Le Praz de Lys: Cross-country skiing, hiking and cultural history

If you’re looking for a hotel in Le Praz de Lys, the activities on offer can shape the focus of your stay. Cross-country skiing, a range of hiking routes and the Chapelle du Praz de Lys offer concrete points to help you plan. The destinations differ in more than just their themes: different starting points are described for Lac de Roy, which also lies on the route towards Pic du Marcelly.

Cross-country skiing and a snowshoe hike

The Praz de Lys Sommand Nordic area has 50 to 60 km of cross-country ski trails. The total distance may be updated; check the current figure if the size of the trail network is important to your travel plans.

With Rando Igloo, participants go on a snowshoe hike and build an igloo together under the guidance of a guide. Equipment includes snowshoes, poles and an avalanche transceiver. This gives you two different activities to choose from: cross-country skiing on a trail network or a snowshoe hike that includes building an igloo together.

Hiking destinations and trail features

Lac de Roy lies at an altitude of 1,660 metres in the cirque of a former glacier, high above Le Praz-de-Lys. From Praz de Lys, you can reach the lake via an easy 30-minute walk. Snow and trail conditions may affect access depending on the season; take these conditions into account when planning your hike.

A hiking route to Lac de Roy also leads from Col de la Ramaz towards the lake. It follows a wide, stony path with little elevation gain. Its starting point and the described trail features therefore differ from those of the easy 30-minute walk from Praz de Lys.

Lac de Roy is also part of the hike to Pic du Marcelly: it begins in Le Praz de Lys (Les Moliettes) and leads via the lake towards the peak. This means you can consider Lac de Roy either as the destination for a short hike or as part of a route towards Pic du Marcelly. Take seasonal access and weather into account for this hike.

Another option is the route to Pointe du Haut Fleury. It is described as an easy family hike through the alpine meadows of Praz de Lys Sommand. This destination differs from the route via Lac de Roy: the focus here is on the meadows and the route’s suitability as a family hike.

The Chapelle du Praz de Lys

The Chapelle du Praz de Lys also adds a distinctive element to your stay. M. Jay founded the chapel in 1660. It is dedicated to Saint Christopher and Saint James of Compostela; both are considered patron saints of travellers. The year of its foundation and its dedication give your visit a clear connection to local history and culture.

The chapel is freely accessible, but is open only in summer during the summer Masses. If you’re planning a visit, check the dates of the summer Masses. This will help you plan your chapel visit within the specified seasonal opening period, while arranging the rest of your time around your cross-country skiing or hiking plans.

Discover more destinations: Marcellaz-Albanais, Seynod, Loisin, Morzine, Thénésol, Verchaix, Annecy-Le-Vieux, Sixt-Fer-À-Cheval.

Back to the main travel overview: Haute-Savoie.