Previously known as Les Mayens des Riddes, La Tzoumaz’s newer name comes from “tzoumer” - traditional Valais lingo for “taking a break”. Which is precisely what it offers – a break from the heaving clubs and bars of neighbouring Verbier, a break from its high priced holidays and a break from a big town atmosphere, in exchange for a quiet Valais village.
But you’re not waving goodbye to incredible skiing. A high speed gondola from the village takes you to the top of Savoleyres in less than 8 minutes for the local 55km of slopes, which are part of the legendary Four Valleys ski area, linked to Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon to cover a whopping 410km of pistes.
And what a charming base to explore it from, with traditional and new chalets-builds – tall ones and tiny ones - sprinkled around the small central square with its ice rink.
Though it feels world’s away from Verbier, the legendary ski town (which reportedly has ten times more residents than La T) is just over on the other side of Savoleyres. It’s easy to pop over to experience some of the finest shops, bars and restaurants in the Alps, before heading home via lifts and pistes or a 35-minute drive.
Location: Valais, Switzerland
Established:
Open: December - April
Downhill: 55km
View our detailed La Tzoumaz 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 La Tzoumaz snow history.
Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
Geneva International Airport (GVA) | 158km, 1h40 |
Sion Airport (SIR) | 26km, 30 mins |
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Top Altitude: | 2950m |
Bottom Altitude: | 1500m |
Resort Altitude: | 1500m |
Longest run: | |
Slope Orientation: | N S |
Vertical Drop: | |
Skiable Vertical: | |
Night Skiing: | No |
Glacier: | |
Downhill Runs: | 55km |
Beginner slopes: | 80% |
Intermediate: | 20% |
Advanced slopes: | 0% |
Lift Pass Price: | Savoleyres CHF 320 (adult 6 day) 4 Vallées CHF 358 (adult 6 day) |
Nearby resorts: Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz |
Learners can pick up the basics in the Jardin des Neiges at the bottom of the pistes, where the Swiss Snow school run classes for different ages. Even when we’re staying in different resorts, the Savoleyres area is one of our favourite parts of the Four Valleys for progression, with wide, sunny runs on the Verbier side and shaded tree runs leading into La T.
We like pottering about on the Taillay blues that dip into the treeline, while sunny, cruisey Planards – Carrefour streams down towards Verbier.
Ren run skiers can really roam, from the Coeur and Saxon pistes on the local slopes to the long, thigh testing route from Col des Gentianes to La Chaux.
Favourite black pistes include the FIS slope from Attelas above Verbier and Le Profs between the trees – not forgetting the Mont Fort run from the highest point in the area. But where this area really shines is its powder terrain, most of which is easy to reach from the lifts. Conquer the mogulled Wall run from Chassoure or have a helicopter drop you on Bec de Rosses for the ride of a lifetime.
The Audi Fun Park is one of the newer additions to the area, with a tunnel, jumps and banked turns.
If you want celeb-frequented bars and champagne showers for après ski, you’re on the wrong side of the mountain. Verbier’s your stop for Bolly-fuelled parties – the Farinet is the stuff of legend – but for calmer, food focussed down time, little Tzoumaz is terrific.
That’s not to say you can’t find a good bar when you want one - ViTho serves cracking cocktails and Harry’s Bar has a nice homely atmosphere. For coffee and crepes, try le Pistarf, or for a full sit down meal, Auberge de La Tzoumaz serves all the Swiss specialities. Don’t miss the apple tart at Chez Simon (or the fondue for that matter).
Here you’ve got one of our favourite non-ski activities in the 4 Vallees – a 10km toboggan run from the top of Savoleyres back to the village, covering 848m of vertical. Dog sledding is also popular, as well as ice skating in the village centre.
The north facing half of the Savoleyres ski area has some of the best snow conditions in the 4 Vallees towards the end of the season, while tree-lined runs back down to the village and sunny slopes on the other side are perfect at the beginning of the winter.
Look out for Santa Claus in the central square over Christmas in La Tzoumaz, where midnight mass takes place in the Ascension chapel and mulled wine flows.
Celebrations on the main square with bars, DJ’s and drinks usually see in the New Year in La Tzoumaz, marking midnight with a massive firework display.
Movie nights, fire shows and carnivals have taken place over Half Term in La Tzoumaz in recent years.
A Mass at the chapel, workshops in the community centre and a big afternoon egg hunt are local traditions over Easter in La Tzoumaz.
This place works wonderfully for families, who can enjoy the fabulous Four Vallees area from a smaller, quieter base than Verbier (with shorter transfers to boot).
Make the most of the wide, wooded and crowd-free slopes in the Savoleyres area, or swap the skis for a toboggan and zoom down the legendary 10km trail to the village.
We love the school holiday events here, from the visit of Father Christmas on Christmas eve to the egg hunts at Easter. Zorbing on the ice rink has also been a hit with the youngsters on recent years…
With the 4 Valleys before you, whether you’re a group of hardcore skiers and snowboarders or cruise-loving intermediates, this place has you covered. Beginners aren’t forgotten either, with lovely wide, quiet slopes in the local area to practice turns on.
If your party prefer the idea of tobogganing and quiet evenings for après ski, over Verbier’s posh parties, La Tzoumaz is perfect. There’s always the opportunity to spend an afternoon sampling the après offerings of the legendary neighbour resort – then ski home before the lifts close or take a 35-minute cab ride.