Praz de Lys Sommand Grandeur Nature

The slopes of Praz de Lys can be accessed from Taninges, by using the Econavette shuttle service or your own car. Parking is simple and free-of-charge at the plateau. There are many accommodation options in residences or chalets. The Jora green run is perfect for a gentle warm up before taking on the climb up Betex, Molly or Ramaz slope, that leads Sommand. Sporty skiers will love the wild Chalet Blanc slope, a black run, that can be reached just a few hundred metres below the Col de la Ramaz high mountain pass. In total, there are 50 km of slopes across the Praz de Lys and Sommand plateaus available for cross-country skiing, whether you prefer the classic style or skating. For downhill skiers, the Alpine ski slopes also start from the same place!

Photo ©Gilles Piel

The slopes of Sommand can be accessed from Mieussy, by using the Econavette shuttle service or your own car. Parking is simple and free-of-charge at the plateau. There are a few accommodation options in residences or (more rare) chalets. The Farquet and Sapins green runs are perfect for a gentle warm up before taking on the climb up to Roche-Pallud (Vallons slope) or Ramaz slope, that leads to Praz de Lys. Sporty skiers will love the wild Chalet Blanc slope, a black run, that can be reached just a few hundred metres below the Col de la Ramaz high mountain pass.
In total, there are 50 km of slopes across the Praz de Lys and Sommand plateaus available for cross-country skiing, whether you prefer the classic style or skating. For downhill skiers, the Alpine ski slopes also start from the same place !

Photo ©Gilles Piel

The sector of Praz de Lys can be accessed from Taninges, by using the Econavette shuttle service or your own car. Parking is simple and free-of-charge at the plateau. There are many accommodation options in residences or chalets. From Praz de Lys, there are 4 ski lifts and a 3 4-seater cable car to access the whole Praz de Lys Sommand ski area. There is a beginner’s area that is ideal for learning to ski, with a covered conveyor lift and a ski lift (2 green runs). The whole ski area boasts 55 km of slopes, 3 boardercross obstacle courses and a snow park. For those who don’t ski, there are 30 km of snow-covered trails for walkers (on foot or with snowshoes), runners or fat-bikers!

The sector of Sommand can be accessed from Mieussy, by using the Econavette shuttle service or your own car. Parking is simple and free-of-charge at the plateau. There are a few accommodation options in residences or (more rare) chalets. From Sommand, there are 2 ski lifts and a 4-seater cable car to access the whole Praz de Lys Sommand ski area. There is a beginner’s area that is ideal for learning to ski, with a covered conveyor lift and a ski lift (2 green runs). The whole ski area boasts 55 km of slopes, 3 boardercross obstacle courses and a snow park. For those who don’t ski, there are 30 km of snow-covered trails for walkers (on foot or with snowshoes), runners or fat-bikers!

The Beuloz conveyor in Praz de Lys provided new opportunities for activities in the snow. You don’t need to walk back up anymore, just use the conveyor and then slide down safely on the left-hand side of the slope, reserved for sledging!

Open from mid-december to mid-april
6 € / pers / day

Sledging run behind the Col de Sommand ski lift.
Open from mid-december to mid-april.
Free

Sledging run in front of the Sommand Residences.

Open from mid-december to mid-april
Free

Sledging run in front of the Chalets de Mary.
Open from mid-december to mid-april.
Free

This river is 55.01 km long and comes under the 1st fishing category in France.

4 reserves or regulated areas, in a radius of 100 km: - Permanent reserve at the Pressy dam next to the Lac de Flérier in Taninges. - Permanent reserve at the Mieussy dam below the Pont du Diable in Mieussy. - Permanent reserve at the spillway from Mieussy dam. - Permanent reserve in the Giffre in Samoens.

This river is 55.01 km long and comes under the 1st fishing category in France.
4 reserves or regulated areas, in a radius of 100 km: - Permanent reserve at the Pressy dam next to the Lac de Flérier in Taninges. - Permanent reserve at the Mieussy dam below the Pont du Diable in Mieussy. - Permanent reserve at the spillway from Mieussy dam. - Permanent reserve in the Giffre in Samoens.

The river boasts a succession of riffles, pools and waterfalls, at the foot of the Pointe de Marcelly (1,999m). It is quite a fast-flowing river which makes it ideal for rapids fishing.

The trail is around the upstream section of the Foron in Taninges. There is an “urban” part that goes through Taninges itself, and then a wilder section that runs from when you leave Taninges to the entrance of the Foron Gorges. The Foron in Taninges boasts a substantial population of trout, characteristic of fast-flowing waters, and some of the biggest specimens can reach 35 cm. But beware, whether you try and tempt them with fly fishing techniques or with minnows, be precise and discreet because the trout of the Foron can be difficult to entice.

Small mountain lake, quiet and full of fish. Here you’ll find roaches, perch, tench, rainbow trout, brown trout, carp, common rudd and crayfish. 1st category regulations.
Surface area: 900 m2. Depth: 4 m. Fishing with a permit (day, week, fortnight, season).

At the heart of the Sommand pastures, at an altitude of 1,500 m, you’ll appreciate this quiet and refreshing place. The lake is re-filled with trout every year in Spring. 1st category regulations. Permit compulsory.

Surface area: 3,600 m2. Depth: 2 m Access via the road or hiking trails. Fishing with a permit (day, week, fortnight, season). Numerous easy hiking trails in the surrounding area. Various associations in Mieussy organise competitions at the Lac de Sommand.

Come and enjoy trout fishing on the shores of the charming little Flérier lake, classified under the 1st category.

This lake is 6 metres deep and is a hydroelectric reservoir used by EDF (French electricity board). A 1st category fishing permit is compulsory and can be purchased from the Tourist Office. This lake is on a hiking trail, in the village of Flérier, one of the most beautiful hamlets of Taninges. This small lake in the village of Flérier is the ideal place for a family picnic: special picnic areas are available.

Whether you are beginner or an experienced horse-rider, La Grande Ourse offers horse-riding outings and pony rides every day during the summer.

Children can take part in the outings from the age of 8. Outings are led by a horse-riding instructor for 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours. A full-day outing to Les Gets is organised every Thursday. For the little ones from the age of two, they can go on a pony ride.

Les Paddocks du Mont Blanc is an overnight and holiday gîte and equestrian tourism centre, offering horse-riding outings, pony rides, pony courses and other activities all year round. French “Centre de Tourisme Équestre” and “Cheval Etape” Labels.

The equestrian centre is in the heights of the village of Mieussy, at an altitude of almost 1,000m, surrounded by nature and with a view of Mont Blanc. Les Paddocks du Mont Blanc, stables for horse owners and equestrian tourism centre, welcomes you all year round in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. The chalet is classified 3 “epis” by “Gîtes de France, and sleeps 23 in total with 5 bedrooms, 2 dormitories and 6 bathrooms. In the summer there are various horse-riding courses available, for all ages and all levels.

Quite discreet and elitist climbing spot. Vertical walls with varying slope inclination, complex to read.

Total length: 12 routes + alternatives
Rating: from 7a+ to 8c+
Average altitude on the cliff: 850 m
Approach time: 0 to 5 min
Orientation: south-east
Length of the shortest route: 18 m
Length of the longest route: 38 m.

This is one of the most difficult spots in the Haute-Savoie. With the many different sectors, the climbing routes are challenging and often long.

Total length: 89 routes + alternatives
Rating: from 5c to 9
Average altitude on the cliff: 750 m
Approach time: 5 to 20 min
Length of the shortest route: 12 m
Length of the longest route: 45 m.

Climbing rock on a slope and fairly smooth, at the heart of the Sommand pastures, opposite the Chalets Blancs.

Total length: 10 routes
Rating: from 7a to 8a+
Average altitude on the cliff: 1,670 m
Approach time: 20 min
Orientation: north-east
Length of the shortest route: 15 m
Length of the longest route: 25 m.

Technical climbing rock that can be seen very clearly from Mieussy.

Total length: 20 routes + alternatives
Rating: from 5b+ to 8a+
Average altitude on the cliff: 1,200 m
Approach time: 25 min
Orientation: south-west
Length of the shortest route: 10 m
Length of the longest route: 130 m.

Anthon climbing spot is probably the most popular one in the Haut-Giffre. A welcoming and family-friendly spot with a wide range of accessible climbing routes, and of course some longer, more challenging ones.

Total length: 121 routes + alternatives
Rating: from 4a to 8b+
Average altitude on the cliff: 700 m
Approach time: 0 to 5 mn
Orientation: varied Length of the shortest route: 8 m
Length of the longest route: 32 m.

With over 100 possible climbing routes, it is one of the most well-equipped cliffs in the Haute Savoie. All these routes are spread across several sectors. This spot is not as well-adapted to beginners as Anthon rock.

Total length: 107 routes + alternatives
Rating: from 5a to 8c
Average altitude on the cliff: 700 m
Approach time: 0 to 10 min
Length of the shortest route: 10 m
Length of the longest route: 130 m

South Chapel Sector: South-west facing
North Chapel Sector: North-east facing.

Very challenging canyon, only do this activity if the water level is very low. There is a water level indicator at the start of the canyon. If the level exceeds 2 m², we strongly advise you against this descent.

Altitude: 590 m
 Length: 1,500 m
Vertical difficulty: Quite Difficult
Aquatic difficulty: risk of flash floods due to the EDF reservoir. Canyon with high level of water.
Overall difficulty: 4
Length of rope needed: 20 m
Descent time: 2.5 hours
Return time: 10 minutes
Guide / Map: 3429 AND Bonneville
One-way: Leave a vehicle at the bridge in front of the former Giffre factory.
Technical recommendations: EDF reservoir upstream, do not stay in this canyon for longer than necessary.

The only landing site in Mieussy for paragliding or delta planes taking off from Pertuiset and Platière.

Disciplines: delta, paragliding
Observations / Dangers:
- For landing, adopt a figure of U approach with a flared out landing over the river.
- Landing could be rough in the event of northerly winds or strong breezes.

Paragliding take-off slope in a magnificent, preserved natural environment. Mieussy is the “Birthplace of paragliding”: historic paragliding site where the very first flight took place in June 1978.

Disciplines: delta, paragliding
Level: very easy
Type of flight: thermal, dynamic
Direction: W, E

Observations / Dangers:
- Easy landing at the peak - Easy take-off with a calm breeze.
- Do not fly too close to the intermediate flat terrain.
- With winds coming from the south or south-east, you will be taking off into the wind from the car park.
- South-west take-offs are forbidden in the winter. 
-Turbulent or even very turbulent flights in northerly winds.

Paragliding take-off slope in a magnificent, preserved natural environment. Mieussy is the “Birthplace of paragliding”: historic paragliding site where the very first flight took place in June 1978.

Disciplines: delta, paragliding
Level: very easy
Type of flight: thermal, dynamic
Direction: SW, W

Observations / Dangers:
- Easy landing at the peak - Strong or even very strong northerly winds.
- In the event of winds coming from the south or south-east, you will be taking off into the wind from the car park, the Pertuiset take-off slope is therefore preferable.