Pralong lies at the foot of the Grande Dixence dam; the road ends in the village. Cross-country skiing and winter trails along the Dixence define the cold season, while summer paths and alpine lakes reveal other sides of the area. This makes it possible to choose where to stay according to the season and your preferred activities.
Winter Trails and Cross-Country Skiing in Pralong
In winter, cross-country skiing is possible at the foot of the Grande Dixence dam. The Pralong trail runs through the forest or along its edge beside the Dixence River. It is 6 km long and has an elevation difference of 70 m. These figures give a clear sense of the distance and elevation change; snow conditions and grooming may vary.
The animal-tracks discovery trail leads from Pralong through the snow-covered forest to Novelli. Its 16 information panels describe the tracks of wild animals in the snow. The trail starts at the Pralong car park beside the Dixence, before the road bridge towards Grande Dixence.
An easy winter route leads from Pralong to the small hamlet of Tsipis, follows the Dixence through the forest and offers a view of the dam. The winter loop near Pralong is 2.5 km long and takes about 1 to 1¼ hours; it is suitable for families and beginners. This offers a choice of different time commitments, without confusing the loop’s distance with that of the cross-country ski trail.
Nordic winter experiences include trying mushing and meeting polar dogs. In the Tsippis district, there is an artificial icefall beside the Dixence. It is 15 m high and suitable for introductory sessions and beginners.
Summer Trails and Alpine Landscapes
The Sentier de la Planie is a panoramic, easy-to-walk trail that runs horizontally through the Dix Valley and replaces the former Bisse d’Hérémence. As a summer trail, it is particularly suitable for families and people with reduced mobility. There is a risk of avalanches in winter.
The Sentier du Lac des Dix is a wide, easy trail in an alpine setting that follows the shore of Lac des Dix to its far end. Along the way, five tunnels run through the rock, two of which are lit. A separate loop starting from Pralong leads through the alpine pastures of Novelli and Méribé near Grande Dixence.
The Gouilles d’Essertze form a chain of seven small alpine lakes or mountain pools at an elevation of 2,300 m. From there, you can look out over the valley, the Dent Blanche and Grande Dixence. The altitude makes seasonal conditions an important factor in planning. Near Pralong, there is also an extensive snow-covered plateau with scattered chalets and a snow-covered fir forest.
There is also a specific landmark for a bike ride: on the Dixence–Dam Trophy cycling climb, the gradient becomes noticeably steeper from Le Pralong.
Chapel and Historic Summer Retreat
The chapel in Pralong was built in 1929 and is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. The annual shepherds’ gathering on 24 August and a Mass on Ascension Thursday are associated with it.
Pralong and its mayens were known as a summer retreat in the 20th century. The Hôtel du Mont-Pleureur also welcomed guests at the time: it had 30 rooms. This history is part of the village’s former tourism and does not describe a hotel operating today.
For the broader travel overview: Ayer.
