Things to Do in Nendaz, Switzerland

Nendaz is best known for skiing, and as a local English-speaking ski school, that’s where we come in – but the resort has plenty to offer beyond the slopes, whatever the season. Here’s a local’s guide to making the most of your stay.

Skiing

Skiing and ski touring. Nendaz sits inside the 4 Vallées, one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland, with terrain for every level. If you’re after private, instruction – from first-timers to off-piste and ski touring – that’s exactly what we do; see our ski lessons, off-piste skiing, and kids’ ski lessons pages.

Tracouet. A short cable car ride from Haute-Nendaz up to Tracouet opens up sweeping views over the Rhône Valley and the 4 Vallées, with hiking and mountain biking trails leading off from the top in summer. In winter, it’s one of Nendaz’s two main beginner sectors, wide, gentle blue runs plus a dedicated snow garden by the frozen lake for first-timers, which is exactly the terrain where a lot of our kids’ ski lessons and first-time adult lessons take place.

Mont-Fort. At 3,328m, Mont-Fort is one of the highest points in the 4 Vallées, reachable by cable car, a popular spot for sunrise trips and panoramic views across the Alps, with the Matterhorn and Mont-Blanc visible on a clear day. It’s also home to the resort’s most famous run: the Mont-Fort black piste, 1.7km long with a 481m vertical drop, steep and left ungroomed,  a serious off-piste-style challenge and a taste of the terrain we cover in our off-piste lessons.

Hiking and Biking

Nendaz has around 250km of marked walking trails and roughly 200km of mountain-biking and e-biking routes, including family-friendly options and a dedicated children’s MTB track. For something a little different, the region’s bisse trails – nearly 100km of paths following the historic irrigation channels (bisses) that once carried water across the valley – are some of the most scenic and least strenuous walks in the area.

Adventure Activities

For the more adventurous, the Mont-Fort area has a zipline, several via ferrata routes (Edelweiss and Androsace among them, both above 3,000m), and paragliding for those who’d rather see the valley from above.

Wellness and Relaxation

After a day outdoors, the Spa des Bisses, the 4 Vallées Spa (hammam, saunas, salt room, pools), and Nend’Spirit fitness and wellness centre are all on hand for recovery.

Family Activities

Nendaz is well set up for families: a public swimming pool, a pumptrack, several play areas, summer scooter (kick-board) trails, and even a cheesemaking workshop where kids can try their hand at making raclette and other Valais specialties.

Food and Local Culture

Valais is Switzerland’s wine and cheese country, and Nendaz makes the most of it. The canton produces over half of all Swiss wine, and it’s worth seeking out a glass of Fendant or Petite Arvine, both Valais specialities, while you’re here. If your visit lines up with them, the International Alphorn Festival and the Drink Pure wine-tasting event are both worth building a day around.

For food, the mountain restaurants are the real draw: many are accessible with or without skis, so you don’t need to be on the slopes to enjoy a proper alpine lunch of raclette or fondue with a view. In the evenings, the village itself has a relaxed, genuinely local feel, less about big nightlife than somewhere like Verbier, more about good food, friendly bars, and a mix of nationalities who come back year after year.

Planning a ski trip to Nendaz? Get in touch to book private lessons for any level — from first turns to off-piste and touring.