Nendaz

Nendaz has some brilliant freeriding terrain, mostly around Mont Fort, Tortin and Col d'Gentiens, which got a new lift this year improving travel times. The skiing around the village of Nendaz itself isn't that great, with Plan d Fou being the only run of note. However, the skiing from Siviez (which is part of the Nendaz ski area) is fantastic and links easily to the rest of the 4 Valleys and Verbier (need i say anything about the freeriding terrain here?). Being at the centre of the 4 Valleys, it's also possible to explore the quieter areas that are less tracked than Verbier. There are an endless number of itenerary routes, such as from Greppon Blanc or the back side of Mont Fort. For the adventurous there is the front face of Mont Gele and there are also heli-skiing options! All in all, a fantastic ski experience providing a cheaper alternative to Verbier but allows you to get to the top of Mont Fort faster than if you were in Verbier anyway.

Were in Nendaz week 10-11 2010. The village is wonderfully nice at 1400 m height on a terrace. We stayed a bit up in the village, near the elevator, and the view of the entire valley has to be experienced. There is quite a lot of new build in the village so the accommodation is of a high standard and, in my view, is not particularly expensive. However, the price level of everything else is quite high, but not much higher than France. A pasta bolognese in the back costs about 120 kr. I remember paying 120-140 kr for the same right in Val d'Isere 6 years earlier.

The ride is good and it is well-ventilated. There is a lot to go on outside the piste, but we did not have any flow with the powder. In two weeks one evening snowed for two hours. When it's dumb, I think, however, that you have the advantage of being in Nendaz, compared to Verbier, when it is soon discovered in Verbier.
Nendaz is in the middle of the 4 valleys system but the lifts need to be replaced by newer ones. In addition to the egg down from the village and an old slow seat lift on top are all lifts of the button lifts model. You have invested in newer lifts in the other towns in the system and I get the feeling that Nendaz is on the go. If you go further into the system, it will be a bit of a button lift and an old cabin.
There is a Freeride race in Nendaz every year so the professionals do not seem to be disturbed by the old lifts.

The barnback is located in a casserole at the top of Nendaz. It may be a bit difficult when you are going back with the little ones. There is a staircase you can go to get back to the egg, but it is important for the children to cope. There is also a small hill with deck that they can safely ride on.

Do not stay out and party, so I can not say anything about nightlife.

In summary
+ Fantastic beautiful
+ Much offpiste that is easily accessible
+ Good slopes that are well-ventilated
+ High standard of accommodation at a good price

- Many button lifts
- A little expensive (though not much more expensive than France)
- Difficult access to children's backpack (If you have young children)