Nendaz, Switzerland

ian robinson from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

Check this place out if you want the best skiing and quiet nights in.
We have been to Nendaz for the last two years in January and stayed in a friends chalet. The town is mainly residential with a few hotels. The town centre is well served with supermarkets and about 6 bars. The only bar that is of any size is the Canadian bar, that can get quite lively (ish!)
There are some good restaurants on the main street. As mentioned, you wouldn't go there for the night life but the skiing is another matter!!
There are lifts or a courtesy bus up through Super Nendaz to Siviez (main station.) Bus takes 5mins. Both are very reliable (thats the swiss for you!)
Once in Siviez I recommend you get a full area pass (6 days approx £150.00)
This opens up the four valleys region that includes Verbier. Siviez has its own area with some fab runs (and the best on- piste restaurant at the top of the Combatseline chair) which if you are a beginner is adequate, but you are missing out if you dont go 'over the top'. Take either the Mont-Fort cable car or Plan-du-Fou bubble to get across to this side.
Ski down to Verbier for lunch and on the way back have a go at Mont-Fort, it's a great run from the highest point in the area, not for the faint hearted!
You can't stay for the apres in Verbier 'cos the last lifts back are at 4.30.
This is the biggest downside as Nendaz isn't exactly buzzing (although it does get busier during the Swiss hols.)
All the lifts are great, the area went under a major facelift about 3 years ago and is state of the art, the skiing is some of the best in Europe, and we've always had great weather.
Getting there is a breeze, Fly to Geneva, get the train from the airport to Sion (you can set your watch by it, cost £45.00) Then get one of the regular buses up to Nendaz (1/2hour) to your acommodation. This is by far the best & easiest skiing you will have without going through an operator.

2006-02-07