The Henda ski resort is the owner of the “Welcome the whole family” seal of quality, which is awarded by the Swiss Tourist Office only to selected resorts that meet a significant list of strict criteria.

Nenda is a family ski resort that is part of Switzerland’s largest ski area – the Four Valleys. It is also considered the most democratic among its neighbors: housing prices here are two to three times lower than, for example, in the famous Verbier . The resort is distinguished by optimal snow cover throughout the season – from mid-December to mid-April.

Nenda is located at an altitude of 1,400 m above sea level, at the foot of Mount Trakue (2,200 m). From the mountain terrace there is a stunning view of the Bernese and Valaisian Alps and the mountains of the canton of Vaud. Nenda is a hospitable Valesan village with many traditional wooden buildings.

Nenda offers a wide selection of children’s programs. There are babysitters, toy rentals, craft programs, stroller-friendly trails, playgrounds – absolutely everything for little travelers.

How to get there

Nearest airports: Geneva (165 km), Zurich (285 km), Milan (210 km). There is a small airport in Sion, 15 km from the resort.

The nearest railway station is Sion, further to Nenda resort can be reached by bus or taxi.

Tracks and lifts

Nenda is part of the “Four Valleys” ski area, so every skier has access to all 118 trails with a total length of 412 km. But specifically, Nenda’s ski slopes include 2 black, 8 red and 6 blue – a total of 17 slopes. There are 92 lifts leading to them, and the height difference is at the level of 1400-3300 m.

For fans of cross-country skiing, tracks of varying difficulty are provided. The total length of the ski track of this type is 12 km over rough terrain.

Directly from Nend, you can go up by gondola to Traсouet Park, which has a snow park, a fan park, a restaurant, playgrounds and much more. This is the place where Nenda’s other ski slopes lead and where beginners can learn.

You can go back down on the red track or use the cable car lift, which does not reach Nend. You can use the cable car on Dent De Nendaz and go down the blue route.

A snow park is located approximately under the gondola, where there are many rails and figures of varying complexity. More serious skiers can go to the right of the gondola on the Prarion sports track, which is framed by sparse forest. From the track, it is possible to climb the Plan du Fou. True, it should be taken into account that the ski slopes in Nenda are not prepared from here. There are only markings, humps and a large slope.

Within easy reach is the Siviez area, accessible via the red route from Plan du Fou. If you are lucky enough to get on a fresh snow cover, you can ride right under the chairlifts and bugle lifts. From here you can get to Mont Faure, Weyonne or Verbier. But you will have to return along rather difficult routes. If you no longer feel like riding, there is a bus to Nenda every 20 minutes from the station.

Today, the resort also boasts 9 mountain bike trails of varying difficulty, which are used in the summer. In winter, skiers are offered heli-skiing – a drop on the track from a helicopter.

Nenda is located practically in the very center of the Four Valleys – a ski region that unites 400 kilometers of slopes. Both Verbier and Nenda claim the recognizable peak of Mont Faure (3329 m), although the way up from Nenda takes significantly less time.

 

 

Most of the tracks are wide and picturesque blue and red, suitable for leisurely skiing with children and beginners, and for more extreme fun. From the center of the resort, you can get to the slopes in just 7 minutes in a cabin, or if you want to arrange a full-fledged ski safari, you can move to one of the neighboring villages – Veyzonna or Sivier and go on a short trip. Those who can’t imagine skiing without freeride will definitely like Nenda, maybe even more than the famous Verbier. The orientation of the slopes allows you to ride on the wilderness longer than in the neighboring valleys. In the height of the season and until April, there is usually a lot of snow here, from March 10 to 15, the famous Nendaz Freeride takes place – the FWQ (Freeride World Qualifier) ​​stage. One of the iconic off-piste routes starts from the Col de Gentianes – when there is enough snow, this is one of the most attractive areas for freeriders. A total of 47 km of ski tracks are located above the resort – safe for off-piste skiing, patrolled routes, not prepared by skiers.

The beautiful and long Piste de l’ours track in Veysonne has become more accessible. Instead of the authentic gondola, built in 1981, a lift with 10-capacity cabins, capable of transporting up to 1,500 people per hour, was put into operation.

In the Verbier sector, the La Chaux chairlift has been replaced by a new high-speed cable car with 6-seater chairs. The lower station is located in the very center of the skiing area, in a comfortable blue track, which is loved by ski schools and beginners.

Ski schools in Nenda

For those visitors who are completely unfamiliar with downhill skiing, Nenda offers training in downhill skiing. Both group programs and individual ski instructors are at the service of tourists. Alpine skiing lessons are held at Snowboard School and Swiss Ski.

Estimated price for 6 sessions of 5 hours – 395 CHF 3 hours in the morning – 225 CHF 2 hours in the afternoon – 170 CHF. The Neige Aventure school operates in the city, which holds classes not only in Nenda, but also in Veillon and Sivier. The cost is 49 CHF for a single lesson and 196 CHF for 5 days of training. In the same school, you can take a family training program for a group of 4 people or more. Three classes will cost 147 CHF.

There are separate children’s schools that teach the basics of downhill skiing to children from 2.5 years old, and snowboarding – from 8 years old. First of all, it is the Ecole Suisse de Ski and the Mini Kids Club in Traque. The latter is located at the top station of the gondola and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For a three-hour class, you will have to pay CHF 52 per day or CHF 208 for 5 days. You can buy a day pass for 104 CHF or 416 CHF for 5 days. If you decide to leave earlier, you will be refunded. Classes are held in groups of 1-5 people. The language of instruction is German, French, English. As a rule, schools have playrooms where children can play, draw and sculpt until their parents pick them up. Lunch is also provided.

Where to stay

At first, the idea of ​​living in chalets and apartments causes a longing sigh in experienced housewives – to cook again, wash dishes and clean again, even if everything is healthy and beautiful. Perhaps that is why the concept of vacationing in a chalet, but with full service typical of hotels, is gaining more and more fans. In fact, it is very convenient – you don’t have to think about what to cook for dinner and whether there is yogurt left in the fridge for breakfast.

Nenda is primarily positioned as a family resort, and families with children are really comfortable here. For budget accommodation, tourists choose apartments (there are a lot of them in the resort, as well as everywhere in the Four Valleys, and for any budget).

Bouleaux view

Boasting mountain views, Appartement Bouleaux features accommodation with a bar and a balcony, around 3.6 km from Mont-Fort. Located 800 meters from Trakoué and 2.1 km from Alppages, this apartment features free WiFi.

The apartment has 1 bedroom, a kitchen with a microwave and a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, a living room and 1 bathroom. Towels and bed linen are available for an additional fee.

Hiking and skiing can be enjoyed in the surroundings. Guests can rent ski equipment, ski down directly to the apartment door and purchase ski passes.

The distance from the apartments to La Denta and the town of Jean-Pierre is 4 km.

Apartment La Corniche 2 4-star hotel

Apartment with balcony La Corniche 2 is around 4.4 km from Mont-Fort. The windows offer a view of the mountains. Housed in a building dating from 2007, this apartment is 4.2 km from La Denta and 4.2 km from Jean-Pierre.

The apartment has 5 bedrooms, a TV with cable channels, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 4 bathrooms with a bath. These 4-star apartments offer private parking and free Wi-Fi.

The apartments are located 700 m from the village of Trakue and 2.8 km from the town of Pag.

Chalet Ann 4 star hotel

Chalet Ann is located in Nandy, 1,200 meters from Haute-Nanda Ski Lift and 2.1 km from Montfort Mountain. It offers a garden with barbecue facilities, free private parking and free Wi-Fi in all areas.

Facilities at Chalet Ann include a dining area, a kitchen with a dishwasher, a flat-screen TV and a sun terrace.

Guests can actively spend their free time, including skiing and cycling. The nearest airport is Bern-Belp Airport, 83 km from the property.

Appartement le Grimpeur Mer de Glace 5 star hotel

With direct access to the ski slopes, the stylish Le Grimpeur Mer de Glace apartments are part of a 5-star complex in the resort town of Haute-Nenda. A hot tub on the balcony and a free shuttle service are available. Free Wi-Fi is connected.

The apartment is decorated with wood. There are 4 bedrooms, a fireplace, a living area, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and 3 bathrooms with a bath or shower. Amenities include air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.

A restaurant, a bar and a supermarket can be found within a 1-minute walk.

Le Grimpeur Mer de Glace offers ski storage. Those who wish can rent ski equipment or order a massage session.

The price of the stay includes 4 passes to the Des Bisses spa, valid during its opening hours. Children under the age of 4 visit the spa for free.

The Trakoue cable car is 50 meters away.

How much does it cost to stay in Nenda?

The resort of Nenda is famous for its affordable accommodation prices. And at the same time, the city offers a huge selection of settlements. There are only 5 hotels here: one with 4 stars, one with 3 stars, two with 2 stars and one without stars. The cost of staying in Nendaz at the most expensive 4-star hotel, Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa, will cost from CHF 345 in winter for both a single and double room, including breakfast.

Delivering another bed will cost an additional CHF 60. In summer, the price drops to 225 CHF. At the 3-star Hôtel Les Etagnes, accommodation prices in Nenda will be CHF 125 for a single room, CHF 185 for a double, CHF 35 for an extra bed, including breakfast. In summer, the prices here are set at CHF 95 and CHF 135, respectively.

Staying in the city’s best chalet, Chalet Etoiles de Montagne, costs CHF 400 and up for a double room. Its price includes breakfast, afternoon tea, champagne, daily canapés, 3-course dinner with wine, one visit per person per week to the SPA at the Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa. In summer, the price is halved.

Another question is how much it costs to stay in Nenda in inexpensive hotels. If you check in at the Edelweiss Hotel, which does not have stars, then accommodation will cost from 55 CHF in a single room without breakfast. If you are interested in cheap accommodation in Nenda, take a look at any inexpensive chalet. For example, at Chalet des Alpes you will be charged from CHF 50 per person per night or CHF 40 per person if you stay more than two nights.

Please note that children under the age of two stay for free. In other cases, you will be offered a discount of 50% for a child 3-6 years old and 30% for a child 7-12 years old.

Equipment rental in Nenda

The first thing you will need for a ride in Nenda is equipment.

There are five sports shops in the city, where you can buy all the necessary equipment. As a rule, they are also equipped with ski equipment rental points on Nenda. For example, the On The Mountain store not only rents mountain skis and snowboards, but also provides equipment. Yes, you can get ski boots for a child for half a day for 7 CHF, for a day for 9 CHF and for 5 days for 28 CHF. Mountain ski rental in Nenda for a young athlete will cost 9 CHF for half a day, 12 CHF for a day and 35 CHF for 5 days.

Please note that if you buy tuition at school, you get a 10% discount on rental and purchase at one of the specialized stores at the same time. For example, if you take training at the Neige Aventure school, in the On The Mountain store, an adult set of boots, poles and skis will cost only 33 CHF.

On average, the price of a snowboard rental in Nenda for 6 days is 85 CHF for children, 110 CHF for teenagers and 200 CHF for adults. On skis – 40 CHF, 100 CHF and 200 CHF respectively. For shoes – 40 CHF, 55 CHF, 80 CHF. If you take the equipment for a longer period, the price will be slightly lower.

Entertainment and active recreation

Nightlife in Nenda is quite diverse.

SPA procedures in Nenda

If there is time for a ride, it means that you need to find time to relax and improve your health.

The most important SPA center of Nendaz is located in the 4-star hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa. All kinds of Nenda spa services are concentrated in it. In particular, these are: sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, winter garden. Pine and Finnish saunas, a pink steam bath are also offered. On the territory of the SPA center there is a salt, thermal and ice grotto. Here you can swim in a variety of thematic pools, including a children’s pool, with attractions or a rock pool. The price of accommodation services for some displays in each room includes a visit to this center once a week. In fact, thanks to this center, Nenda has become a spa resort in the canton of Valais.

For those who planned a more budget-friendly vacation, you can find many other saunas, baths, and fitness centers in the city. As a rule, each chalet and apartment has its own sauna. But you can go to a more comfortable one in the Fitness Star sports complex, which is located in the center of the resort. For CHF 20, you can use the sauna or hammam here.

Nenda has 12 km of ski slopes, more than 100 km of winter hiking trails and 40 km of snowshoe trails, about 250 km of summer trails for trekking and mountain biking. The three-kilometer sled descent from Tortin is full of surprises: a gentle slope around a turn can unexpectedly turn into a steep and rather narrow section of the track, where the most desperate brake with all parts of the body. And along the route there are signs with photos of local animals and birds with their description in four languages, so that skiing here is not only exciting, but also informative.

For a long time, Nenda was in the role of a stepdaughter, being in the shadow of the richer, more popular and spoiled by the attention of tourists of the nearby resort of Verbier. Like Verbier, Nenda is a very English resort. Rows of similar chalets, bought by rich Englishmen in the days of a strong pound, English everywhere, numerous bars and pubs – quite a traditional picture for a Swiss resort located in the French-speaking part of the country. In recent years, everything is changing quite rapidly, the infrastructure is being improved, new hotels, restaurants and chalets are appearing, the resort is developing and improving.

Like any resort visited by many tourists, Nenda is rich in various restaurants, bars and pubs, billiards and night clubs. The most famous restaurants are “Baar”, “Basse-Nendaz”, “Brignon”, “Fey”, “Lavantier”. Although all of them are at some distance from the resort itself. In the center of Nenda there are 20 restaurants with a wide variety of cuisine: Italian, French, Swiss and others. In addition, you can have a good time in such bars and pubs as “Gariko”, “Le Forum”, “Cactus Saloon”, “Le Mazot”, “Tchin Tchin” and others. Nightclubs “Le Bal” and “Le Feeling” are open to young and active tourists.

Restaurant “Baar”

Bar “Gariko”

“Cactus Saloon”

In addition, there are many health centers and relaxation centers in Nenda, where every tourist can improve their health or simply take a break from active activities. Psychotherapy offices (Charles Venetz), massage, relaxation and aromatherapy offices (Beauty & the Piste, Patricia Lebigre, Clivia Laura Rusconi), beauty salons (Institut performance beaute) and even osteoporosis treatment centers (Roxane Revaz, Rene Lavatelli) have been opened here. Various shops and supermarkets are always open for tourists who want to buy something from local food or clothes or simply replenish their supplies. Food is available in “Migros”, “Coop”, “PAM”, “Proxi” stores; groceries, pastries and tea – at “La Baguette Magique”, “Carthoblaz Lucien”, “Quartier Eric”, “La Nendette”, “La Brioche” and “Le Makalu”; you can dress fashionably in 9 stores, which are located in Nenda (among them “Fleur des Neiges”, “North Face”, “Specimen”, “Aline”). In addition, each tourist can bring with him various souvenirs that can be purchased at the La Mascotte shop.

First of all, Nenda attracts tourists with its extraordinary atmosphere of coziness, comfort, some authenticity and, of course, wonderful mountain scenery and the opportunity to have a great time. Nenda is also home to the Grande Dixence Reservoir, the highest mountain reservoir in the world (accessible from mid-June to the end of September).

For tourists with children, the P’tit Bec kindergarten is open, in addition, if necessary, you can use the services of a babysitter.

The taste of Vala

The resort has a Christmas market – a favorite apres-ski place for both tourists and village owners. In the evenings, you can listen to the Alpine bugle (a unique instrument with a 3-meter tube, which was previously used as a mobile phone for signaling between neighboring valleys). Among the most popular souvenirs from the region are cheeses (it is believed that the best raclette is made in Nenda and neighboring valleys), wine, cured meats and smoked meats.

Valais is Switzerland’s largest wine-producing region: this canton produces 45 million liters of wine per year (60% red and 40% white). The vineyards are located along the Rhône from Lake Geneva to Fiche. Without much embarrassment, the Swiss admit that they drink most of it themselves, and local wine is practically not exported.

Any trip to Valais is not complete without cheese dishes, primarily fondue and raclette. Among the unusual offers is the highest fondue in the world, which you can try in a small igloo on Montfort. A tiny bar with only a few tables is located at an altitude of 3,200 meters, and from the observation deck next to it, a truly wonderful panorama opens up. From the top of the ski area you can see most of the most beautiful alpine peaks, including the Matterhorn, Dom, Dufourspitze, Mont Blanc and many others.

Almost all the most famous peaks can be seen from above, because 47 of the 48 4,000 peaks of Switzerland are located in the canton of Valais. Only those who are confident in their abilities and love the mogul should go down the black, hilly track of Mont Fort – its upper part requires good technique. Those who prefer a less adrenaline-filled experience can descend to the regular runs on the newly upgraded chairlift to continue their journey through the Four Valleys.

Nenda and the surrounding villages are extremely conveniently located for a ski safari – you can either go towards Verbier and not get bored in queues for the lift, or go in the other direction, to Veysonne and Tjon, where there are many wide tracks. The main thing that unites the different valleys of this region is good preparation of the tracks and stunning views: in good weather, you can see the Rhône and its surroundings, going to the horizon of the terrace of vineyards and white in the background of the summit. A real postcard.

History and sights

The first mention of Nenda in historical documents dates back to March 19, 985. It is about the center of the district – Bas-Nenda. The remaining villages begin to be mentioned in documents starting from the 12th century. The region has a long history associated with frequent changes in ownership of different regions. On January 29, 1347, Count of Savoy Amadeus VI gave Nend the right to conduct his affairs according to the wishes and needs of the population of the area. These were the first beginnings of democracy in this region. During Napoleon’s rule, the situation in the region was quite unstable, as, however, in many other nearby regions. Valais, of which Nenda is a part, even had the status of an independent republic for a while and only in 1815 joined the Swiss Confederation. On September 12, 1848, the federal constitution affirmed the regime of communal and equal rights of citizens.

Nenda is rich in the following sights: the Old Village, the mills of Tsablo, Major, Castle Brignon, churches and chapels.

The old village is an exact reproduction of the old streets of Nenda. A tour of these streets allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a small, cozy Swiss village of past centuries.

The Tsablo Mills have been completely reconstructed according to the plans of their era, which is why they are still in working order. The opening of the mill took place in 2003 and it is now available for visits. The tour of the Old Village includes a visit to these mills. Major is an old building in the center of Nend. Rumor has it that it once housed a prison and a torture chamber. Those condemned to death were kept here until they were to be executed in the square near the chapel of San Sebastian. Castle Brignon itself is a landmark of this area. In addition, there are 16 different churches and chapels in Nenda and its surroundings.