Nendaz Ski Area

Nendaz is plugged into a large network of ski runs: 407km in the Four Valleys area, taking in everything from Verbier and Bruson in the southwest to the tiny hamlet of Les Masses in the east. The highest point in the area is the renowned Mont Fort Glacier, at 3,330m – this is actually owned by the Nendaz commune – while Nendaz is situated at 1,350m. That’s a lot of vertical you can cover in one day.

The smaller Printse area covers Nendaz and the villages of Veysonnaz and Thyon. The cheaper lift pass represents good value, especially for intermediates who will enjoy the mainly red and blue runs on offer, and also allows access to a few tough itineraries. There are 220km of runs in Printse. One of the lovely things about the area is the dramatic views over the vineyards and the Rhône Valley (where excellent local wines are produced) to the peaks beyond.

From Nendaz, you can find some of the most world-reknowned off-piste, or as the Swiss call it ‘freeride’, skiing; for example, the legendary route down the back of the Mont Fort glacier. This involves skinning as well as hiking and can be fatal. Definitely necessary to hire a guide for the day.

Above Nendaz is a sunny plateaux at the top of the high speed Tracout bubble, which is ideal for children and beginners alike.

Siviez is the hub of both the Four Valleys and the Printse areas and it takes about 45 mins to ski there including lift time. The main Tracouet bubble is the way to ski out of Nendaz taking you to 2,200m and allowing you to ski to lifts that link with Siviez – a drag and then a cable car.

Otherwise, to get to Siviez you can drive and park there as it is only 7km along winding roads – but this is not recommended in high season because of the difficulty in finding a parking space. There is also a free shuttle bus service to Siviez every half hour so it’s well worth checking out the timetable.