Holidays in Nendaz

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Nendaz

There’s over 250 kilometres of walking trails in Nendaz which cater for all abilities, whether you want to stroll through the pastures and enjoy lunch in the sun, or take on a challenging route to the Mont Fort, there is something for everyone.

Our favourite thing about walking in Nendaz is the variety of different trails – all with spectacular scenery. Walking along the bisses makes for a relaxed day.
Or, at 3,330 metres, the Mont Fort arguably has the best views over the Four Valleys. You can spot Mont Blanc and the infamous Matterhorn on a clear day. Take in the picturesque mountain peaks and wildflower meadows, there is somewhere new to explore each day.

Public Transport

The Swiss transport system make getting around an absolute pleasure, and in addition to the mountain railways and lifts, there's also a network of local buses and trains.A daily shuttle service runs between Nendaz Tourisme, Siviez and Veysonnaz, giving you access to additional walks and lifts. If you take the bus to Siviez you can go to the Japanese Garden, or take the Combatselina chairlift to head over to Veysonnaz where you can walk back to Nendaz along the bisses.

Lifts

There is one main gondola in Nendaz, the Tracouet telecabin which takes you to the Tracoeut summit. This opens up lots of walking possibilities, stunning views of the Four Valleys and fun activities for the whole family. You can take the bus to Siviez or Veysonnaz for access to the Combatseline chairlift and there are other lifts in the local area that open up further walking possibilities.

• Tracouet gondola: Links Nendaz to the Tracouet summit
• Combatseline chairlfit: Links Siviez to Combatseline (Its the departure point for the Mont-Rouge hike or the Bisse de Chervé)
• Tortin chairlift: Links Siviez to Tortin (the first leg of the Siviez – Mont Fort connection and the start of the Japanese Garden walk. You can spot the famous Herens cows in the pastures too)
• Col des Gentianes cable car: Tortin to Col des Gentianes. In summer, this cable car allows those who have made the long and difficult climb from Tortin to return to the valley in a more comfortable way
• Mont-Fort cable car: reach the highest point of the Four Valleys, 3330 metres above sea level. Climb to the top for views of the Alps including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn
• Veysonnaz Gondola: From the Hotel Le Magrappe you can reach the departure point of several walks including the tour of Mont-Rouge, the bisse de Chervé, and the masks path

Subject to change.

Sculpture path

• Easy, family-friend walks
• Approx. 2.6km
• Expect to take around 45 minutes

Meander through the fields and woodlands in and around Haute-Nendaz, and encounter the sculptures inspired by local legends. Starting at Nendaz Tourism, follow the 'Promenade des Crêtes' through fields, woodlands and areas of the old town of Haute-Nendaz. Spot the sculptures of Sofleu the Devil or Louvie the beast. Children can pick up a treasure maps at the tourist office and discover the ten sculptures along the path, each with their own story. Once the mission is complete head back to the tourist office for a reward.

Bisse de Saxon

• Moderate walk
• Approx. 12.2km
• Expect to take around three hours 15 minutes

After a day of marvelling at the mountain views at the top of the Mont-Fort, take the 12 kilometre walk back through the spruce forests back to Nendaz. This route follows the largest Bisse in the Valais region, going through the unique Dzerjonna rock fields, pretty meadows of Pra da Dzeu and spruce forests. The route begins at Siviez which can be reached by bus, follow the trail opposite the Les Bergers restaurant and turn right onto the bisse trail. The route ends in the old village of Haute Nendaz, it’s full of charm with old Valasian style buildings, the Saint-Michel chapel dating back to 1499 and the Tsâblo Mill. Be sure to have your cameras ready, there’s so many incredible photo opportunities along the way.

Japanese garden

• Moderate walk
• Approx. 11km
• Expect to take around three and a half hours

Take the bus over to Siviez and follow the path towards Tortin, ramble through the mountain pastures towards Col des Gentianes, from here follow the signs to the Japanese Garden. The plateau, with streams and a zen-like appearance is reminiscent of a Japanese Garden – surprisingly, it's a natural area but it's so perfect that it gives the impression it's been landscaped.

Lac du Grand Désert

• Challenging walk
• Approx. 15.8km
• Expect to take at least five hours

Enjoy breath-taking alpine landscapes along the ancient Bisse de Chervé - the highest bisse in the region. It joins the turquoise waters of the Cleuson lake to the mountain pastures of Thyon. Once you have reached the Cleuson dam, the turquoise water shines through amongst the rocky landscape. From here take the trail up towards the Grand Désert lake at 2,600 metres above sea level - it requires stamina, but the views are well worth it. On the way down follow the steep zig-zag path down below the dam and treat yourself to a bite to eat at one of the mountain huts.

More great walking route inspiration

Head to Nendaz Tourisme for lots of information on more recommended routes, and collect a few maps to plan your day. You can find out the opening statuses of the routes and lifts here too.

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, sun cream, insect repellent, waterproofs, a rucksack and walking poles are useful for hiking around Nendaz. There's several places to buy walking equipment when you get there if you're missing something.

Walking maps and apps

Once you arrive in Nendaz, we recommend picking up a walking map from the tourist office. Maps will have a key to help you understand the nature of the walk before you begin. You can view lots more recommended routes and download tour maps and pocket-sized printouts from Nendaz Tourism you can also see the opening status of the routes here, too.

Hiking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  • Swiss Emergency Services: 144
• Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Flights to Geneva or Zurich airports are available from eight UK airports.

Flights to Zurich:

We offer holidays by train to Nendaz, which depart on Saturdays for seven or 14 days. The journey takes around 15 hours from London St. Pancras and you'll be able to enjoy the change of scenery out of the train window as you journey through France and into the Alps of Switzerland.

The provisional outbound timings are:

The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable-cars, boats and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace.

Swiss Half Fare Card included for all Inghams guests

The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets. This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.

Pass Altitude

The Pass Altitude gives you access to the lifts of Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon throughout the summer. With this pass, valid from three to six non-consecutive days, you can use the chairlifts and gondolas of this magnificent region to discover hundreds of kilometres of trails and magnificent alpine panoramas.

With your pass in your pocket, you get also one free access to the Mont-Fort (3,300 metres) where you can enjoy the view over the surrounding peaks, including the Matterhorn, Mont-Blanc and Dent-Blanche.

The 'Pass Altitude' also allows you to benefit from more than 200 francs of discounts in the resort's shops as well as from activity providers throughout the Valais.

Subject to change.

Things to do in Nendaz

Alpine village

Nendaz is made up of fifteen villages and hamlets, each with their own distinctive features. Ramble through the charming Valasian style villages with traditional wooden buildings, enjoy fresh apricots and raspberries grown in the orchards, and enjoy the spectacular views of the Rhone Valley and the Printse river.

Bisses

The bisses were originally irrigation channels that diverted water from the rivers to water the pastures and farm land on the mountain slopes. There are eight bisses in Nendaz, six which still carry out the original task of irrigation, running through the alpine villages, apricot orchards, forests, pastures and meadows. The bisses make up for 98 kilometres of the walking routes, if you want to take the easier route explore the valley along the Bisse du Milieu - Bisse Vieux or take on the challenging route up the Bisse de Chervé, the highest alpine bisse in the region.

The highest point in the Four Valleys

Regardless of where you are in Nendaz, the view is amazing, however the best view of the Alps can be seen from the top of the Mont-Fort - especially at sunrise. It's 3,330 metres above sea level and overlooks some of Europe's most iconic mountains. Can you spot the Matterhorn or Mont Blanc?

Get the adrenaline pumping and fly down the highest zip line in the world. Take off above the Tortin glacier, between the Mont-Fort and the Col des Gentianes, and you’ll soon be whizzing down at speeds of 100 kilometres per hour down the 1.4km zipline.

Raclette on the pasture

Meet the iconic Hérens cows and enjoy delicious raclette prepared over a wood fire. Once a week you can immerse yourselves in Valasian traditions and take the chairlift up to Tortin, before walking through the forests and pastures. Spot the cows before heading to a clearing where you can devour this Swiss specialty. Book your spot through the tourist office on arrival for an unforgettable evening.

Active adventures

If you fancy a more active adventure hire a mountain bike or E-bike and explore the natural wonders of the Valais. There are 200 kilometres of mountain tracks to explore, cycle through the meadows and pastures, explore the villages of Nendaz or enjoy wonderful alpine views in the forest.

Swimming and wellness

Haute-Nendaz's ‘Chadèo’ outdoor swimming pool is the ideal spot to relax, heated to 25 degrees and with wonderful views of the Alps and the Rhone Valley, there is nowhere better for the whole family to unwind. For a little rest and rejuvenation, the Spa des Bisses (in the Hotel Nendaz Four Vallees) offers 2,200 square metres of pure relaxation in a space dedicated to water - there's even a bisse running through it. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, soak in the Jacuzzi, or enjoy feelings of weightlessness in the floatation pool. There's also saunas, a salt cave, an ice cave, counter-current pool and children's area.

Family activities in Nendaz

Meet Cheesy

Cheesy is the mascot for Nendaz, you can mind her at Cheesy's Village or at one of the workshops. Cheesy's village is the ideal spot for the children to let off some steam, there’s a treetop adventure park, bouncy castles, trampolines. There are mini-discos and free concerts on selected evenings during the week. Creative workshops are also available for the little ones, they can colour and craft little projects.

Themed walking trails

Learn about the region and have lots of family fun on a themed walk. Discover how cheese is made, or why the cows where bells on the Hérens cow path. Find wooden carvings of local legends on the sculpture path. Enjoy a picnic with a view on the panoramic path, or try something different on the barefoot path - after introducing your feet to new sensations of walking barefoot on sand, wood shavings, pebbles, mosses and other interesting things, you can take a barefoot walk along the riverbank.

There are also several pushchair-friendly walking trails.

Treasure hunt

There are three different treasure hunts to take part in. Pick up an adventure book from the tourist office and set on an adventure to find the clues for a reward at the end. Learn about local legends on the sculpture path, wander through the old village or explore the Milieu bisse.

Swimming and mountain biking

Cool down at the Chadèo outdoor swimming pool in Haute Nendaz. It's surrounded by grass and overlooks the mountains, so it is the ideal spot to relax. Or, get active and hire a bike - there are three mountain bike routes especially for families.