later this year or early 2013, a complex competitive team comprising architects, landscape architects, planners, developers , equipment operators, and manufacturers. Before and after this “contest", the municipality has committed to consider the External Review, by integrating its jury including representatives from co-owners. We could see the program first published on the internet ... It will subsequently that the winning team studied more fully his plan before filing applications for PC, re-visit companies and ask finally, “the first stone.” Meanwhile, the planning regulations (PLU) will be revised to adapt, legally, the regulatory framework.

It takes with public procurement procedures, and deadlines for legal action ... We may be in 2015, and two or three seasons will be needed, at least, try to build and, finally, with the result, if all goes well!

Please come and have your say
The first public hearing for the case of NTU is currently underway from October 3 to November 4 in Aime Hall. All your comments will be listened to and their relevance will be considered. You can express yourself in person or by mail. Read for example, the remarks of elected Macôt in the minutes of City Council 9/12/11 (page 9) and their positive opinion on the site of the City Council.

Thank Corine Maironi Gonthier and Alain Le Masson | Picture 1 : Mairie d'Aime, Picture 2 twiga269 on Flickr

Friday, October 7, 2011 | Bob run's future        

The disqualification of Annecy for the Olympic Games in 2018, and the retirement of its chief historical Andre Broche, raises the question of the future of the bobsleigh run in La Plagne.  A few months 20 years Albertville Games, the elected representatives of Macôt have long debated the issue at the Municipal council on September 5.

Everything has been studied, even assuming a dismantling excluded because of its astronomical cost (at least 10 million €, plus restoration of the site).  The considerable investments of local governments in 2007 and 2008 (6 million €) have apparently failed to take off the activity of the run. Bernard Aubonnet , Deputy Mayor for tourism and sport and former director of the SAP was assigned to the case.

Tourism receipts of the track already provide 70% of the operating budget, but it is still insufficient.  The main reason : the isolation of the bob run that is away from stations.  To attract more tourists, we must also  “develop the image of the track, boost competition” and give  “a sport as a showcase”.  The champion Bruno Mingeon was asked, it could become  “personal trainer”.  Second, the governance of the track should be reconsidered, based more on the Tourism Office, and especially Patrick Hazeaux, its director, and that would accept a new responsibility, replacing Andre Broche, which marketed the run until one.  The ultimate goal would be to combine the French Federations of Bobsleigh and Skeleton, and Ice Sports, and set up a team of France, based in La Plagne.

Source : Report of Municipal council of September 5. Thank Steve for translation.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 | Works of the Verdons Sud (8)       

Works are well advanced. The cable was held, the top station is nearing completion, the station downstream is being assembled. The lift should be completed well before the end of the month.

The works on October 4  

Thank Teddy (Forum Remontées mécaniques.net)

Friday, September 30, 2011 | The review of the PLU Macot La Plagne       

The Local Development Plan (PLU) of Macôt is being revised. The PLU provides the objectives of urbanization for 10-15 years.The public inquiry takes place from 1 September to 6 October, the project is available at the town hall of Macot, or in Plagne Centre.

Figures on La Plagne and Macot

If the population is macôtaise 1749 permanent residents, the tourism capacity of the municipality is 32,334 beds in altitude. As a reminder, we consider that the “Grande Plagne” with its 11 municipalities and three stations, totaling 52,690 beds in 2008. We observe with satisfaction that the demographics macôtaise turned positive since 2000, with growth of about 18 inhabitants / year (+ 1%). Plagne Centre is undergoing renovation and expansion to 7968 beds. Bellecôte Plagne 5316 is stabilized beds. Belle Plagne is now the largest resort with 8646 beds, down for a short time, because of the renovations undertaken in some buildings. Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil, 7377, are still developing slow, as Plagne 1800 with 3027 beds. The distribution for the Grande Plagne is 18,919 beds in tourist residences, 17,907 beds in second homes (non-market beds), 9149 furnished rental beds, 5230 beds in clubs tour operators + + campsites, and 1,486 beds hotels. La Plagne supports over 5000 employees, all activities for an economic impact of nearly 250 million / year. Attendance of the Grand Plagne is 75% French, and mostly in winter (85%), with a record of 515,567 visits / year and an annual turnover of 60 million euros which makes SAP, the leading French farmers. La Plagne is still the largest ski area in the Alps operated by a single company. The ski area of 225 km of 730 hectares, is now equipped to 18.40% of snow cannons, spread over 130 pistes officially considered a level “way to easy” . The 107 lifts listed in 2010 totaling a maximum throughput of 125,496 skiers / hour. Macot is totally dependent on tourism. Other traditional activities (farming, agriculture, forestry) are increasingly marginal.

The objectives for the future of La Plagne and Macot

Urban planning and policy to be pursued, these targets are legally binding value and reference for all future projects. This is the purpose of Project Planning and Sustainable Development (PADD), an essential document, enforceable vis-à-vis all. Overall, the new PLU does not affect the previous rules, and the realistic observation that La Plagne is now largely “completed” led to a policy of balance.

1. Maintain the growth of Macot

In 10 years, it will create 154 homes on about 5.5 ha, with a mix accession / location for the permanent or seasonal population. The choice will be to promote more density. 3 areas around the subdivision and Macot Sangota are planned: Le Clos, La Fontaine, Le Venechet, preserving cut green between town and village. An urban planning project for 80 seasonal beds is planned in Plagne 1800. Previous drafts of seasonal habitat to Belle Plagne and Plagne Villages are abandoned.

2. Respect the balance of tourism in La Plagne

Elected officials are not considering an important extension of urbanization, and they favor the optimization of the few remaining spaces close or restructure the existing building, to promote the high end now. However,"build back better” is, in their draft PLU, translated by the objective of achieving medium-term approximately 26 000 m² additional “complete the tourist offer.” Most of these projects “new” has already begun: 4000 m² of residential tourism cottages opposite the hotel Aconcagua in Plagne Centre (permit already granted), 10,000 m² hotel tourist residence under the Dou du Praz in Plagne Soleil (license pending), 4000 m² hotel Ecolodge near the Chalet des Moutons (UTN granted), 8000 to 10 000 m² hotel club 3 or 4 star Plagne Villages (choice of operator in the tender). The proposed restructuring of the old buildings are not yet launched in La Plagne, and experiments still seem distant. The key challenge for La Plagne, however, is the subject of a major decision: we can densify and increase, by adding additional volumes, existing buildings, subject to improve the consistency of architecture, interior renovations in order to minimum rent for 9 years, and reach a thermal line labeled HPE.

3. Modernize the tourism

The first is investment for the quality of the ski area and renewal of lifts (Verdons South Bécoin, telemetro, Vega, Verdons North Crossing, Montalbert, Roche de Mio, Glacier, Colossi, Dou du Praz. ). This is then illustrated trade balances currently renovating Galleries Plagne Centre, a tourist and improved access Telebus Plagne Villages, or in the future, a renovation of galleries Bellecôte. It is also retraining landscape around Plagne Centre and Belle Plagne Snow management fronts, pedestrian paths, and with a little hope, once decimated plantations.

4. Preserve agriculture

The zoning will preserve the two large “green corridor” currently protected from the Isere to the peaks of both sides of Mount St. Jacques. They would guarantee the “belts and cast” green between the different poles urbanized, with a strict protection of farmland are still active. It is envisaged projects to build summer pasture cottages for shepherds, such as La Forclaz the bottom.

5. Integrate sustainable development planning choices (Second law Grenelle of the environment)

This debate, and aims to illustrate that concern national and even global, for example, are Macot and La Plagne :

• Rehabilitation of old villages, renovate housing stock tourist incorporate the landscape and contain urban sprawl
• Promote wood boilers to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases
• Secure water resources by protecting the catchment sources Arc
• Improved waste collection for better sorting
• Develop carpooling or shuttle bus to the station staff
• Secure pedestrian paths between Plagne Centre - Plagne Villages - Subdivision Forest - The bottom of Biolley and between Plagne 1800 / corner of UCPA, and alleys of Eurogroup / Plagne Soleil
• Incorporate landscaped or covered parking for Plagne Centre close to the area or garage Firemen Biollay in Plagne Villages overlay of existing parking, Bellecôte extended to same, and surquantifié for the purposes of Belle Plagne.

6. Reconsider the projected economic zone Bonnegarde

It is a vow rather than a project. This is apparently abandoned because of difficult access, cost too high, and in competition with those of Aime or Bourg St Maurice.

7. Better integration of natural hazards

The new PLU has been delayed a year to complete further studies vis-à-vis the avalanches, rockslides, flash floods, landslides and land subsidence hazards, mine hazards. The zoning was adjusted accordingly.

What special features for each station of La Plagne? What projects and notorious?

The draft PLU leads to a mapping of each site. can be found in the attached document (click) the maps in high resolution and their explanations . Their legend is as follows :

- Red, already urbanized areas with a few additions (zoning U)
- in yellow, the new extensions of urbanization (zoning)
- light green, light green spaces are used for agriculture (zoning)
- in darker green spaces “natural” that are the subject of a preservation stated (zoning N) and a inconstructibilité, without being in conflict with the operation of organized skiing.

Mapping project PLU (to get the details for each station)  

Zoning has become more precise, for example by reserving the most beautiful areas on the outskirts of the stations to a vocation “hotel” (high end), or by reserving the most practical vocation “ms” for the main habitat or for seasonal workers.The new regulation reflects the intentions of the project PADD. To encourage complete renovations of existing buildings, the COS is removed, and the densification of stations is regulated by the recommendations of height, distance between buildings, massing, and materials. The intention is to promote the qualities with the effects of urban streets or squares, and compact forms. The appearance of the buildings specified station by station, to maintain harmony. It is not stated clear architectural identity, nor imitation with the existing stations for the new zoning to be urbanized in extension (AU).

The flagship project in this regard PLU Plagne Bellecôte: the development of the area said the “Chalet des Moutons” . This program communal, which obtained the agreement of the prefect last year (via an NTU), is to have of hotel accommodation innovative, original and progressive. “The Ecolodge” , on 4000 m² of constructed area, is composed of modules made ​​of wood, assembled on the same principle as stacked containers, and remaining removable to allow the reversibility the long-term operation. All BBC label (low consumption) and possibly HQE (High Environmental Quality) include a fifty rooms, restaurants, a conference room, a fitness equipment - spa - weight training, and hosting employees. No parking included, but a drop-off area in correspondence with the large parking lot today. The outline presented in the PLU enough to measure the contrast between this project and the “barrage” of Bellecôte on one side and the “big traditional chalets” in Belle Plagne.

The project Chalet des moutons 

Thank Agnès ans Alain

Monday, September 12, 2011 | Works of the Verdons Sud (7)       

The works on September 11 

Thank Jean-Pierre

Jeudi 8 Septembre 2011 | Projects for ski area in 2012       

As we announced on March 29, the investment program of the SAP for 2015 is pretty loaded. It will be implemented next year with the complete overhaul of the area Cabri-Biolley-Stadium in Plagne Centre, the historic heart of the resort. The project is known, although a number of things remain to be defined about Jean- Luc Cretier stadium. The municipalities of Aime and Macôt have also received applications for authorization.

The Bécoin chairlift will be replaced by a detachable 6-seater chairlift, similar to the Bergerie, able to bring skiers and competitors at the top in 3 minutes and 40 seconds, against nearly 9 minutes today. The start of the new unit will be decreased by 135 meters to be installed at the drag lifts of Z and Cabri, resulting in the dismantling of the two oldest lifts of La Plagne. Not clear at this time to the precise place of its arrival. The Biolley III drag lift will also be removed, and the current timing demolished building. The goal is to extend the finish area of the stadium. Finally, the Biolley chairlift built there are only 10 years between Aime 2000 and the top of Biolley, will also be dismantled and will be installed at the Glacier, replacing Traversée 2-seater chairlif.

We had also evoked the construction of a new chairlift of Verdons Nord whose departure was down to Plagne Centre. This project has been abandoned, because it is impossible to have two lift stations in a space so narrow and close to an area for beginners. The future of Colorado chairlift or the replacing of Verdons Nord by a new chairlift remain for hours in the study.

Project scheme  

Source : Société d'Aménagement de La Plagne |Thank Bernard Chancel, Thank Laurence

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 | Works of the Verdons Sud (6)       

The works on August 28  

Thank Hervé

Sunday, August 21, 2011 | Works of the Verdons Sud (5)       

The works of the chairlift progress (and have progressed since these photos from a week ago). Stations are being set up, but the heads of pylons have not been transported by helicopter yet. The most impressive, as we said on August 9, are the works of slopes. With the enlargement and reshaping of the slopes Verdons and central part of the Hara-Kiri last year, the whole mass has been profoundly transformed.

Works on August 13  

Works seen from Pralognan on August 19 

Works schem 

Thank Clément et à Bozelet

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 | Renovation of Plagne Centre's galleries (2)       

Work of the galleries were launched in June, and deadlines are being adhered to. The first part is to be rehabilitated, as announced on last May 18, that of the building Ventoux which includes an exterior ramp access, a new staircase, creation of a lift, and total interior renovation. Everything must be finished before school starts in this part of gallery located near the primary school .

We can already see the redevelopment designed by the architecture studio Maironi, faithful to the sketches that were widely published. In the gallery of the Ventoux, the ceiling and one wall will be re-dressed in horizontal strips of polished wood, raised slatted. The other wall is covered with vertical panels stone colored chalk and rawness with an anti-tag. This wall pretty clear, reflect the indirect lighting of a continuous ramp of fluorescent lights located at the junction of the ceiling. On the ground, the surface slab stoneware tile is colored dark gray basalt, with a matte finish to the relief claimed to guarantee non-slip. A major effort was made for soundproofing the premises. The set is both modern, stylish, and warm. However, it is unfortunate that the alignment of small spot light (LED lights ), originally planned was not built on the ground to symbolize the famous red wire in the colors of the station. Will be there in the other galleries ?

The works on August 10  

Thank Jean-Pierre, Agnès and Alain

Saturday, August 13, 2011 | Aime 2000's future presented to public      

Restructuring. This is the key word of the project for Aime-La Plagne's future. Originally thought for a single building, the resort which has seen grow, over the decades, other miscellaneous components (Club Med, parking, ex-Aquarius, Hauts Bois) is due to be restructured. Restoring consistency, improving the attractiveness and aesthetics of a resort that elected officials present, themselves, as on the decline. Three meetings are scheduled to present the principles of this revitalization project. The first meeting was held in Aime 2000 on Wednesday. It was moderated by Jean-Yves Dubois, the first deputy-mayor of Aime and Monique Ruffier, councillor and shopping. The following will be moderated by the mayor, Jean-Pierre Chenu, and Corinne Maironi, deputy-mayor in charge of urbanism, president of the community of communes, and architect.

At the heart of this program : the creation of a water park. Elected officials have insisted that although it would not be a swimming pool (it might not be any swimming pool at all), but a space for relaxation and water games with whirlpools and waterfalls, children's area and treatment rooms, all thought to be the most original and most fun possible. To finance this very expensive equipment, the municipality of Aime has no other choice but to sell the land to developers who will build, in the form of tourist residences and an hotel, up to 2400 beds. The goal is for all self-financing, without impacting the local tax. Club Med, which has two of the four buildings of Aime 2000, could grow in the new entity, with a hundred more.

It is still difficult to get an idea of the final draft. It will be very careful about the pictures published in this article, which have been made to illustrate the feasibility of the program. In the specifications are discussed : the buildings into the landscape, not exceeding the lower levels of the “Paquebot”, the partial coverage of the road, the creation of a second front of snow between the buildings, the removal of the parking/ice rink (which could move to Plagne Centre ), some shops and walkways pedestrian traffic between the various components. All these principles will form the basis of an architectural competition that propose projects may differ. The original designer of the station, Michel Bezançon, would seem he gave his opinion, is however not kind “wrecks” that distorted his masterpiece.

All this will take time. The first administrative approvals - concerning the UTN - should be available in December, but it will be a maximum of two years from the revision of the PLU, the establishment of the ZAC and the building permit. The competition will be launched in early 2012. Following the public consultation will be privileged to choose the most relevant project. The most optimistic expect a delivery in 2016-2017.

At the meeting, owners of Aime 2000, professionals or residents of other resorts have been expressed widely. The magnitude of the program, the fear of excessive soil sealing, the risk of a devaluation of existing properties, no intervention on their renovation, cold beds, parking capacity, the potential impediment to view, saturation of the ski area or the profitability of the water park complex were discussed. It is highly likely that these questions will be constant in the coming months. Elected officials are very cautious at this time. A likely reason, because everything is just beginning and much remains to be determined. This first meeting was held, despite fears in a positive and the participants thanked the elected officials of Aime to have initiated.

The meeting of August 10  

Thank Alain

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 | Works of the Verdons Sud (4)       

Most of the pylons were flown by helicopter on Monday, it remains a few and all the heads. As we already announced in previous articles, with the construction of the 6-seater Verdons Sud chairlift, all the slopes of the area are profoundly transformed : double-width up and reshaping of the lower part of the Bozelet slope, and the bottom of the Hara- Kiri slope, whose the top was transformed last year, and reshaping of the junction of Hara-Kiri and Kamikaze slopes. The upper parts of Mercedes and Mont de la Guerre slopes must also be transformed. In addition, the Bozelet slope will be equipped with snow cannons.

The works of the chairlif, the Bozelet and the Hara-Kiri slopes on August 9  

Thanks Daniel

Wednesday, July 6, 2011 | A new director for the SAP       

The Mayor of Macôt-La Plagne has announced during the Municipal council on June 6, a known information for several months ago : Bernard Chancel steps down as President of the Société d'Aménagement de La Plagne to retire. He joined SAP in 2000 and replaced Bernard Aubonnet, at this position in 2003. He directed before ski areas of Serre Chevalier and Les Arcs. Richard Broche, Mayor of Macôt, also gave the name of his successor, Jérôme Grellet “the futur general director”, who was previously President of the Société des Téléphériques de Val d'Isere.

Extract of the activities report of 2010 of the Compagnie des Alpes  

Source : Muncipal council of Macôt-La Plagne of June 6 2011

Tuesday, July 5, 2011 | Works of the Verdons Sud (3)       

The construction of the new 6-seater detachable chairlift of Verdons Sud leads to a profound transformation of the area, due to recent earthworks.

Works on June 27 

Thank André

Thursday, June 23, 2011 | Works of the Verdons Sud (2)       

The works of the new 6-seater detachable chairlift of Verdons Sud continue. Disassembly of the four places is almost complete. Other images on remontees-mécaniques.net.

Works on June 19  

Thank “Bozelet”

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 | Renovation of Plagne Centre's galleries      

Last month, we talk about launching of renovation of Plagne Centre's galleries. The first stone was laid yesterday, Tuesday, June 21, by the Mayor of Macot-La Plagne, Richard Broche, in the presence of Christian Cathelin, President of the owners union of Plagne Centre, who told us all the steps taken to arrive at the start of works this summer. The work will be to follow here (obviously !) and also on the new site of the owners union (USCPPC).

The report brodcast on TV8 Mont Blanc on June 21  

Monday, May 30, 2011 | Works of the Verdons Sud       

Work on the new 6-seater detachable Verdons Sud began a few days ago. After the seats, the line of the old chairlift will be dismantled soon. According to information from Forum-mécaniques.net, the 4-seat chairlift has been sold to the resort of Samoens. Remember that the start was moved about fifty yards, the location of the departure of former Verdons lift, thereby reducing the number of towers for the Society for the Development of La Plagne. Work to follow throughout the summer.

The works on May 29 

Thank Jean-Pierre and Steve for translation

Webnesday, May 18, 2011 | Renovation of Plagne Centre's galleries : go !       

Regularly for several months, we announced the imminent start of renovation of the galleries of Plagne Centre. This time, the project moved into an operational phase and are about to start.

This complete overhaul of the 3200 m² of shopping malls and galleries links that form the fabric of the internal circulation of the station, and characterizing its originality, is finally going to rejuvenate Plagne Centre with modernity, comfort and seduction. The highlights will be upgrading the station entrance, secure and easy accessibility for everyone, whatever their disability, if any, restoration of friendly places (like a real square with a chimney), the aesthetic integration identifying the orientation and lighting and an eventual revival of trade.

The work is partly controlled by the municipality (public rights of way, set accessibility standards for persons with reduced mobility, installing elevators or ramps), and partly controlled by the condominium (joint custodial rights of way belonging to their land, walls, ceilings, doors, insulation, heating, lighting ...). The result is close to a 50/50.

The difficulties of these last 2 years are now open, and the majority of owners approved the project (budget, allocation of expenses, planning of the 4 fund-raising). It was the biggest challenge because the overall cost borne by the condominium federated USCPPC (Union of Unions and roommate Owners Plagne Centre) has been significantly revised since the last 18 months. It is useful to revisit this history to understand.

In autumn 2009 there was talk, perhaps hastily, $ 2 million, to be financed by the condominiums and the equivalent of the common Macôt. On April 23, 2010, the building permit was approved, and thereafter, free of any claims. Advanced studies and a first call for tenders from companies was launched in July for a bid opening September 2, 2010. Partially the result of unsuccessful consulting and too expensive led the City Council and the U.S. not to act. During the summer of 2010, the exchange USCPPC president. Christian Cathelin, and retired senior officer of the station, which the company had assigned responsibility for projects including TGV Duplex trains, the trains running on the line Is the world speed record, holds complete control of the project and its rigorous review. The total forecast is detailed and supplemented by all the costs of missions and charges is added to the mere amount of work (including project management studies, surveys, technical control, the coordination of security, insurance and other fees, and VAT... hitherto omitted). The cost of work was maintained at about 3 million euros before tax, but the overall cost of the project finally reached 4.4 Mr. €.

This balance, finally complete, was then announced to all Trustees and representatives of owners at a meeting on 25/11/2010. A new consultation undertaken between February and April 2011 gave a conclusive result and fruitful. 39 companies responded to the assignment of 17 lots. The consortium « Construction Savoyarde » by winning a major share. The final cost of the budget at the expense of condominiums is € 4,230,000 incl. It was quickly approved by most GA owners, building by building, and then endorsed by the GA USCPPC May 12, before signing contracts tomorrow.

The work is planned over 3 years in a phasing which suspends during the winter season. Laying the foundation stone was laid June 21 :

The first phase, from July through November 2011, will renovate the gallery of the Ventoux, access to the Mont Blanc, Rue de la Gaite limit until the Vercors. July and August will be primarily devoted to work encroaching on public schools in La Plagne.

The second phase, in 2012 will be the most impressive place with the fireplace, the Galerie des Ecrins, the gallery of Meige, access to the Tourist, and front access station on the Place Perriere.

The third phase, in 2013 will be more technical including new stairs said “the bazaar” (Bakery Montmayeur...), and the realization of a new gallery terraced trench buried until the turn of the Everest, after the removal of the escalator. The renovated galleries will be those of the Pelvoux to France, the Jannu-Mercure, the Nanda Devi and many other addition.

The works will be completed before the season 2013/2014. The course schedule is exactly the same for jobs that are paid directly to the town of Macôt. The amount is roughly equivalent to about € 4,300,000 Taxes and City Council approval was given on May 9 We look forward to seeing you during these three years of work to regularly report to you progress.

Thank Christian Cathelin, Agnès, Alain and Steve for translation

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 | What La Plagne will look like in 2015 ?      

For several months, we mentioned last March 4, the Syndicat Intercommunal de la Grande Plagne (SIGP) and the Societé d'Aménagement de La Plagne (SAP) were discussing a concerted investment program for 2011-2015. This plan was finally approved by the licensing authority on March 8 and sent today to the major tourist facilities of the resort, and www.PERSo-LAPLAGNE.fr. We can report that never in 8 years, the site has not received much information as accurate. We thank the elected of the SIGP for their transparency and their willingness to inform us.

On one page is given the main lines of development for the next 5 years, including two lists : the programmed lifts, and lifts that will be dismantled. Over this period, the total budget is €58.136 million, broken down into several posts: €42.176 million for the lifts, €4.46 million for the work of tracks, €2.8 million for snowmaking, €5.1 million for the grooming machines, €3.6 million for the remaining buildings, “the fun and excitement” and other investments.

According to the President of SIGP, Richard Broche, Mayor of Macot, this multi-year plan “relates mainly on equipment and infrastructure investments to the ski slope” and “will be each year for an updating of necessary adjustments” and “the integration of high and low investment value". Anthony Favre, Mayor of Bellentre, “elected officials wanted to make a general communication, and five big mass budget.” in order “to have an overall coherence and a plan has wide area of La Plagne and not a common vision".

In the document that was made ​​public, there is no clear information on timing. According to Yves Helary, Director of the SIGP, “the ranking of new lifts is not yet fully adopted and does not prejudge the final chronology.” Give specific dates as early, could we imagine, create unnecessary tensions and conflicts. One could, given the previous information already provided on the site, to risk giving dates. An exercise that I let everyone do, knowing that nothing in the document made public, would not verify these information. Attention, only the quotations are from the document transmitted, the rest are merely deductions.

What are the changes to wait until 2015?

Verdons Nord 6-seater detachable chairlift. Removal of Z and Cabri drag lifts.

Replacing the Verdons Nord 4-seat chairlift (1987), should follow closely that Verdons Sud. Given the removal of Z and Cabri lifts, one can imagine that the future chairlift will leave directly from the slopes in Plagne Centre. It is undeniable progress for skiers. But it is heartbreaking for the historian : the Z is the oldest lift (1962) still active.

Télémétro

Mentioned for the first time on the site August 26, 2007, the replacement, heavy, should be spread over two years, according to information obtained elsewhere.

Bauches / Carroley 4-seater chairlift. Removal of Plan Leschaux drag lift.

The replacement of the two 2-seater chairlifts (1978) has been mentioned for the first time on the site February 14, 2009. But nothing seems it was fixed precisely on this replacement, and discussions are still ongoing. One or two chairlifts? With a chairlift midway station? One chairlift shorter? The elected Montchavin had expressed their wish when the City Council July 9, 2010 : “The work was deferred in 2012. (...) (...) The municipal council decides to issue an opinion supporting the reconstruction of two lifts or a single (...) with an intermediate station. “

Fornelet 6 or 8-person gondola.

The cable car project has been mentioned for the first time on the site April 30, 2009. The lifts may be dismantled (Montalbert chairlifts and ski lift and Fornelet Fornelet) are not included in the program. It is difficult to imagine the exact location of this new lift.

Bécoin 6-seater detachable chairlift. Removal of Biolley 4-seater chairlift and Biolley III drag lift.

The area of ​​the Stade Jean-Luc Cretier will benefit from a complete reorganization and a more efficient recovery for the organization of competitions.

Traversée 4-seater chairlift.

The chairlift Crossing (Glacier area) will be replaced, but nothing is mentioned by cons for replacing the cable cars of the Roche de Mio and Montchavin. Heavy investments, already seriously considered and planned for after 2015.

Developments in 2011 are themselves much more detailed in a letter by Richard Pin. A recurrence only, but an impressive work of the pistes.

Champagny : Replacement of the Verdons Sud, work on the top of the Mont de la Guerre, at the bottom of the Hara-Kiri (the parts not affected by recent changes) on the trail of Bozelet and redevelopment of the intersection between these tracks and the Kamikaze, studies for new work on the runway of the Woods (which has continued to change over the past two decades, a victim of its success), extension of snowmaking on Bozelet.

Montchavin : Amendment of the Mont Blanc with the creation of “two braces".

La Plagne and Montalbert : Work on the top of the Mercedes piste, on the bottom of the Verdons piste on the bottom of the Mira piste, on the top of the Cornegidouille, the excluded, extending the network of snow Culture on the Mining and Cornegidouille.

Furthermore, studies are planned to build a hill reservoir at Rossa, and the extension of that of Prajourdan (Head of Fornelet). Finally, the snow cover slalom Montchavin and Champagny be made for the first 2012.

Source : Investment Program dated March 16, transmitted by the SIGP March 29, 2011.

Friday, March 4, 2011 | What are the prospects of development for the area ?      

Many regulars are wondering about the investment prospects of the Society for the Development of La Plagne.

In recent months, it raises projects for years to come, but nothing is official unless the replacement this summer, the chairlift Verdons South.

Why? As licensor and licensee shall develop, together, for months a plan for multi-year investment. Exchanges between the CAS and the PMIS (the Syndicat intercommunal) are in final stages. Thus, one can read in the minutes of City Council Macot 7 February: “The mayor informed that the record of the Development Corporation of La Plagne on the investment program in the field until 2027 is available for municipal councilors in the office of director general of the town hall."

2027. So plan investisement over 17 years is being validated by both parties. Something to give prospects for stable investment, and probably avoid the vicissitudes experienced in 2009 before the building of the chairlift Bergerie... The plan must still be submitted in detail to the four councils and will be made public, including on this site, probably in April.

Source : Compte-rendu du Conseil municipal de Macot du 7 Février 2010

Monday, February 14, 2011 | La Plagne, a trump card for Annecy 2018       

Last Thursday, the International Olympic Committee delegates came to visit the bobsleigh track in La Plagne. Built for the Albertville Olympics in 1992, the track could host the bob, luge and skeleton events for the Annecy Games in seven years. We will find out on July 6.

For the application of Annecy, the track at La Plagne is a considerable asset for several reasons. The main strength of the track at La Plagne is being recognised as one of the most technical in the World. On the other hand, the fact that it exists is not a deal more in Munich, which will receive profit from the Königssee track, where the bobsled and skeleton world championships take place this year. The latter, built in 1968, will be renovated for the occasion, as was that of La Plagne in 2007 and 2008.

The day before, the 18 international journalists who follow the IOC had visited the site. TV8 Mont Blanc devoted a report to this visit in the edition of its newspaper on February 9th.

The story of Mont Blanc 

Extracts of the application

Thursday, January 13, 2011 | News 2010 : le Mont de la Guerre and Dérochoir      

The recent snowfall has not been sufficient enough to open up the le mont de la guerre piste which was transformed at the bottom this summer (after the middle part in 2009). A transformation which is seen really only by looking at the final, widened and levelled wall. As for the Dérochoir piste, it is also still closed, and the lack of snow is even more serious there. Two major pistes of the station, that suffer a drier winter than last ... On the Mountain in any case !

Mont de la Guerre on January 12  

The Dérochoir on January 13  

Thank Jean-Charles and Steven for translation

Monday, January 3, 2011 | What’s in store for La Plagne in 2011 ?       

First, I wish you a happy new year 2011 and thank you for your loyalty and support, with over 118,000 visits in 2010, www.PERSo LAPLAGNE.fr sets a new record, 8 years after its creation. What will be new this year in La Plagne ?

The launch of Works Gallery of Plagne Centre. At the City Council in September, the Mayor announced that the cost estimates had been revised upwards following the amendments to the original project. An increase that general meetings should validate this winter. This rehabilitation is vital for the future of Plagne Centre, and brought together by the owners, merchants and the municipality could be completed in late 2012. Work is still expected to start in spring.

The construction of the chairlift Verdons Sud which we already talked about here in August 2005 ... Rarely the replacement of a lift has been waiting for! The building permit was filed Nov. 12, from Macot, Champagny and Bozel (Bozelet sector being located on the last joint) town halls. The future will be detachable 6-seater built by Poma. The end of the queue? Hopefully! In subsequent years, it will be about the North Verdons chairlift to be replaced, but nothing is yet formally announced.

The opening of the sailing centre of Montchavin. The structural work is underway. But according to the Mayor, the delay has been because of “the complexity of the ground [that] has extended the time of excavation”. Remember that what will be the largest “center aqualudic” of the Savoy stations was to be completed in June 2011.

The works on January 1 

The 50 years of La Plagne. La Plagne will celebrate its 50th anniversary in December 2011 (although the history of the station had begun well before). 50 years of history, 50 years of human endeavour to discover through the historical narrative “A History of La Plagne” published on this site. The festivities of this anniversary will be held throughout the season 2011/2012. This year on www.PERSo LAPLAGNE.fr, you can follow the steps that led to the opening of the station at Christmas 1961.

A Year in Belle Plagne. On the occasion of the genral Assembly of the Association of Owners of La Plagne (APLP), Alain Le Masson, a member of the committee (office) of the Association took stock of 2010 in Belle Plagne. Although born in 1981 (30 years ago ...), this is the first in number of beds, and also the general view, the upper station of the most dynamic. What work has been done? Who runs the station? An interesting balance to better understand the operation of La Plagne ...

Thank Steven for translation