One of the cradles of modern mountaineering and a pioneering winter sports resort, for over 150 years Pralognan-la-Vanoise has maintained its stature as one of the leading destinations in the French Alps.

An extraordinary village nestled within Vanoise National Park, in the heart of the Northern French Alps, Pralognan offers a majestic all-natural setting to those who love spending time in the mountains.

A family-friendly winter sports destination, cherished for the ski area’s wild and varied terrain, Pralognan-la-Vanoise combines the charm of a traditional village-resort with the delight of a vast natural playground in a high-mountain environment.

In summer, Pralognan offers a wide variety of hiking, trail running, and mountain biking trails, as well as climbing and mountaineering routes in the great outdoors and in the heart of Vanoise National Park. A historic destination for those who love the mountains, Pralognan-la-Vanoise is a charming village with a unique personality, to discover as a family or with friends. Its population, profoundly attached to their Alpine roots, will warmly welcome you all year long to share their corner of the Alps and passion for the mountains.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of5ekZYABfk

1860

On August 8, William Mathews, Michel Croz, and Etienne Favre reach the 3855-meter summit of Grande Casse Peak, the highest point in the Vanoise Range and in the Savoie.

19^th century

The salt road and road to Beaufort make Pralognan-la-Vanoise a major stopover between France and Italy.

1875

The first hotel in Pralognan-la-Vanoise opens its doors. The wealthy begin to choose the village a place to vacation.

1881

The Compagnie des Guides (Guide Service) in Pralognan-la-Vanoise is created.

1897

Pralognan becomes a household name in France when President Félix Faure traverses the Vanoise Range by mule. He traveled to the area to observe military exercises.

1902

The Félix Faure Hut (today known as the Col de la Vanoise Hut) is inaugurated in honor of the deceased president.

1905

Pralognan’s first Tourist Office opens.

1907

Skiing becomes a regular part of daily life: M. Rey, the area’s postman, delivers and picks up mail on skis, and kids use skis to get to school.

1911

Winter tourism grows; Hotel de la Vanoise hosts its first wintertime guests.

1933

Aldo Bonacossa and L. Binaghi make the first ascent of Grand Casse Peak’s legendary direct north face, now known as the “Italian Couloir.” It is considered one of the Vanoise Range’s major alpine ice routes.

1953

The Mt.Bochor aerial tram is built, connecting the village to the top of Mt. Bochor (2023m). At the time, it is considered to be the fastest lift in the world.

1963

Vanoise National Park, France’s first national park, is created, and represents 70% of the township’s surface area. Several trails are built for hikers. Within the park’s central zone, the strict regulations in place protect the wild flora and fauna.

1982

Pralognan native Michel Vion, current president of the French Federation of Skiing (FFS), becomes the world combined champion in alpine skiing.

1992

Pralognan is an Olympic venue during the Albertville Winter Olympics and hosts the curling events at its new ice rink.

1994

Surya Bonaly, (who moved to Pralognan in 1992), places second in the World Figure Skating Championships, the start of a long series of medals won in world and European competition.

1996

Pralognan native Sébastien Amiez places first in the overall World Cup Slalom rankings. He then wins the silver medal at the 1997 World Alpine Skiing Championships as well as the silver medal in slalom at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002.

2004

Pralognan native Cédrik Tomio is part of a relay team that wins the World Ski Mountaineering Championships and finishes second at the legendary Pierra Menta ski mountaineering race.

2007

The Veritcal Transvanoise is born, a spectacular ski-mountaineering race in teams of 3, the only race in France on glaciers, and the only race authorized in winter in Vanoise National Park.

2013

Vanoise National Park celebrates its 50th anniversary. Pralognan hosts the Danilo Ré Memorial, a sporting event centered around protected natural environments in the mountains and that brings together 150 participants from 6 countries to compete in four disciplines: ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing (a giant slalom), and target shooting.

2015

The new logo and new dynamic for Pralognan-la-Vanoise embody the arear’s deep-rooted alpine history and culture.

2016

Construction of the new sports complex in Pralognan-la-Vanoise is finished, with more than 8000m² dedicated to sports, leisure, and well-being.