Summer holidays in the Alps are a family happy place, and right now the cool kids are booking Nendaz in the 4 Vallées: for hiking in beautiful scenery, an actual kids’ village, and all the joys of outdoors life.
Hiking in the Japanese Garden, Nendaz © Lévy Loye
Summer mountains Nendaz – a blissful family escape
Nendaz has long been a favourite ski destination as part of the coveted 4 Vallées in Switzerland, which includes fellow premier ski resorts Verbier, Thyon, Veysonnaz, and La Tzoumaz.
It’s a stunningly gorgeous place, with epic views of Alpine high-altitude peaks, including the 3328m Mont Fort. And in the summer, the fun begins all over again, with all manner of sporting activities, child-friendly attractions, and general outdoorsy adventures.
Because Nendaz is so family-friendly, there’s loads going on for the littler folk in your tribe, and lots to love for teens too. Although, it’s not all go. Relaxation is another key attraction here, whether it’s from visiting a family-friendly spa or just enjoying the surroundings and pure mountain air.
Hérens cow, Nendaz © Dominik Baur
Get up, down and all round Nendaz with Pass Altitude
The ski lift system in Nendaz reopens during the summer months, so visitors can get up into and enjoy the mountain landscape.
Also, because everyone loves a good deal, the family offer on Nendaz 3-day Pass Altitude, means if you book a stay of 3 nights or more in the area, you get kids’ passes for under £9 each. And not only do passes give unlimited access to the lift system in Nendaz, they also let you enjoy numerous activities for free, and give you free entry to the Chaèdo outdoor swimming pool and Cheesy’s Village.
With the pass, you can use the region’s lifts to access hiking trails and breathtaking mountain panoramas, and it also qualifies you for one day’s access to Mont Fort to drink in the imposing sight of the peaks of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Dent Blanche.
If that isn’t enough, the pass gives you discounts at a range of shops and activity providers throughout the Valais too.
Hiking fun starts young in Nendaz © Lévy Loye
What are Bisses? Find out in the Swiss Alps this summer
Hiking is one of the top activities on Alpine summer holidays, and with good reason: the mountains are even lovelier when the sun is out and wildflowers are blooming.
Nendaz features many themed hikes suitable for families, and is known for its eight bisses walks: picturesque hikes alongside the ancient waterways of historic irrigation channels unique to Switzerland’s Valais region. These trails are perfect for families, with their gentle gradients, gorgeous scenery, and opportunities to learn more about the area’s history and culture.
Try the Bisse du Milieu, a lovely nature-filled walk along an ancient irrigation channel leading from Haute-Nendaz to Planchouet.
Or explore the Hérens Cow Path, a 4km walk with various posts and games where kids can learn about the everyday life of these types of cows. Along the way, you will also see plenty of the very cute Hérens cows that the Nendaz mascot, Cheesy, represents.
The Barefoot path is another family favourite: a sensory experience over sand, wood shavings, pebbles, pine cones and wooden logs, earth, grass, moss and pine needles. And if you’re bringing baby to the alps this summer, there are plenty of buggy-friendly hikes too.
Walking the Bisse Vieux, Nendaz © Jean-Philippe Nanchen
Look out for clues to win the treasure hunt
A great way to combine a healthy walk with children’s entertainment is by doing one or more of the treasure hunts Nendaz lays on throughout the season. You can either pick up the adventure logbook from Nendaz Tourisme or download it online, then simply follow the clues laid along one of the 4 treasures hunt available in Summer. Once you puzzle out all the clues and complete the adventure, you get to collect your justly earned reward.
Cheesy Village for climbing good times © Etienne Bornet
Head to Cheesy’s Village for some fabulously cheesy fun
We just mentioned Cheesy, Hérens cow and Nendaz mascot: but did we tell you how much fun kids can have at Cheesy’s Village?
Right in the centre of the resort, it’s where children can let off steam, climb around the treetop adventure park, jump about on the bouncy castle or trampoline, and use up all their excess energy. Plus, on selected evenings during the week, Cheesy the Nendaz’ mascot also hosts mini-discos and free concerts!
Once you’ve had your fill of Cheesy’s Village, Nendaz isn’t short on an adventure playground or ten, so make sure you check them out too.
Chaèdo swimming pool, Nendaz © ©Florian Bouvet Fournier
Older kids will love Nendaz just as much this summer
Nendaz is perfect for smaller children, but it’s a great destination for everyone.
A family pleaser for any age is the Chaèdo outdoor swimming pool, another attraction that’s free with Pass Altitude. Set in the stunning Haute-Nendaz, it’s surrounded by views over the Rhone Valley and Alps and pretty much made for sharing on TikTok or Instagram.
Equally important, the pool is heated to a perfect 25°, only the ideal temperature for post-hike refresh. There’s also a splash pool for little ones, along with a snack bar for refreshments, so you could easily spend all day here. Although it’s also a great place to swing by after your outdoor exertions.
The Mont Fort Zipline for high-altitude thrills
The Mont Fort Zipline sits at an impressive 3300m and, with its length of 1400m, is one of the longest and highest ziplines in Europe. Suitable for ages eight and over, it has a top speed of over 100kmph and from 3300m up Mont Fort, you take off towards the Col des Gentianes, then go flying over the Tortin glacier at full speed. A perfect thrill for adventure-loving teens, or brave parents.
Braving the Mont Fort Zipline © Etienne Bornet
The Spa des Bisses, an immersive wellness experience
It’s not always easy to make time for yourself on a family holiday, but the Spa des Bisses welcomes families. You’ll find indoor and outdoor pools here, complete with panoramic Alps views and play equipment. There’s also a bisse running through the centre of the spa, as well as an incredible range of wellness treatments including: a bio-sauna; dew steam bath; stone sauna; Finnish sauna; salt cave; ice cave, and Kneipp course.
The children’s area is packed with water games and has its own playhouse. And in addition to all that, there’s a counter-current swimming pool, along with an indoor Jacuzzi, panoramic sauna, fitness centre, seven treatment rooms and two private spas with sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and winter garden.
Outdoor adventures in Nendaz © Etienne Bornet
There are lots of family-friendly places to stay in Nendaz
You’re well served for accommodation in Nendaz, with family-friendly choices from chalets to guesthouses, alpine lodges to luxury hotels and private rentals.
However, if you want to be truly pampered, Hôtel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa is a luxury hotel with a great location at the heart of Nendaz. Many of its spacious family rooms feature stunning mountain views, and it also offers a large wellness area with indoor and outdoor pools, and a range of kids’ activities during summer.
The brand new MAD Mount Hotel also sits in the centre of the resort. It’s only a stone’s throw away from the Tracouet gondola, and features the relaxed Madly Restaurant, as well as a bar and spa. But what really makes this cosy hotel particularly appealing to families is its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Of course, chalets are plentiful, ranging from budget to fabulous and giving you a wide choice of locations from pretty villages to complete privacy.
Plus, if you’re opting for self-catering and want a night off parenting duty, Nendaz Tourism can supply you with a list of trusted local babysitters.