Discover Pralong

Pralong lies at the foot of the Grande Dixence dam; the road ends in the village. In winter, cross-country skiing, winter trails and other Nordic experiences take centre stage. Other trails and landscapes have their own distinctive features, from a flat summer trail to alpine lakes and a path along Lac des Dix.

Winter trails and cross-country skiing

In winter, cross-country skiing is possible in Pralong, at the foot of the Grande Dixence dam. The Pralong trail runs through the forest or along its edge beside the Dixence. It is 6 km long, with an elevation difference of 70 m. Trail grooming and snow conditions may vary.

Another option is the winter loop near Pralong: it is 2.5 km long, takes about 1 to 1¼ hours and is suitable for families or beginners. The easy winter route from Pralong to the small hamlet of Tsipis follows the Dixence and passes through the forest; along the way, there are views of the Grande Dixence dam. There are also winter footpaths along the river. Check their seasonal availability before travelling.

The animal-tracks nature trail leads from Pralong through the snowy 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. Near Pralong, there is also a vast snow-covered plateau with scattered chalets and a snow-covered fir forest. The winter landscape along the Dixence is reminiscent of polar landscapes.

Nordic winter experiences offered in Pralong include an introductory mushing experience and encounters with polar dogs.

Summer trails and alpine landscapes

The Sentier de la Planie is a panoramic, easy-to-walk summer trail. It runs level through the Dix valley and replaces the former Bisse d’Hérémence. At Lac des Dix, the wide, easy Sentier du Lac des Dix follows the lakeshore through alpine surroundings to the end of the lake. The trail passes through five tunnels carved into the rock, two of which are lit.

The Gouilles d’Essertze are a chain of seven small alpine lakes or tarns at an altitude of 2,300 m. From there, views extend over the valley, the Dent Blanche and Grande Dixence. A circular route from Pralong passes through the alpine pastures of Novelli and Méribé near Grande Dixence.

A cycling route is also described: on the Dixence–Dam Trophy cycling climb, the gradient becomes noticeably steeper from Le Pralong. So, alongside the walking trails, visitors can choose a specific climb by bike and experience how the gradient changes along the route.

Chapel and history

The chapel of Pralong was built in 1929 and is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. It is associated with the annual gathering of shepherds on 24 August and a Mass on Ascension Day. In the 20th century, the mayens of Pralong were known as a summer retreat. The historical guest history of the Hôtel du Mont-Pleureur dates from the same period: in the 20th century, it welcomed guests and had 30 rooms.

For the overall travel overview: Ayer.