Cradle of mountaineering in Savoie
History of Pralognan-la-Vanoise
The cradle of mountaineering in Savoie, a pioneering resort for mountain tourism in both summer and winter, Pralognan-la-Vanoise has established itself as an iconic French mountain destination since 1860. A heartfelt Alpine village where, more respected than ever, the mountain has been tamed with intelligence and passion.
A small, ancestral mountain village
The village, which means “the distant field“, lives from livestock farming and milk production, following the rhythm of the seasons. With the fine weather, the Col de la Vanoise, accessible by mule, becomes a major crossing point between the Tarentaise, Maurienne, and Italian Piedmont regions. Numerous goods circulate (salt and cheese, in particular, are important trades), and the villagers rub shoulders with peddlers, shepherds, soldiers, and others who cross paths and travel through the Alps.
“In August 1860, a chamois hunter from Pralognan, renowned for his endurance and skill, returned to the village one evening and told a curious story. An English traveler had asked him the day before to accompany him into the mountains, and they climbed… the Grande Casse.”* Thus, from the 19th century onward, the small Alpine mountain village began to embrace tourism. The villagers became mountain guides and accompanied mountaineering enthusiasts to explore the peaks of the Vanoise.
The cradle of mountaineering and summer tourism in Savoie
In 1875, a visitor wrote: “A marvelous location at the base of the glaciers, a perfect center for the most beautiful mountain climbs, magnificent forests, torrents, and meadows, this admirable site lacks nothing but the possibility of accommodation.”* This was achieved that same year, with the opening of the first hotel in Pralognan, soon followed by the resort’s first grand hotel. Travelers increased (including President Félix Faure), the first tourist trails were created, the Col de la Vanoise refuge was inaugurated, and in 1905, the Pralognan tourist office opened its doors. The inhabitants of Pralognan became multi-active, now combining agro-pastoralism and tourism.
*Source: Pralognan la Vanoise: Daily Life and Mountaineering from 1860 to 1914, by Jacques de Leymarie – Memoirs and Documents of the Val d’Isère Academy
A “first-generation” resort, a pioneer in winter sports
A stronghold of Savoyard mountaineering since 1860, Pralognan became interested in “high-altitude skiing” (the forerunner of ski touring) in the 1900s. Skis became an everyday companion: Mr. Rey, the postman, used them for his rounds, and children used them to go to school.
By 1910, the Pralognan Ski Club had nearly 70 members, and spring skiing was growing steadily. Pralognan’s ski guides welcomed a new clientele, who found room and board at the Hôtel de la Vanoise, now open during the winter.
In 1937, the first ski lifts were installed at Le Barioz and Le Plan, and in 1953, the opening of the cable car connecting the village to Mont-Bochor (at 2,023 meters) caused a stir. At the time, it was hailed as the fastest lift in the world!
An authentic mountain destination, in winter and summer
Today, this small Savoyard mountain village continues to write the history of winter sports and summer tourism in the French Alps. Boasting a magnificent natural landscape labeled “Terre d’Alpinisme” (Land of Mountaineering) and a rich and authentic cultural heritage, the resort village is ideal for skiing (downhill, cross-country, and hiking) and numerous outdoor activities, as well as for exploring the mountain environment. Thus, for over 160 years, Pralognan-la-Vanoise has established itself as a mountain destination with timeless charm, in both winter and summer.
Pralognan in dates
19th century: The Salt and Beaufort Route made Pralognan a key crossing point between France and Italy.
1860: First ascent of the Grande Casse, the highest point in the Vanoise massif and the Savoie department (3,855m), by British mountaineer William Mathews and guides Michel Croz and Etienne Favre.
1875: The first hotel in Pralognan-la-Vanoise opens (the current Hôtel de la Vanoise).
1881: Creation of the Pralognan-la-Vanoise Guides Company.
1895: Opening of the Grand Hôtel de Pralognan.
1897: The name Pralognan gains national renown thanks to the crossing of the Vanoise River on muleback by President Félix Faure, who came to attend military maneuvers.
1902: Inauguration of the Félix Faure refuge (now the Col de la Vanoise refuge), named in tribute to the late president.
1905: Opening of the first Tourist Office in Pralognan.
1907: Skiing becomes a tradition: Mr. Rey, the postman, uses it for his rounds, and children use it to go to school.
1911: Development of the winter clientele (the Hôtel de la Vanoise is now open in winter).
1933: The famous direct north face of the Grande Casse, known as the “Italian Corridor,” is opened by Aldo Bonacossa and L. Binaghi. It is considered one of the major ice routes in the Vanoise region.
1937: Installation of the first ski lifts (at Barioz and Plan).
1953: Opening of the cable car connecting the village to Mont-Bochor (2,023 m). It was hailed at the time as the fastest cable car in the world.
1963: Creation of the Vanoise National Park, France’s first national park, which covers 70% of the commune’s territory. Numerous trails are developed for hikers. Within the park, flora and fauna are strictly protected.
1982: Michel Vion from Pralognan becomes the world champion in combined alpine skiing.
1992: Pralognan-la-Vanoise becomes the Olympic venue for the Albertville Olympic Games and hosts the curling events in its new ice rink.
1996: Sébastien Amiez, a native of the region, wins the slalom World Cup. He went on to win a silver medal at the 1997 World Championships and was Olympic runner-up at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
2004: Cédrik Tomio from Pralognan wins the World Mountaineering Championships in the relay and finishes second in the famous Pierra Menta team.
2007: Creation of the Vertical Transvanoise, a spectacular three-person team ski mountaineering race, the only race in France to take place on glaciers and the only race authorized in winter in the Vanoise National Park.
2016: inauguration of the Cristal, the Vanoise sports center. More than 8,000 m² dedicated to sports, leisure, and relaxation…
2022: “Coeur de Vanoise” is designated a Land of Mountaineering by UNESCO (Pralognan-la-Vanoise, Champagny-la-Vanoise, and Planay).
