Partly because of it's Olympic status as the base for bobsleigh and luge, La Plagne is able to offer some exciting winter sports not commonly available elsewhere. These are based on the permanent 1700m long bobsleigh run which descends at gradients of 8 to 16%. Bobsleighs reach speeds of up to 134kph. Although primarily used for winter sports training when its open between November and late February or early March, adults aged 16 or over can experience G forces of 2 - 3G on some bends as they hurtle down in a 'taxi bob' behind a professional driver. For slower speeds (only 80kph!) it's possible to take the self-drive 'Bob Raft' with up to three friends and make the descent in 90 seconds or so rather than 50 on the 'Taxi Bob'. People younger than 16 are allowed in this variant so long as they are at least 150cm (5 feet) tall. Other sports on the snow include a dog sledding school at Plagne Montalbert. There are five parascending and hang-gliding schools and snow-shoeing is offered by all the ESF outlets in all the villages. In addition visitors have two natural ice rinks to enjoy at Aime la Plagne or Plagne Bellecôte also the location of the resort's one swimming pool), or an artificial rink one at Les Coches. Winter hike fans have 85km of marked routes in the area. There are half-a-dozen choices for gym club activities including the 'Centre de remise et forme et de détente' at Plagne Centre which can organise healthy après ski and beauty package for you. If that sounds like too much hard work there are six cinemas dotted around the various villages and a bowling alley in Belle Plagne.
