Nendaz sits in the heart of the “Four Valleys” one of Switzerland's most popular skiing regions. The resort offers something for everyone but is particularly suitable for families due to many day-care and child-friendly facilities located in the town
Positioned on a rocky terrace high on the mountainside this pretty town offers stunning views across the Rhone Valley, Bernese, Valais and Vaud Alps. The town centre itself is made up from traditional timber houses and barns, many of which have been converted into shops and restaurants for residents to enjoy.
Nendaz is popular with both native Swiss and international skiers being located close to other popular resorts such as Verbier, Bruson and Veysonnaz. Ski lifts in the town serve all the resorts in the “Four Valleys” making this the ideal location for skiers to explore what the region has to offer.
Living in Nendaz and things to do
Due to its location high on the mountainside, the town has a dry climate during the summer months and soft powdery snow during the winter. The snow is ideal for skiing, while the dry summer months are great for hikers.
As such, a number of hiking trails follow the meandering paths of the mountain’s irrigation channels. This allows hikers to take in stunning views across the Rhone Valley while listening to the gentle bubbling of the streams as they cascade down the mountain.
The Cleuson Dam is also a great local attraction. Built between 1946-51, the dam stands an impressive 87 meters high and rewards hikers with a stunning view across the turquoise waters of the lake behind. During the summer the dam's inner workings are open to the public.
Mountain bikers are also well catered for. There are over 200km of signposted biking trails in the area. The longest route, the Mont-Fort Tour, takes you up the Gentianes Pass which rises 2894m above sea level and offers stunning views along the Rhone Valley.
The resort's location high in the mountains means that the weather can close in quickly. So, hikers and mountain bikers are advised to check the day's weather report before setting off.
Nendaz and Culture
There are plenty of events in Nendaz all year round. During the ski season, the town offers a number of events which are aimed at skiers of all levels. The most popular of these is the Nendaz Freeride, which takes place on Mont-Gond each year and is open to both professional and amateur skiers alike.
Traditionally, the town sees heavy snowfall in January, so the best time for skiing is usually around February and March. To get up-to-date weather an snow report, take a look at our resort guide to Nendaz here.
During the summer months, the town also plays host the Nendaz Guitar Festival which attracts musicians from as far afield as South America and Russia. They play a mix of classical and contemporary music for everyone to enjoy. The Festival takes place every Friday between July and August each year.
There is also a small museum, the House of Culture, which is dedicated to local Swiss customs and heritage. The museum, located in the old quarter, also exhibits works from a number of prominent Swiss artists throughout the year. Many of these artists have visited the town and painted the local area.
Investment potential in Nendaz
Nendaz has seen significant investment over the past 10 years including the introduction of new shops and restaurants along with family-friendly sporting facilities. There are also plans for a new international school to be developed.
This is good news for investors buying a property in Nendaz. The town offers a wide range of properties which still offer good value compared to nearby resorts such as Verbier. There is something to suit investors of all sizes here. From sophisticated two-bedroom apartments to large traditional lodges which offer easy access to the town centre and ski slopes.
New developments tend to be focused on large apartment complexes which make the best use of the limited space available. Space for single detached lodges is rare and will often command a premium price due to the resort's popularity. Once completed such lodges can often command prices in excess of $2 million.
Transport to Nendaz
One of the key attractions of Nendaz is that it is easy to reach by both air and road. Sion Airport is located just 30 minutes away, but this offers limited connections outside Switzerland. Geneva Airport offers better international connections and is located approximately two hours away by car. During the ski season, there is a ski transfer service in operation.
The town is also well served by trains with the local station having direct connections to Lausanne and Geneva. Passengers can connect here to stations around Europe including Paris and Brussels. Passengers from London can connect from Eurostar services in Paris and then change at Geneva. The journey time takes approximately 9hrs from London St Pancras.
Nendaz is also located just fifteen minutes from the busy A9 motorway which connects Lausanne with Sion. Travellers are advised to purchases a Swiss Vignette upon entering Switzerland which is necessary to travel on the Swiss motorway toll network.
With excellent transport connections and a range of activities available throughout the year, it is easy to see why buying a property in Nendaz makes for a good long-term investment opportunity.
Jan 02, 2024
