Nendaz
Ski Resort

Nendaz at 1400m above sea level is 100m lower than lift-linked Verbier, but the slopes immediately above it often have better snow than those of its more famous neighbour, because they face north and are less crowded. These easy-cruising, motorway-like pistes are well suited to beginners and less-confident intermediates who can save money by buying a special Sector Printse ski pass which excludes Verbier and covers ‘only’ Nendaz, Siviez (without Mont-Fort), Veysonnaz, Thyon and Les Collons. That still amounts to 220kms of pistes and 50 lifts which is more than enough for a novice, or a fairweather skier who is easily tempted off the slopes by the many mountain restaurants.

But for keen intermediates and above, Sector Printse is just a starter, and they will want to invest in the expensive-but-worth-it 4 Valleys ski pass, which covers over 400km of ski runs, including some famous ungroomed but marked trails. The whole area is connected by lifts, although it’s a very long journey from Les Masses and Veysonnaz to Le Grand Tsai at the top of the Bruson sector. Luckily Nendaz is near the centre, so everywhere is just about within reach, although an early start and a very quick lunch are recommended.

And the 4 Valleys is not just a big ski area, it’s also a high one. The peak above Nendaz (Dent de Nendaz) might be a comparatively modest 2463m, but Greppon Blanc at nearby Siviez reaches 2700m, and Mont-Gele and Mont-Fort near Verbier exceed 3000m. That means there is always good snow higher up, and enough vertical drop to make the 4 Valleys a magnet for free-riders and off-piste skiers.

Away from its skiing, Nendaz is a middle-of-the-road type resort: it’s neither pretty nor ugly, and whilst there is some pleasant après ski and nightlife, Nendaz does not try to attract the jet-set party crowd like its neighbour over the hill. Accommodation in Nendaz is cheaper too.

Getting to Nendaz is easy. The small airport at Sion is only a very short drive (or a very long walk) away, whilst Geneva airport is within a 2-hour drive.

Nendaz Strengths & Weaknesses

+ Choice of a mid-sized Printse or large 4 Vallées ski areas
+ Quick airport transfers / ‘Weekendable’
+ North-facing local slopes hold their snow well
+ Access to the 4 Valleys’s highest snowsure slopes
+ Access to great off-piste and freeriding

– Poor piste map and signposting
– 4 Valleys suffer from  overcrowding in some areas
– Getting across to Mont-Gele and Mont-Fort takes time
– Nendaz is only inexpensive compared to Verbier