Worldwide Ski ResortsSwitzerlandNendaz

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Overview

The Swiss resort of Nendaz is a big place situated on a plateau overlooking the valley of the Rhone. It lies conveniently close to Verbier and provides access to the slopes of the Four Valleys ski domain. Although relatively modern, it is not unattractive, having being built in traditional style, with many of the buildings having a true Swiss Chalet appearance that blends in well with the old architecture of the original village of Haute-Nendaz that still stands in the heart of the resort. It is a friendly place with many pretty features and shops to be found in the winding, narrow streets of the old quarter.

Bars and restaurants are generally good and there is plentiful accommodation in the form of comfortable hotels and a large number of good quality self catering apartments. The village has the added advantage of being significantly cheaper than its larger, more famous neighbours.

Profile

The resort village stands at 1365m and provides access to its own range of north facing local slopes via a gondola direct from the village. Because of the orientation of the Nendaz slopes, it is a very snow sure resort, often being skiable when other parts of the region are suffering from melt down. It has its own terrain park and a half pipe for snowboarders and 17 km of very pleasant trails for cross country skiers. Experts will find the local slopes to be somewhat limited, but the resort does provide access (albeit slightly awkward) to the rest of the 410 km of the Four Valleys pistes that are served by 94 lifts.

Intermediate skiers have a number of good runs locally, but they are limited in number so, like the more expert skier, they may find themselves heading for the huge expanse of the Four Valleys. Beginers on the other hand, have everything they need on the local slopes. Excellent nursery areas and some very suitable progression runs mean that they can stay close to the village unless they want to spread their wings as confidence improves. The local ski school has received good reports and the child care facilities are of a good standard.

Mountain Information

The gondola from the village takes its passengers straight up to the slopes at Trancouet where the nursery slopes are located. From this point the intermediate skiers who do not wish to stray far can choose from a number of pleasant blue and red runs that take the skier back down through the tree line towards the village below. The more confident skier can drop down to the other side of the mountain where they will find the cable car at Plan du Fou that is the start of the link with Verbier and the Four Valley slopes via Siviez. Be warned however, the return trip is often hampered by the queues that tend to build up at the end of the day at Siviez. Mountain restaurants on the local slopes are few and far between. The best on piste lunch venues are over at the Verbier sector.

Apres Ski

Nendaz is a surprisingly lively little spot. There are plenty of really interesting bars, some of which regularly host live bands and four disco type clubs. The Cactus Saloon and the Bodega Club come highly recommended as the ‘hot spots’.

Swiss Resort Guide

Resort Information • Nendaz

Resort Height Resort Height 1365m
Top Station Top Station 3330m
Bottom Station Bottom Station 1365m
Vertical Descent Vertical Descent 1965m
Drag Lifts Drag Lifts 21
Chair Lifts Chair Lifts 6
High Capacity High Capacity 3
Opening Dates Opening Dates Dec - April
Rating Expert Rating Expert 6
Rating Intermediate Rating Intermediate 7
Rating Beginner Rating Beginner 8
Apres Ski Rating Apres Ski Rating 8
Snow Reliability Snow Reliability 7

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