Your Dream Family Getaway Awaits in Switzerland's Valais Region

Among the four valleys in the renowned Valais region of Switzerland, Nendaz emerges as a top choice for family vacations. While each area offers breathtaking views and premier skiing and winter sports, Nendaz's welcoming atmosphere is ideal for all ages, complemented by a variety of apartment rentals that enhance accessibility. Additionally, there are numerous activities to keep everyone entertained and nourished.

I enjoyed a direct flight to Switzerland with Swiss International Air Lines, arriving refreshed and eager to explore this beautiful country. My journey began in Geneva, where I hopped on a train to Sion, followed by one of CarPostal’s iconic yellow buses to Nendaz as a guest of the region. Despite my travel fatigue, I was captivated throughout the trip by the stunning scenery. As we passed Lake Geneva, the vineyards came into view, creating a truly picturesque landscape. (Insider tip: sit on the right side for the best sights.) Both trains and buses accommodate ski storage, making it convenient to bring your own gear. Once on the bus, we cruised through a few charming villages before arriving in Nendaz, nestled at the base of the ski hill.

Nendaz is a delightful village filled with open-air spaces and a large park. Upon arrival, I was greeted by paragliders landing all around me—just looking up revealed people gliding gracefully through the air. It was one of those unforgettable travel experiences that such destinations provide.

The village offers reasonably priced apartment rentals, allowing you to prepare your own meals—there’s an excellent grocery store in town—while still having easy access to the upscale ambiance of Verbier just a valley away for those seeking a touch of luxury. (Verbier has been a favorite ski destination for British nobility since the sport's inception and now boasts a lively party and après-ski scene.)

The largest ski resort in Switzerland

Perched above the Rhone Valley, every accommodation offers breathtaking views of the Alps. During my solo trip, I stayed at the superb four-star Hôtel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa, featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, hot and dry saunas with plunge pools, a children's spa area, and an infinity pool overlooking the valley—an exceptional setting. The hotel is situated in the heart of the Haute-Nendaz mountain station and the “4 Vallées” ski resort, which is the largest ski area entirely within Switzerland. With access to over 256 miles of slopes and 66 lifts, winter sports enthusiasts will find it hard to beat this location for skiing or snowboarding.

On my first morning, I strapped on my skis and rode the stunning new gondola up to the ski hill, which conveniently ends right in town. As you ski down, it feels like you’re gliding straight into the heart of the village. It’s an exhilarating experience.

Ultimate winter adventures beyond the slopes

However, Nendaz offers much more than just skiing. Whether you're a skier or not, there are plenty of winter adventures to explore off the slopes. One highlight is the Mont-Fort Zipline, one of the tallest ziplines in Europe. (If you're afraid of heights, you may want to think twice before trying this one.) You’ll truly feel like you're atop the Alps.

Once you take the leap and start zipping, it's absolutely thrilling. As you sit down and lean into the cable, there's that heart-stopping moment where you must trust the Swiss engineering that made it possible. The operators count down from six to one, and then you’re off—swooping down at exhilarating speeds. As you race along, you can see for hundreds of feet in every direction, surrounded by the majestic Alps. The lengthy ride gives you a chance to overcome the initial rush of adrenaline and soak in the stunning views until you gently coast to a stop.

Snowshoe treks and raclette by the fire

For a delightful and accessible outing for the entire family, think about a guided Raclette and Raquette experience. A guide will lead you on a brief snowshoe trek into a protected wilderness area where camping and off-trail hiking are restricted. (Nature conservation is prioritized here to safeguard wildlife and maintain the area’s untouched beauty.)

Our guide came prepared with firewood, unwrapped a generous roll of raclette cheese, and kindled a fire to melt the cheese—the traditional way to enjoy it. He used a hand-carved knife made from an ibex antler. To complement the meal, he served a lovely bottle of white wine from the Valais region, crafted from the Fendant grape. They take pride in being one of Switzerland's oldest and finest wine regions, and with every sip, I understood why.

We also savored a traditional Swiss energy snack of apricot sausage, which was incredibly fresh. Witnessing apricot trees in full bloom, adorned with beautiful white blossoms, made the experience even more delightful. To top it all off, the raclette, expertly sliced by our guide's trusty knife, was accompanied by the finest bread I've tasted in years. Standing in the crisp mountain snow, warmed by the fire and savoring perfectly melted cheese, created a truly spectacular meal, complemented by exquisite wine.

The view from the highest peak

Among the stunning views throughout the area, Mont Fort stands out as the highest peak in the Four Valleys region, easily reached via a series of cable cars and gondolas from Nendaz. At an elevation of 11,000 feet, you’ll be greeted with 360-degree panoramic views of iconic Swiss summits, including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and the Grand Combin, among countless others. Like many experiences in Nendaz, this moment is unforgettable and one your family will cherish forever.