Monthly Archives: February 2023

The Val d’Arly Smugglers’ Trail – CANCELLED

• 27 February 2023
• by:  Fiona Rolian 
• note:  0 Comments 

This is a lovely way for tourists and people of Praz, seasonal workers and inhabitants of the Pays du Mont Blanc region to meet up for a fun day’s outing! Check out the photos of the 2022 edition: ©Hervé Leibolt: https://www.prazsurarly.com/chemin-des-contrebandiers/

21st SMUGGLERS’ TRAIL, SUNDAY 19 MARCH 2023 (Cancelled)

Go off and discover the magnificent summits around Praz-sur-Arly, either on snowshoes or sealskin skis, with the Praz Montagne Club. An unusual hike following in the footsteps of the smugglers and customs officers of yesteryear. It’s a really fun walk!

 

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3 DIFFERENT LEVELS OF TRAIL

> LITTLE SMUGGLERS’ CIRCUIT:  Very easy – About an hour-and-a-half walk with 300 metres of negative altitude difference. For occasional walkers and children.

> THE MONT DE VORES CIRCUIT:  For regular hikers. About 3 hours’ walk of 6 km (200m of positive and 500m of negative altitude difference).

> THE GRAND VERY CIRCUIT:   For experienced hikers.  4 hours’ walk of 8 km (300m of positive altitude difference).

N.B. :  After the picnic you will still have to walk 200m of positive altitude difference (3/4 of an hour) to get back to the chairlift.

RATES

(including chairlifts, snacks and picnic at the arrival)

18€ per adult (over 12 years) – Inscription online

9€ for under 12 years – Inscription online

Groups (20 pers) : 15€ (+12 years) and 6€ (-12 years) – paper inscriptions only

Inscriptions on the spot: 20€ and 10€

 

Gathering point on the Varins parking lot from 8.45! 

   Departure of the hikers by the Crêt du Midi chairlift at 9.15

 

Dates of Main Events of Winter 2022/23

• 24 February 2023
• by:  Fiona Rolian 
• note:  0 Comments 

14 events this winter and a programme of activities for the whole family. A new event with all the Espace Diamant resorts: the Diamond Cup. The challenge cup replaces the Pure Diamond Days for season skipass holders. A new solidarity event: the 1st edition of Snow for Refugees.

December 2022

18-31 DECEMBER 2022: CHRISTMAS IN THE PAYS DU MONT-BLANC AND NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

During December and January, the 14 villages and resorts of the Mont Blanc region will be offering more than 120 events during the festive period. The programme includes illuminations, street shows, sports activities and, of course, Christmas parades and markets, in the heart of traditional villages and snow-covered landscapes… An exceptional and eclectic programme which should delight young and old and the many holidaymakers present during this festive period. Christmas in the Mont Blanc region is also an opportunity to discover or rediscover the traditions and stories of these 14 villages located at the foot of Europe’s highest peak, to share encounters with the men and women who live there and perpetuate their know-how, a time to simply experience magical moments with family and friends. More information (FR only)

January 2023

SATURDAY 7 – SUNDAY 8 JANUARY 2023: THE INTERNATIONAL MONTGOLFIADES

Benefiting from ideal aerological conditions, the resort of Praz-sur-Arly has become THE spot for mountain hot air ballooning in France. Hot air balloon flights are possible all year round thanks to the Alpes Montgolfière team. But, during one weekend, a real hot air ballooning festival awaits you in this small village! There will be many fun activities for the whole family (creative workshop on the theme of air, games, competitions).

29 JANUARY 2023:  11th PRAZ YOONER CHALLENGE (Cancelled, see revised programme below)

Come and discover the Yooner, with initiation and tests on Saturday and then challenge your friends and family to a race in the derby on Sunday. Strong sensations and lots of laughs are guaranteed! More information (FR only)

February 2023

DRAZ’S MARDI GRAS DAYS: TUESDAYS 14-21-28 FEBRUARY 2023: 
Every Tuesday during the February school holidays is devoted to children! Creative workshops, children’s show with Opoual, meetings with Praz-sur-Arly’s gentle dragon mascot, Draz. Lots of activities to create unforgettable memories of our resort.

PRAZ SNOW AND AIR DAYS: WEDNESDAYS 8-15-22 FEBRUARY 2023:
For just one day, leave aside your skis and discover other new snow sports:  fat bike, yooner, snooc for different fun sensations!

MONDAY 27 FEBRUARY – FRIDAY 3 MARCH 2023: MOUNTAIN PROFESSIONS WEEK

Come and learn about the mountain professionals who work in extreme conditions. Drivers of snow-grooming machines, ski patrol, ski-tow men… they’ll all be here to show you their jobs. More information (FR only)

March 2023

1 and 2 MARCH 2023: MATRA VTT SNOW CROSS TOUR

The Matra Snow Cross returns to Praz sur Arly for a new edition of this fun FAT-BIKE competition. The Matra Snow Cross is an e-FatBike (electric mountain bike) championship, which takes place in several stages. This unique competition is open to all: beginners, amateurs, sportsmen or experienced riders, and will allow you to test your limits on snowy circuits. Free inscription. More information (FR only)

SUNDAY 12 MARCH 2023: THE TOWN COUNCIL’S CUP (Cancelled due to bad weather forecast)

As is done every year, the people of Praz, permanent residents or visitors, young or old, are invited to ski a giant slalom race for the Town Council’s Cup, held either on the Thomas Fanara stadium or the Quezet piste (one run only). A friendly ski race, free of charge, with no sporting stakes, just for the pleasure of getting together at the end of the season. The ESF will propose a pro and non-pro ranking, men and women, by age category and a family ranking (1 child + 1 adult from the same family). Fancy dress is highly recommended and rewarded.  More info (FR only): https://www.mairie-prazsurarly.fr/actualites/journal-ligne/46e-coupe-conseil-12-mars

THURSDAY 16 MARCH 2023:  SNOW FOR REFUGEES

A day of discovery of snow sports for the refugees and migrants of Haute-Savoie. Praz sur Arly has a heart and all the actors are mobilized to offer an unforgettable day to its young refugees.

SUNDAY 2 APRIL 2023: THE VAL D’ARLY SMUGGLERS’ TRAIL (Cancelled)

On snowshoes or trekking skis, take part in an historic and fun mountain walk! Three different levels of trails are available so that all the family can participate together and then enjoy a Savoyard buffet at the end! More info: https://www.prazsurarly.com/en/18th-smugglers-trail-sunday-22-march-2020/

Opening of the ski area

• 24 February 2023
• by:  Fiona Rolian 
• note:  0 Comments 

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STATE OF THE PISTES in the Espace Diamant Ski Area

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125 pistes out of 167 are open, and 71 ski lifts out of 82 in the Espace Diamant: https://www.espacediamant.com/fr/ouverture-des-pistes-102.html.

 

Liaisons

LES SAISIES  CREST-VOLAND COHENNOZ by the Palette piste -> Open

CREST-VOLAND COHENNOZ  LES SAISIES by the Bâches piste -> Open

NAVETTES CREST-VOLAND COHENNOZ  NOTRE-DAME DE BELLECOMBE -> Open

NOTRE-DAME DE BELLECOMBE  LES SAISIES -> Open

NOTRE-DAME DE BELLECOMBE  PRAZ-SUR-ARLY (by the top) -> Open

PRAZ-SUR-ARLY  NOTRE-DAME DE BELLECOMBE (by the top) -> Open

PRAZ-SUR-ARLY  FLUMET -> Open

 

 

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Photos of the ski area

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