Praz sur Arly – The feel-good resort on the edge of l'Espace Diamant Praz sur Arly (1036 m)

At the northernmost point of l’Espace Diamant ski area lies the delightful skiing village of Praz sur Arly. With rustic, chalet-style accommodation, this popular resort has fully maintained its traditional charm, whilst enchanting its guests with a unique and spectacular view of Mont Blanc. Thanks to a wide range of useful services, such as an all-day child minding service, Praz sur Arly is an extremely family-friendly place to stay. Situated at an altitude of 1036m, Praz sur Arly also encompasses the hamlet of La Tonnaz on the northern slopes of the valley, as well as various other groups of holiday homes and farmsteads in the vicinity.

Those who choose to spend their ski holiday in Praz sur Arly are giving themselves the choice of either 101 or 152 exciting runs, depending on whether they choose to stay in the ski sub-area l’Espace Val d’Arly, or head out onto the full range of slopes in the whole ski area l’Espace Diamant. The ski sub-area l’Espace Val d’Arly, incorporating the ski stations of Praz-sur-Arly, Crest-Voland, Cohennoz, Flumet, and Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, offers in itself a total ski run length of 120km, whereas the entire ski area l’Espace Diamant contains a total of 185km.

Setting off from between 4 and 6 different peaks

From an altitude of 1000m right up to 2070m, this “small” ski area actually offers plenty for everyone, whether total beginner or budding professional. All of the lower resorts and stations in l’Espace Val d’Arly are directly surrounded by ideal practice slopes, whereas the higher reaches of the ski area tend towards steep and challenging runs for more experienced skiers The ski area also challenges its visitors with slalom runs, “Boardercross” runs and snow parks in Notre Dame de Bellecombe, Flumet and Crest Voland.

Keen cross-country fans will find a fairly straightforward, mostly flat, 10km cross-country course near Praz sur Arly, winding through the spectacular, usually sunny landscape. However, a truly top-class cross-country network can be found slightly further afield at the Les Saisies ski area, which is also part of l’Espace Diamant. Courtesy of the Nordic competitions held here as part of the 1992 Winter Olympics, this cross-country centre to this day offers 120km of routes, a biathlon stadium and a practice area for the Nordic disciplines themselves.

The provision of ski nurseries and ski schools in every ski station makes sure that families with kids also have the opportunity to relax and enjoy their holiday in l’Espace Val d’Arly to the full.

Float above the peaks in a hot-air balloon

There is one sure way to get an unforgettable view of the 4 peaks of l’Espace Val d’Arly/6 peaks of l’Espace Diamant., and that is to take to the sky for a round trip on the hot-air balloon.

However, those who prefer to remain on terra firma can still wonder at the delights of the landscape from the back of a horse- or dog-drawn sled. Those looking for a bit more of an adrenalin rush mustn’t miss the toboggan runs, or the opportunity for a trip on the Yooner, best described as a monoski with a seat.

To recharge the batteries before another day out on the snow, the numerous restaurants in Praz sur Arly are a great place to relax and refuel. A club in the centre of the resort attracts the night-owls amongst the holidaymakers.