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Nendaz Ski Resort
In North Switzerland, bordering the French Alps, Nendaz is set in the heart of the world renowned 4 Valleys which links it to 4 other ski resorts: super stylish Verbier, natural beauty La Tzoumaz, traditional Veysonnaz and gateway to the 4 Valleys, Thyon.
You may well feel like you’ve stepped off the set of Heidi as you weave amongst the narrow paths connecting Swiss chalets, apartment buildings and quaint old barns. A guided visit of this historic village also takes you to the Tsâblo water mill: renovated in 2003 it’s a fully operational reminder of the previous importance of the milling industry here. There are no shortage of cultural attractions, with 16 churches and chapels in the commune, some dating as far back as the 15th century. Another sight worth seeing is the large tower in the centre of the old village, which was constructed in 1505 as a hearing room, prison and torture chamber...
This resort is great value for money, a world away from the glitz of neighbour Verbier but with the same fantastic skiing, including the fastest access to undisputed highlight of the 4 Valleys, Mont-Fort. At 3330m, this is the highest point of the area with jaw dropping views of over 20 peaks including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
Nendaz has been awarded the “Families Welcome” status for the last 15+ years by the Swiss Tourist Board and thanks to its quiet, beautiful setting and great childcare facilities, has long been a favourite with families.
It’s also pretty easily accessible: only 2 hours from Geneva airport, a 15 minute drive from the motorway exit or a 40 minute bus ride from the train station at Sion, the oldest town in Switzerland.
The standard lift pass is the 220km Secteur Printse, giving access to Nendaz, Siviez, Veysonnaz and Thyon/Les Collons. To crank up the mileage, upgrade to the 4 Valleys area which additionally includes Verbier, Mont-Fort, La Tzoumaz and Bruson.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Switzerland, Alps.
Established: 1952
Open: December-April
Downhill: 220km
View our detailed Nendaz snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Nendaz snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Geneva (GVA) | 165km, 2h10 |
| Zurich (ZRH) | 285km, 3h |
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| Top Altitude: | 3300m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1250m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1400m |
| Longest run: | 10km |
| Slope Orientation: | NSEW |
| Vertical Drop: | 2050m |
| Skiable Vertical: | |
| Night Skiing: | Yes (monthly) |
| Glacier: | |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 220km |
| Beginner slopes: | 41% |
| Intermediate: | 51% |
| Advanced slopes: | 8% |
| Lift Pass Price: | 274CHF (Printse), 355CHF (4 Vallées) |
| Nearby resorts: Verbier, Veysonnaz, 4 Valleys | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Nendaz
Located right in the heart of the 4 Valleys, it couldn’t be easier to access the full extent of the massive 412km skiing area, from Verbier to Veysonnaz.
This is the best equipped resort of the 4 Valleys when it comes to learning to ski. There’s a specific beginners’ zone at the top of the main bubble lift from the village, where little ones will love taking the magic carpets up and down the slopes. Once the basics are mastered, the gentle, expansive blue runs and manageable reds from the top of the Tracouet and Prarion lifts are super for building confidence.
Intermediates will find everything they’re looking for in the Printse ski area, where you can ski from the top of the Ethérolla lift to the bottom of the legendary 2km World Cup Piste de l’Ours for a 1200m vertical descent! The Les Masses and Muraz reds are two fast, winding descents that should definitely get the pulse racing...
Experts have some challenging black runs and off piste areas, particularly the Ethérolla and the Greppon Blanc descent. For serious thrill-seekers, an upgrade to the vast 4 Valleys area opens up an Aladdin’s cave of amazing off-piste; the area is famous for its 7 itineraries (marked out, ungroomed descents) whose gradients will test even the most experienced - the Chassoure-Tortin Wall regularly ranks in the top 10 scariest and most demanding runs of all time.
Although the links between the resorts can be a bit of a struggle for snowboarders, the many snow parks in the area more than make up for this. Nendaz is home to the Woodland Park, which has kickers, rails and boxes, and the Audi Skicross Park where daredevils of all ages can race each other over the jumps and bumps.
The Skiline system means that any holder of a 4 Valleys ski pass can see the record of their vertical metres travelled, number of lifts ridden and km of slopes covered, which is great to compare with your Sno mates at the end of the day!
Nendaz Apres Ski
The nightlife here might not be as raucous as next-door neighbour Verbier but it’s definitely a lot more affordable - whether you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing drink or to party late into the night, there should be more than enough to meet all needs.
The main après venue of choice is the Cheers Bar at the Hotel Les Etagnes - with a big sun terrace overlooking the main slope, there isn’t a better spot for a few beers or a warming vin chaud. Tchin Tchin is a toasty bar serving great pizzas, pasta and fresh salads, a lovely place for dinner or a quiet drink next door in the piano bar. For a more refined evening, check out the “cartnotzet” at the Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées. This piano bar and cigar lounge is the place to unwind in style, with a massive range of spirits and cocktails in a cosy, rustic setting.
Those looking for more of a wild one should try the Cactus Saloon, an exotic pub with a dance floor known for its “Fiesta” reggae nights and resident DJs. A Canadian themed club/pub should seem out of place in a Swiss ski resort but with live music and DJs until 4am, The Canadian Pub is one of the most popular haunts.
If you’ve flocked to the Swiss mountains for its cheesy cuisine, places like La Lanterne et le Vieux-Chalet have log fires and dipped fairy lights, where you can sample the delights of the Tartiflette, fondue and raclette, made with age-old apparatus. The swanky Gariko Lounge is inspired by local tradition with an Indonesian twist and the quirky interior provides the perfect location to enjoy delicious tapas style dishes with a glass of local wine.
Away from the slopes, there are all kinds of activities from a sports centre with squash courts, ice rink and fitness rooms to paragliding, rock climbing and snowtubing. The spa at the Hotel Nendaz 4 Valleys is one of the highlights of the area with over 2km2 of treatment rooms, swimming pools, saunas, steam baths, Jacuzzis and a gym.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Nendaz
Best time to visit & ski Nendaz
The best conditions are usually found over 2000m and with a 4 Valleys day pass providing access to the heights of the 3328m Mont Fort, it’s usually pretty snowy in North Switzerland all season long!
With mountains facing North, South, East and West, you can find great conditions on the sunny South-facing slopes early in the season, and the cooler North oriented slopes come late February. 35km of runs also have a little extra dusting from snow canons for days when the skies just don’t want to cooperate with the snow gods.
As Verbier’s lesser known neighbour, the resort is usually a lot quieter and is a great option for anyone looking to avoid the peak season crowds (and save some money at the same time!).
Peak Dates
For a charming, traditional Christmas break, spend Christmas in Nendaz this winter. With past years having plenty of activities from ice-skating to a paragliding Santa, this will be an unforgettable experience for everyone. Nendaz Christmas ski holidays ‣
Fireworks, cannon fire and drinks on the slopes usually add up to a wonderful New Year in Nendaz, whether you’re looking for family-fun, local fine dining or partying ’til 4am. Nendaz New Year ski holidays ‣
Avoid the crowds without compromising on skiing conditions during February Half Term in Nendaz. With the whole of the 4 Valleys at your disposal, this family-friendly village is the perfect destination during the holidays. Nendaz Half Term ski holidays ‣
High-altitude, north-facing slopes mean that the snow is often great for Easter in Nendaz. Plenty of entertainment for kids and non-skiers make it the ideal place for a family getaway... Not to mention the Swiss chocolate! Nendaz Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Nendaz
Nendaz has long been a family favourite thanks to its quiet, friendly atmosphere, childcare services and facilities for beginners. It’s one of only 23 destinations to have been awarded the “Families Welcome” status by the Swiss Tourism board and has been selected for this award for the last 15+ years.
With a designated beginners’ area just one bubble away from the main village, it couldn’t be easier for kids to grasp the basics in fun and relaxed surroundings. Soon they can move on to the wide, gentle blue runs from the top of the Tracouet and Prarion lifts, which are great for putting some turns together and building confidence on the slopes. For more advanced skiers, there are some testing reds and blacks, and of course the world-class off piste runs that the 4 Valleys is famous for. Older kids looking to show off some freestyle moves are well catered for with two great snowparks in Nendaz itself and many more in the wider area.
Children too young to ski have plenty of childcare facilities and entertainments such as sledging, treasure hunts and a large play area with inflatable toys. There’s a lot for non-skiing mums and dads too including a fitness centre, squash courts, ice skating, paragliding, rock climbing and snowtubing. For those after more of a relaxing week, the spa at the Hotel Nendaz 4 Valleys is one of the highlights of the area with swimming pools, saunas, steam baths, Jacuzzis and a gym.
GroupsGroup Holidays Nendaz
The variety of terrain in Nendaz means that groups with mixed abilities are well-catered for, from the beginners’ area just one lift away from the main village to the thrilling off piste descents that the 4 Valleys is so famous for. For anyone booking lessons, schools like the Swiss Ski School and Premier Alpine Centre should accommodate all your needs, whether you’re looking for group or private tuition.
Non-skiers looking for a relaxing break won’t be disappointed as the massive spa and wellness centre at the Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées is one of the area’s claims to fame. Over 2km2 of swimming pools, saunas, steam baths, Jacuzzis and treatment rooms mean that you can be treated like a king or queen for a week with some well-deserved pampering! For those after a more active holiday, there is a sports centre with squash courts and gym, an ice rink, paragliding, rock climbing and snowtubing.
The friendly, chilled out nightlife is perfect for kicking back and relaxing after a tough day skiing. To soak up the last rays of the setting sun, head to the Cheers Bar where the massive sun terrace is the ideal place for a few après drinks. To really unwind in luxury, the piano bar and cigar lounge at the Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées is a cosy spot for a quiet sherry. Those looking for a livelier party should make for the Cactus Saloon and the Canadian Pub which both host rowdy evenings until the early hours.
Which are the best ski holidays in Nendaz?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| MAD Mount Hotel | 3 | £ 659 |
| Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallees & Spa | 3 | £ 848 |
© 2024 SNO Group Ltd • company no. 5995288 • VAT no. 946 9394 63 SNO, Apsley House, 176 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 2SH.
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