Nestled in the expansive 4 Vallées, Nendaz is a gem in Switzerland's skiing crown. From Verbier to Thyon, its strategic location ensures seamless exploration of the region. Moreover, its proximity to the nearest airports makes it a convenient destination, blending value with tranquility and offering the quintessential alpine experience.
As one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland, Nendaz offers a perfect combination of accessibility and adventure. We've created this guide to make planning your Nendaz ski holiday easy. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, you'll also find a downloadable resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Nendaz is situated in the canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland.
Nearest airport
Geneva (172 km)
Transfer time
Geneva (2hr)
Nendaz the resort
Resort altitude: 1350 m
Resort permanent residents: 6737
Nendaz harmoniously blends traditional and modern elements, creating a unique architectural and atmospheric experience. The town is sprinkled with classic Swiss chalets, showcasing sturdy wooden constructions and gabled roofs, alongside contemporary resorts and amenities. This mix reflects a balance between rustic heritage and modern comfort. As a year-round mountain resort, Nendaz buzzes with activities for winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers, set against stunning panoramic views. Its ambiance is enriched by local Valaisan culture, showcased in traditional festivals like the Alphorn Festival, and a deep connection to nature, evident in the surrounding lush valleys and rugged mountains. Recognized as family-friendly and welcoming, Nendaz has earned the 'Families Welcome' label from the Swiss Tourism Federation, highlighting its commitment to catering to family needs. With amenities ranging from an array of restaurants and bars to childcare facilities, the town is dedicated to providing a comprehensive experience for all its visitors.
Pros
Cons
Largest ski area in Switzerland
Less charming than other traditional Swiss resorts
Kilometres of pistes: 70 km (412 km - Four Valleys)
Vertical drop: 1950 m
Ski lifts: 20
Nendaz, as part of the the massive 4 Valleys ski area, along with neighbouring resorts such as Verbier, Veysonnaz, and Thyon, offers an extensive skiing experience with over 412 km of pistes in the combined area. Nendaz itself boasts 70 km of skiable terrain, spread across 35 pistes (13 blues, 20 reds, 2 blacks), and served by 20 lifts. Nendaz's main skiing sectors, include:
Prarion-Tracouet: Directly accessible from Nendaz, this sector is known for its family-friendly slopes. It features a mix of easy and intermediate runs, making it perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Siviez: Situated a short distance from Nendaz, Siviez is a key hub within the 4 Vallées, offering direct access to other major sectors like Verbier and Veysonnaz. It's popular for its proximity to some excellent off-piste areas.
Plan du Fou: Offering some of the more challenging runs in the Nendaz area, Plan du Fou is a favorite among more experienced skiers.
Skiing in Nendaz
Beginners
The sun-drenched plateaux at Tracouet offer the ideal setting for beginners. Here, gentle slopes, rope pull and magic carpet lifts provide a comfortable environment for mastering the basics. The expansive blue run slopes around the frozen lake are especially designed for those new to skiing. Beginners looking to challenge themselves can explore the blue and red runs into Siviez, although these can get a tad busy during peak seasons.
Intermediates
The expansive blues and reds in the local area ensure hours of seamless skiing. Ethérola’s back offers exciting runs, including a high-speed chair-accessed black run. The wide, uncrowded motorway runs in Savolyeres and La Tzoumaz side are perfect for those looking to carve their way down the mountainside with confidence.
Advanced
From the steep descents of the Mont Fort glacier to the exhilarating itineraries like the infamous Bec des Rosses, advanced skiers have no shortage of thrills. The marked yet ungroomed trails should be approached with caution, ensuring proper avalanche safety equipment is at hand and considering the expertise of a qualified mountain guide.
Off-piste skiing
The 4 Valleys is a haven for off-piste enthusiasts. Celebrated for its magnificent freeride areas, such as Eteygeon, Plan-du-Fou, and Mont-Fort, the region promises exciting exploits for those willing to explore.
Snowboarding
Nendaz is a dream come true for snowboarders, from backcountry trails to perfectly-corrugated pistes. Local heroes like Alex Courdray and Geraldine Fasnacht have put Nendaz on the snowboarding map due to its limitless backcountry riding options. Freestylers can sharpen their skills at the Burton Progression Park atop Tracouet.
Nendaz ski season dates
The ski season in Nendaz for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 9th and run until April 27th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Nendaz this season, be sure to explore our Nendaz ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Nendaz snow history
Nendaz offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 35 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.2 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 29 cm but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.5 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Nendaz, with an impressive 45 cm of snow over 3.6 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 23 cm of snow over 3.7 days.
