Description
Nendaz is one of the hidden gems of Switzerland being one of the lesser known resorts in the UK. With high altitude slopes and the Mont Fort glacier delivering high quality snow all winter long, it offers some excellent skiing. Nendaz links with Verbier to form part of the 4 Vallées, Switzerland's largest ski area.
All together the 4 Vallées boasts an enviable 410km of piste including the Mont Fort glacier and 5 villages. The resorts are linked by an extensive network of lifts making it very easy for anyone at a level intermediate or above to ski the entire area. For the beginners there is no shortage of runs either. Nendaz hosts its very own secluded beginner area at Tracouet and the neighbouring resort of Siviez also holds a substantial amount of blue runs. Something to note about Switzerland is the different grading system that they use to France in that Green runs do not exist so it is blue runs that beginners should be aiming for.
Unlike Verbier, Nendaz has very reasonable prices all year round, so it is a great choice for those skiers who might be slightly more budget conscious without having to compromise on the skiing. Nendaz is a small, compact village at one of the lowest heights in the area, resting at 1400m. This is compensated for by the slopes into the village being lined with snow cannons ensuring that the snow into the village lasts as long as possible. The slopes however stretch from 1365m to 3330m making it a very long season from early December to the end of April.
Nendaz village is steeped in history with the first ski lift being built in 1952 and the first gondola built in 1958, but the village itself long predates this. The innovation and advances in technology in the area have continued at a rapid pace ever since. Nendaz is a beautiful traditional village in the heart of the 4 Vallées. It has many attractions aside from skiing and is a successful summer resort for hikers.
Because it is smaller than its counterpart, Verbier, it has not become as popular with British visitors. Therefore there are some great deals to be had and a wide range of accommodation to choose from. It also has all the facilities for children and families which is why it was awarded the prestigious Family Destination label.
Nendaz is definitely worth considering at any time of the year but especially during the busy peak periods as it is bound to be a good price but also the village will be alive with activities and events.
Getting There
Fly
The most common and easiest way to get out to the Alps is to fly. There are four local airports within easy travel-ling distance to Nendaz:
Geneva- 165km- 2hrs10
Zurich- 285km- 3hrs27
Basel- 260km- 3hrs
Sion- 20km- 25mins
All year round there are a substantial amount of flights in and out of these airports. Sion and Basel are slightly smaller and offer less choice of UK departure airport. Zurich is fairly large and offers a wide range of choice throughout the day. Geneva is the largest of these airports offering almost free choice of departure airport and arrival times. They are also the most used to coping with guests with ski luggage as this airport services the majority of the French Alpine resorts too.
Transfers from the airport
Swiss resorts offer two choices for transfers, the standard shared or private car transfers but also the efficient train network. It is important to consider how much luggage you have when deciding which is the most suitable for you as the train journey does not take you directly into the resort.
Train Transfers
The most convenient train station to get to Nendaz is Sion. Regardless of which airport you choose to fly into this will be quite easy to get to. It is a straight through train from Geneva to Sion and a couple of changes from both Basel and Zurich airports. To get from Sion station to Nendaz you can get the public bus from the bus station located next door to the train station. This leg of the journey will take about 30 minutes.
For some airports such as Basel it is advisable to take the train as there are very few transfer companies that will take visitors from the airport all the way to Nendaz.
Private and Shared Transfers
Geneva Transfers provide specialist ski transfers from Geneva airport only. They have a large selection of vehicles so can cater for large groups as well as just a few people.
Alpina Transfers offer private transfers from Geneva and Zurich airport for groups of up to 16 people. They will also go to Sion airport on demand.
Ski Lifts provide private and shared transfers from both Geneva and Sion airport. They will also do these transfers from Zurich and Basel on request.
By Train
The nearest station to Nendaz is Sion which is approximately 30 minutes away by road from Nendaz. The Eurostar does not run directly to this station but it is a relatively straight forward journey. You will collect the Eurostar at St Pancras International in London or at Ashford in Kent, on arrival in at Paris Gare du Nord you will need to change to the Gare du Lyons which is only a few minutes’ walk away. From there head to Geneva or Lausanne and finally swap on the local services to Sion or take a private transfer into the resort.
By Car
Many people opt to drive out to the Alps. If you are coming from the UK, you can either travel via the channel tunnel or take the ferry. The euro price tunnel departs approximately every 15 minutes from Folkestone and takes 35 minutes. Prices starts from £90 each way. You can book your crossing online at https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/home/.
When heading to Switzerland it is easy to take the ferry from Dover to Calais. This runs the most frequently, up to 23 times a day and takes approximately 90minutes.
On arrival in France remember to drive on the right hand side of the road. It is important to note that there are several tolls on route down to the Alps, the prices depend on which section of road you use but the total cost will be approximately €75 in total. On arrival in Calais the drive will be around 9 hours. When you do arrive in Switzerland there are no toll roads, but every vehicle on the motorway needs to have a motorway tax sticker. This is available at the French border and is compulsory for all road users.
European travel/vehicle requirements are very strict and on-spot fines can be issued if you don’t have: headlight converters, GB sticker, warning triangle, spare bulbs, high viz vests for each passenger in the car and breathalysers.
In certain weather conditions, the roads may become snowy and icy and although local municipalities are very good and keeping the roads clear, it can be dangerous so it is important to take extra care and attention when driving. It is a legal requirement in France and Switzerland to carry snow chains in your vehicle or police will refuse you access to certain roads. When driving in these conditions, slow down when you encounter any snow, use high gears to avoid wheel spin, and keep moving when driving up an incline on snow.
It can be useful to use a car when travelling to the Alps as there is no limit in quantity or weight of luggage. However you have to consider how useful it will be when you arrive in resort. Nendaz is a compact resort with everything within easy walking distance. There is also an excellent and extensive bus network consisting of six different lines to take guests all over the village.
There are several car parks all varying in prices. For exact information of the prices and locations, visit the official Nendaz tourist office website or call them to order a parking permit. (https://www.nendaz.ch/tourism/parks-3342.html)
When to Go
Nendaz village sits at 1400m with skiing from 1365m to 3330m. The resort is open for the winter season from early December until mid-April. Nendaz is also a popular summer destination with some skiing on the Mont fort glacier as well as extensive hiking trails.
The resort and the area of the 4 Vallées is well known for its excellent snow conditions with many of its slopes being above 1700m, the standard height for snow to fall. In addition to the natural altitude encouraging snow to fall is that 26% of the slopes in Nendaz are backed up by snow cannons. These are there to ensure that the runs in and out of the village retain as much snow as possible for as long as possible.
The high altitude slopes and excellent snow record from previous years make it a great destination for both early and late skiing. This works well for those limited by school holidays but also those after a great deal on accommodation, ski hire, lift pass or flights.
Where to Stay
Nendaz is a relatively small town but it has a large array of accommodation suitable for all budgets from self-catering all the way to a lovely traditional chalet.
Getting around
Nendaz is quite a compact resort so getting around is not too difficult. However there still are various methods that you can use. We have listed a few ways to help you get your bearings.
Bus Routes
Nendaz operates an excellent and thorough bus service throughout the resort. There are five permanent different routes with one extra route during the peak periods to carry visitors to the main ski lift. They run throughout the day and into the evenings with the last one being around 18:00.
These buses are completely free for those who have purchased a lift pass of any kind and are between 3 and 8CHFs for anyone without a pass. For a more detailed look at the lines and where they go here is a copy of last year’s bus routes and timetables. (https://www.nendaz.ch/data/documents/En_station/Flyerbusnavetteshiver2017-2018.pdf)
Ski Lifts
Nendaz has an efficient lift system which is constantly being updated with new technology. This allows visitors to get up and out to neighbouring 4 Vallées resorts very easily. The Tracouet gondola and the Alpage drag lifts are the main ones stemming out of the village.
Taxis
Taxis can be an efficient way to get around the area, especially if you want to head further up the valley to Siviez for après or a meal. It is recommended that you book in advance though as taxis are not common in mountain villages so not all taxi companies work every night.
On Foot
This is the easiest and most common way of getting about the village. The village is at a low altitude so there are a few hilly roads but they are not large. Everywhere within the village can be accessed on foot in about 30 minutes maximum. If you do have any issues or worries about walking on ice then it is recommended to purchase some ice grips for your shoes and everyone should wear sensible boots around the village.