Les 4 Vallées has 410km of pistes, though beginners will probably prefer the ‘local’ Printse area ski pass with its 220km of easier slopes. For experts, the big attraction of this area is the seven marked freeride areas. The views, overlooking the Rhône Valley, are stunning and ample reward for those who take the time and trouble to find this lesser-known corner of the region.

Introducing Amandus Amacker, Nendaz-Veysonnaz

Amandus Amacker, the longest-serving ski instructor at the Ecole Suisse de Ski in Nendaz-Veysonnaz, is universally known as ‘Ami’. He claims it’s just because it’s easier to pronounce, but ask his friends or clients and they’ll tell you it’s because he’s everyone’s best ami. Originally from the German-speaking part of the Valais, he moved to Nendaz more than four decades ago, and never left. His grown-up son, Richard is now fluent in three languages, and a professional skier. Here, Ami senior explains why Nendaz had him hooked from day one.

So where do you go when the weather is good? When there’s fresh powder for example?
Plan-du-Fou / Prarion is a really good freeride area. It’s a massive bowl, so you can start in the morning on one side, and then work your way around the bowl as the sun moves, to make sure you’re always catching the snow at the perfect temperature. Lots of Nendaz-Veysonnaz is good for freeriding though, because we have a lot of north-facing slopes, which helps the snow stay cold and softer for longer.

Where’s the best run for when the weather’s bad?
I think the Alpage piste, because you are among the trees, and so the visibility on the ground is much better than if you go higher up. It’s really hard to ski when you can’t see anything [laughs] but on the Alpage you can see even when the visibility is bad.

Nendaz-Veysonnaz in numbers

Ski area: 410km
Altitude range: 1,371m – 3,300m
Resort height: 1,400m

Where to stay in Nendaz-Veysonnaz

The new Mad Mount Hotel combines minimalist, modern interiors with a welcoming bar and excellent spa facilities.

Where to eat in Nendaz-Veysonnaz

“My favourite place for lunch is Combatseline,” says Ami. “My friend is the boss there, the food is always varied, and really good. And don’t forget the penché – it’s something special.”

Restaurant La Chotte de Tortin
Tortin’s new restaurant is located right at the bottom of the Freetrack des Gentianes. This brand-new complex can accommodate up to 200 customers indoors and 200 outdoors in a beautiful alpine setting. La Chotte de Tortin offers typical regional dishes made from local ingredients, available on the menu or as self-service options

Le Mont Rouge, Veysonnaz
Located opposite the upper station of the Veysonnaz gondola, at about 2,200m, the Mont Rouge lets you choose either self-service or a fine dining table service.

Where to après in Nendaz-Veysonnaz

Yetibar
With direct access from the Tortin ski slope, the Yetibar is the ideal place for a well-deserved après-ski after a great day’s skiing!

Edelweiss
The Edelweiss bar, at the foot of the Tracouet ski slope, hosts live concerts and, of course, has its not-to-be-missed ‘Happy hour’.

Must-do’s in Nendaz-Veysonnaz

Fly over the Tortin Glacier on the Mont4Zipline, the highest in the world, starting at Mont-Fort. With a top speed of over 100km per hour, those looking for an adrenalin rush will have a 1.4km descent to enjoy

Like to head off-piste? Ski the Freetrack Col des Gentianes (freeriding on a secured area in Nendaz).

Indulge in some ski touring with the five Movement Tracks, each tailored to a different level, for easy progression.

For families, there’s the Tortin toboggan run, a challenging descent of 300m over a 2.2km course.

Chill and unwind at the Spa des Bisses with its suite of saunas, two pools, indoor Jacuzzi, fitness centre and seven treatment rooms.

We were hosted by Valais/Wallis Promotion and the Switzerland Tourist Board. Go to aletscharena.ch for more information about this fantastic ski area, and for great offers, visit the Valais Online Shop.