Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Pralognan-la-Vanoise is a small, all seasons French village (with 800 permanent inhabitants called Pralognanais) nestled beneath several of the largest glaciers in the French Alps and has been a mountain destination for over 150 years; therefore, it has a long history of culture and also architectural heritage. Its authenticity as a true mountain village is steeped within its vast, breathtaking natural scenery. The Pralognan-la-Vanoise guide company is one of the oldest and largest in France. In 1860, the first ascent of the Grande Casse was completed which transformed it into one of France’s mountaineering capitals. Every two years, it also hosts one of the most famous ski mountaineering races in France: the ‘TransVanoise’.
The village is famous for its traditional hamlets of wood and stone chalets with narrow, pretty snow-covered streets - which aren’t cleared of snow to maintain the area’s unique beauty and to keep the local rivers and streams clean.
Mountain agriculture remains a staple in Pralognan-la-Vanoise. This is demonstrated by the daily production of an AOP certified product – ‘Beaufort Chalet d’Alpage’ cheese (which apparently has a reputation as one of the tastiest in the Alps!). You can find other local specialities such as genepy liqueur, which is distilled using traditional artisanal methods in the village.
Located near the centre of town, Pralognan’s 'Le Cristal' sports and recreation centre includes a swimming pool, bowling alley, weight room, climbing wall, and a large Olympic ice rink (built for the 1992 Olympics, which is one of the biggest in the region) for everyone young and older to enjoy. Pralognan-la-Vanoise also offers a good range of other fun snow activities such as strolls on snowshoes or horseback, pony-drawn sled rides, dog sledding, biathlon, skijoring, igloo building.
Pralognan-la-Vanoise has a small downhill ski area of 25 slopes but is recognised as one of the best places in France for ski touring in the heart of the Vanoise National Park (for the more extreme skiers). It is also the 6th largest area in the Savoie for Nordic skiing (cross-country). Every year in January, the world-renowned international La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc dog-sledging race crosses through the mountains of Vanoise National Park.
Pralognan ski area
The charming village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise is free from large crowds and that goes for its ski area too. The skiing here is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts and it’s also a great family resort. The slopes wind through unspoiled landscapes and the whole resort has a friendly atmosphere.
For those staying at Les Hauts de la Vanoise, the Lance Gralette drag lift (200m away) allows you to reach the village centre and the cable car plus Edelweiss chairlift from the Hauts des Darbelays hamlet.
Skiing info for all levels
Beginners
There is a beginners area with a drag lift (Barioz) located in the centre of the village, at the foot of the slopes, open all season. There are 9 green runs in total and 3 blues to progress on so beginners are well catered for. The village centre and the hamet of Les Hauts de Barbelays are linked by green runs and a drag lift. There are green runs at the base of the mountain plus further green runs higher up.
Intermediates
There are 3 blue runs and 8 red runs, so intermediates are well thought of in Pralognan.
Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
Pralognan-la-Vanoise is established as an important destination for ski touring. It is dominated by the Grande Casse and the largest ice cap in the Alps. Since 2019, mountaineering has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site. It was awarded the ‘Terre d’Alpinisme’ label in 2022 and renewed in 2025 for a further three years.
You will find 2 marked trails near the slopes which allows for safe ski touring:
- Le Rosset – introduction trail with lots of routes back to the ski area. Start at Ancolie chairlift,
- Moriond - the elevation gain is between 300m and 600m and once you start there is no returning until you hit the summit. Route provides access to the ‘Barmettes’ refuge and beyond. Start at ‘Pont de Cavin’ or ‘Les Fontanettes’.
You will find a black run Pariettes which links back to Les Hauts de Barbelays hamlet.
Pralognan group ski school (pre-bookable)
Ski school for children is available to book from 2.5 to teens, in Pralognan, with Peak Retreats.Â
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Pralognan private lessons (not pre-bookable)
Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.
Contact ESF Pralognan for private lessons - 0033 4 79 08 72 25
Pralognan childcare (not pre-bookable)
Childcare from 6 months-6 years (non-skiers)
CLUB NEIGE
Located in the centre of the village, it is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to
5pm. It offers children indoor activities: crafts, face painting, painting, reading… and outdoor activities: walks, sledding, snowman building…Meals are provided by the daycare.
Please contact Club Neige direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 08 77 09
It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed.Â
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
Mountain fun zones
Natural ski areas - two ungroomed, forest freeski trails are marked and secured, allowing you to zigzag between the fir trees, link banked turns, and jump from one bump to another (blue and red):
- Prali-Pralo (blue): a fun trail for children,
- L'Pik à Boué (red): a themed trail where you can search for Epilobe and his friends!
Access is via the Genépi chairlift.
Boardercross - dotted with natural obstacles, banked turns, whoops…located near the Crêtes trail.
Nordic skiing
The Nordic ski area of Pralognon-la-Vanoise is the 6th largest Nordic area in the Savoie and is located at the gateway to Vanoise National Park. Here you will find more than 27km of charming cross-country trails that wind through peaceful alpine forests and vast plateaus.
With any valid alpine ski pass, access to the Nordic skiing area is included—a great opportunity to experience Nordic skiing for the first time or continue your passion. Otherwise, there is a small fee to access the area.
Pralognan ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)
Pre-book your 6 day+ Pralognan ski hire and/or Pralognan lift pass with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.
Top snow activities in Sainte Foy
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is for information purposes. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Snowshoeing and walking trails
There are 9 marked trails alongside the ski runs, which offer views of the spectacular scenery. It is commonplace to cross paths with chamois and ibex while walking along the area’s snow-covered paths or near a ski run. A free map is available at the Tourist Office.
You can also discover a 5km snowshoe trail with 179m of elevation gain near the village. A free information sheet is available at the Tourist Office.
First tracks
Meet the ski patrollers before the ski area opens, to glide down the freshly groomed slopes. Take the staff-only cable car and discover their work! Every Wednesday during the Christmas and February French school holidays – free of charge.
Dog sledding
Seated in the sled, the pack guides you across the snowy plateau. Led by an experienced musher, this initiation offers a unique moment of bonding with the animals and discovery of wild nature for an unforgettable 30 minute experience. Maximum weight of 180kg per sled (2 people).
Children’s musher experience
For children aged 8 to 12yrs, they will learn to guide the pack with precision! A unique experience that will be remembered forever. The experience lasts 2 hours.
Ski joering
Activity where you have skis on your feet and you are being pulled by a specially trained horse. An unforgettable fun activity.
Pony sledge
Too small for ski-joreing? Try pony-sledding! From 2 years old, 15 mins sessions.
Inuit experience
Located close to the village in a quiet area, the Inuit apprentice camp offers families the chance to build an igloo, helped by the Inuit leader, to cut the blocks and transport them and to build the spiral walls... After the ski area closes, from 6 years old.
Sledging
3 toboggan runs are open for the whole family:
- For younger children: at the village entrance, to the right of the Petit Poucet drag lift,
- For younger children: base of the slopes,
- For older children: below the Bieux village, to the left of the ESF children's snow garden.
Paragliding with skis
15 mins introductory flight and video. Suitable from 5yrs old and beginner skiing level possible.
Top activities in Sainte Foy
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is for information purposes. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.
Behind-the-scenes of the Mont-Bochor cable car
After the ski area closes, discover the technical workings of this iconic cable car built in 1953. Every Monday in winter – free of charge.
Horse and pony rides
Rides for beginners or experienced riders. From 3 years old, 30 mins sessions.
Biathlon
Laser biathlon, with introductory lessons from 8 years old. Learn how to navigate this famous Olympic sport.
Starry experience
In the evenings once it’s dark to observe the universe and identify stars, planets, and constellations, before discovering the basics of night photography. The following day, you will receive the photos taken the day before by Thierry, with notes on the different stars and constellations to help you continue to navigate. You also receive individual and family photos, printed as postcards, for a souvenir. It’s a really unique activity. Every week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Farm visit
Audrey and Sylvain welcome holidaymakers to the work of their hundred or so goats. The family breed and making cheese from their goats. Each day in the winter season, visitors can wander freely around the goat farm free of charge, pet the goats and discover the cheese delicacies as well as the flagship local products (charcuterie, jams, etc.).
Market at Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Tuesday mornings.
Children’s course
Embark on an adventure with Praline the marmot to uncover all the secrets of the village! Booklet available at the Tourist Office (first copy free).
The bearded vulture
Head to 2,000m with a Vanoise National Park officer to observe Europe’s largest vulture in its natural environment and perhaps be lucky enough to see with your own eyes (or through binoculars) one of the seven bearded vultures born in 2025 in the Vanoise National Park (a record birth for the resort!). Free of charge, once a week in the early afternoon, at the Mont-Bochor orientation table at the foot of the cable car.
Archery or archery tag
From 5 years and from 10 years for tag (tag is a team sport, min 4 persons).
Axe throwing
From 12 years old. Test your skills on this unique activity.
Cristal sports centre
You will find a swimming pool with fun pool, water slide, paddling pool (open daily except Saturday), Olympic sized ice rink 30m x 60m (open daily except Saturday), curling rink, bowling (open daily), gym (open daily), spa area with sauna, hammam, hot tub, experience showers, plunge pool (open daily except Saturday, over 16yrs only).
Curling
Again, built for the Olympic Games, the permanent curling rink is one of only three in France so it’s something quite special and not to be missed! You can rent it out to play with family and friends if there is enough of you (the game is played 4-on-4).
Family yoga session
40 min sessions once a week in French school holidays.
Sound meditation
Sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, koshi chimes, and other resonant sounds. One hour session.
Cinema
Throughout the week fims are shown.
Game library
Weekly game rental or play with others.
Library
Selection of books for children and adults for loan (free of charge).
Pralognan après-ski, restaurants & bars
In Pralognan there are about 25 restaurants and bars.
There’s no need for a car: everything is less than a 20-minute walk away. Shops, restaurants, ski lifts, and activities are all easily accessible on foot, and for longer trips, the free ski bus provides convenient shuttles.
Pralognan amenities
Various shops such as sports shops, mini-supermarket, butchers, bakery, tabac...
VIRGINIE’S GENEPI - Les Clarines Liquor Shop
It’s impossible to pass through Pralognan without stopping by! The shop is where Virginie makes and sells her artisanal alcohols, including her famous génépi, her violet, raspberry, blueberry creams and liqueurs, etc. For lovers of rarities, the shop also offers black génépi, picked in Pralognan and made on site, as well as some unique specialities. The liquor workshop is located in the basement, where all these regional products are made.
La Fromagerie du Plan
Offering a varied range of cheeses, including raclette. Every day, the farm’s hundred or so cows produce more than 800 litres of milk.
 
Les Rustics d'Orgeval
This rare farm (only a few in France) is on the edge of the village. This is where Yann raises around 50 rustic pigs and sheep-like pigs outdoors, which thrive even in the middle of winter. Their special feature? They can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C! The salted meats, with their delicate and delicious taste (12 to 18 months of rearing, three times longer than for the pink pigs), are on sale at the shop which offers not only products from its own production, but also a selection of local products and a service of homemade prepared meals.
Costume shop
The Pralo en Act' association provides disguises and costumes for everyone… and all occasions! Rental fee applicable.
Market is on Tuesday mornings.
Getting to Pralognan, France
By road:
Driving distance from Calais to Peisey 968km (approx. 9hrs 25).
To reach Pralognan-la-Vanoise:
- A43 motorway to Albertville,
- Then the RN90 expressway to Moûtiers–Salins,
- Finally, the D915 departmental road for 27 km to the village.
By rail & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras. See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest convenient train station to Pralognan is 27km away in Moûtiers Salins Brides-les-Bains.
4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Pralognan is roughly 112km, approximately 1hr 35
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Pralognan is roughly 187km, approximately 2hrs 20
Geneva Airport to Pralognan is roughly 189km, approximately 2hrs 20
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Pralognan is roughly 184km, approximately 2hrs 20 mins
Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.
Resort shuttle bus:
For your convenience, two shuttle buses operate during the day in the village and its hamlets, from Sunday to Friday all winter season. 'Les Hauts des Darbelays' hamlet is served by routes A and B (see timetables posted at the stops).