A final bend and you are faced with an impressive panorama of white-streaked peaks.
Pralognan-la-Vanoise, at the end of the Tarentaise valley, is nestled at the foot of giants whose mass, dominated in the foreground by the Grand Marchet (2,650 m) then by the 3,855 m of La Grande Casse, the highest point de la Savoie, only allows a maximum of 3 hours of sunshine in winter here below, at 1410 m.
This veritable Savoyard village of 754 souls year-round draws its uniqueness from this situation, which makes it an authentic mountain destination in the broadest sense, summer and winter alike.
In this cold season, "Pralo" therefore combines all the activities in the plural, which satisfies a loyal and mostly French, family and/or sports clientele.
Skiing first.
The alpine domain seems modest from the strict point of view of km of slopes: 24 precisely, almost two thirds of which are covered by cannons.
But it is well balanced in color, and the competition stadium reminds us that Sébastien Amiez, Olympic vice-champion in slalom in 2002 and still based in the village, raced down these slopes.
Originality, a "great ski" pass gives access via free shuttle (30 minutes) to the 150 km of slopes of neighboring Courchevel.
Possible variant: go to Champagny-en-Vanoise, about fifteen minutes away, to reach the vast domain of La Plagne.
Read also Ranking of the 200 French ski resorts: snow cover, ski pass prices... Which one is right for you?
Ski touring in the meringue immensity of the Vanoise.
Pralognan guide office
In Pralognan, skiing extends to the pretty Nordic area of 27 km (access included in the "Grand Ski" pass) and even more to ski touring or freeride.
The offer is capital with the immense field of possibilities of the Vanoise, the first French national park which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023, and whose village and its lifts achieve the perfect fusion.
All combinations are imaginable, with the consequent offer of the office of guides which, cradle of mountaineering requires,
"is the most developed after those of Chamonix and Saint-Gervais"
, recalls Silvère Bonnet, director of the Tourist Office .
Two marked trails with free access allow a gentle introduction to "ski touring" from the ski area, with or without a lift (in this case, a specific package of €12 is required).
Read alsoSki touring: the guide to getting started
The “She has everything of a great” side of the village resort, as a famous advertising slogan could sum it up, is found at all levels.
The 9700 tourist beds drown without any real false note in the wise elegance of the town, dominated by the model of the Savoyard wood-stone chalet.
The ice rink is a reminder of the Olympic status of Pralognan, which in 1992 hosted the curling demonstration events for the Abertville Olympics, which has since entered the pantheon of disciplines opening the right to charms.
Fifteen restaurants, numerous shops... enhance the life of a village that refuses to be reduced to the sole status of a ski resort.
The novelty of winter 2023
When the snow cover allows it, two freeskiing forest trails (ungroomed but marked and secure) expand the winter sports offer by enhancing it with small wild sensations (skiing between the pines, natural skiercross).
Access by the Génépi chairlift.
Ski area: our favorite slopes
Arrival of the Mont Bochor cable car.
Guillaume Grasset
On
the menu: a stepped domain between 1410 and 2355 m, 24 runs (9 green, 3 blue, 8 red and 4 black) and 12 lifts, including 1 cable car and 4 chairlifts.
“Pralognan has a family-friendly but varied downhill ski area, with the possibility of great breakaways”
, summarizes Romaine Taubes, the young director of the ESF, knowing that beginners have their space at the gates of the village.
For the departure in the morning, favor the Mont Bochor cable car which, from the snow front, swallows 600 m of altitude difference to land at more than 2000 m (and enjoy a sumptuous panorama).
Continue by the Ancolie chairlift to enjoy the sunny playground.
Favorite tracks?
The black of the Combe des Pariettes, when it is accessible, offers 900 m of elevation in a valley.
In the same color, the demanding and bumpy For a beautiful green, favor Arcelin, for a quiet slide in nature, between fir trees and reliefs with chalk.
Read alsoSki: the six most technical slopes to ski down in the French Alps
What to do in winter in Pralognan-la-Vanoise?
Curling
The equipped curling track, one of three in France, along with Saint-Gervais and Megève.
Florent Maillet / Le Figaro
A demonstration sport at the Albertville Olympic Games in 1992, curling became Olympic in 1998 in Nagano.
The ice rink decorated with the logo of the Olympic Games offers an introduction to this precision sport which consists of sliding to throw blocks of granite at a target, sweeping the ice as needed to "scratch" the necessary meters.
sports center
The Cristal sports center is a few minutes from the centre.
In addition to the Olympic ice rink and its curling area, it offers a swimming pool or a climbing wall.
Read alsoIn the resort and without skiing: the 9 best activities to try this winter
Or sleep ?
The Edelweiss
View from the bedroom terrace.
Florent Maillet / Le Figaro
The resort's first 4-star hotel, which has just been renovated, has reasonable prices for an "Austrian" offer: complete services, impeccable service, a restaurant with a short and tasty local menu or, again, a relaxation-spa area and a fitness room.
Located close to the snow front, this vast wooden chalet has 25 very well-equipped rooms from 17 to 20 m².
Outdoor terrace.
Free parking.
From €130/pers in a double room in high season (half board).
Where to sit?
Barmettes
This typical Savoyard restaurant and refuge perched at a little over 2000 m on the ski area offers the expected but deep range of dishes.
All made with local products.
Smiling and efficient service.
Excellent homemade blueberry pie.
Ideal stop at noon.
Dishes from €12.50.
Children's menu €11.50.
Chez Pepe Gust
In the heart of the village and next to the bell tower, this tapas bar restaurant which takes the name of Auguste Amiez, a "historical" Pralognan, offers a menu that is both original (woks in addition to burgers) and classic with village products, such as Génépi from the excellent nearby liquor store.
Well-executed cuisine using good products.
Dishes from €18.
Children's menu €14.
Church Square.
