Nendaz Ski Resort Guide by Snowjet

Nendaz, Switzerland in Brief

When Snowjet launched its ski flights to Sion in December 2009 we knew the route would take off because of the proximity of Sion airport to big name resorts such as Verbier (45mins), Saas Fee (1h15 mins) and Zermatt (1h40mins) but we weren’t aware that there is masses of skiing even closer by. Nendaz, an up and coming ski resort in the heart of the 4 Vallees - the largest ski area in Switzerland - is just a 20 minute transfer away from Sion. Overshadowed by Verbier, its more illustrious neighbour, Nendaz is one of the best kept secrets in the Swiss Alps.

Nendaz Flights

Getting to Nendaz, Switzerland is simple. The ski resort is so close to Sion airport that you can already see it perched on the mountainside when you step off the plane and you keep the runway in sight for most of the short drive up to resort. The transfer time is sufficiently short that some Nendaz chalet companies even throw in a free airport to resort transfer with your holiday. Otherwise you can catch a public bus from Sion town (there is a free shuttle bus from the airport to the bus station), book a private transfer or hire a car. Flying to Sion rather than an alternative ski airport makes private transfers an affordable option. Snowjet operate the only scheduled flights to Sion from anywhere in the UK.

Accommodation in Nendaz

Nendaz is surprisingly large for a resort almost unknown among British skiers (only 6% of its visitors). The ski village, which has been expanding rapidly since the installation of the first lift in the 1960s, lazes elegantly across the mountain sides in a manner reminiscent of neighbouring Verbier. Despite rapid growth there are few unsightly high-rise blocks and the majority of the 7000 tourist beds are in either small apartment complexes or catered chalets. There are few high-end hotels but a there’s a 5* project in progress, due for completion in 2012 and already there are luxury catered chalets run by specialists such as Ted Bentley. With demand exceeding supply in some of its high profile neighbours, Nendaz is also becoming a popular choice for Brits buying second homes.

The Mountain

Nendaz & Les 4 Vallees Piste Maps

Nendaz & Les 4 Vallees Lift Pass Options & Rates

Visitors to Nendaz benefit from extensive doorstep skiing in the massive 4 Vallees ski area without paying Verbier prices. The resort lies at a modest 1400m, but on north facing slopes with extensive snow cannon coverage, so that skiing back to the village is near guaranteed even late in the season. From Nendaz the lifts extend up to 3330m, the summit of Mont Fort, and the pistes stretch out over 412km across the 4 Valleys - Thyon, Veysonnaz, Nendaz and, of course, Verbier. The slopes close to Nendaz are great for learning and progressing; while further a field there is plenty to challenge experts, including acres of world class off-piste terrain.

The Tracouet cable car whisks you from the heart of the resort to an altitude of 2,200 metres. At the summit of the Tracouet a frozen lake of the same name makes a pleasant backdrop to the extensive kids’ zone where little ones can find their feet. In this area there’s also a small selection of well groomed blue and red runs perfect for a low-impact first day on the hill. But once you’ve established your ski legs, you’ll probably want to explore further afield. The wider Printze sector of the mountain, which encompasses all the skiing around, not only Nendaz, but also Veysonnaz and Thyon, offers 223km of blue, red and black runs, as well as, some breathtaking off-piste itineraries such as L’Eteygeon.

Most intermediates will find the skiing extensive and varied enough in the Prinze area for a week’s holiday, but more accomplished skiers will want to take advantage of the entire 4 Valleys. Being fairly central, Nendaz is a great base from which to explore the huge ski area – faster skiers can comfortably reach Verbier in an hour and a half.

Verbier remains legendary among expert skiers because of the wealth of lift-accessible off-piste; including Mont Gelé, a dedicated freeride mountain with a single lift to the 3023m summit and no pistes down. Perhaps the most revered off-piste route in Verbier, however, is the backside of Mont Fort. A massive descent from the 3330m summit of the 4 Valleys, across the Glacier du Grand Desert, to Siviez at 1730m. On steep glacial terrain, this is one to do with a guide. A trip up the Mont Fort cable car, however, is a must for the views alone. If you’re not an expert skier, there’s no shame in taking the lift back down – the only on-piste route is a steep, bumpy black. Riding the lift, with its newly renovated cabins with floor to ceiling windows, is an event in itself and the view from the summit , over a seemingly infinite sea of mountains, is spectacular - best enjoyed beer in hand outside the novel Igloo Bar.

Nendaz Bars & Clubs

Although there’s no mistaking Nendaz for party towns, such as Verbier, St Anton, or Val d’Isere, there’s a quiet buzz around the village as skiers trickle off the slopes and onto the cafe terraces around the Tracouet lift station for a well deserved vin chaud or beer. When the sun dips behind the mountain and it’s time to move indoors, try the Mexican-themed Cactus Saloon - usually the liveliest of Nendaz’s bars. Moroccan flavoured, Le Malabar is a good bet for a reasonably priced pint, as is the log cabin (complete with mounted moose head) Canadian Pub. There are also a couple of even later night venues: Le Feeling - opposite the cable car station and Le Bal - in Grand Place.

Nendaz Apres Ski

There’s a wealth of wintersports other than skiing on offer, including, ice-climbing, tobogganing, ice skating and ice hockey. Time it right and you can even go to a full moon party on the slopes. Off the snow, the resort itself is big enough to support a reasonable selection of shops, supermarkets and dozens of good restaurants – we like La Cabane for cheesey local specialities and a warm welcome.

Something for the Kids

Family friendliness is taken seriously in Nendaz. The resort has such excellent facilities that it has been attributed a well deserved Family Welcome Award. At the Snozone at Tracouet, in addition to the child-friendly skiing, snow tubing – sledging on giant tyres - is free of charge, and at Siviez there is 3km of tobogganing track. There are walking discovery trails on the mountain and closer to town there are a number of pushchair friendly walks. In town itself, there’s the ice rink, a book library, a toy library, trampolines and, perhaps most importantly, for when you need a break from the kids: a day care centre and a babysitting register.