beyond skiing

Why restrict yourself to skiing when you’re in the Alps? There are plenty other winter activities to keep the non-skier happy.

KEEPING THE NON-SKIER HAPPY

There is more to a winter holiday in Nendaz than downhill ski-ing. For anyone who wants -- or needs – a break from the slopes take your pick from the activities listed below. Some are new this season and some are old favourites. Some are on the snow and some are definitely not. All of them are ready for you to enjoy in 2011. Always check with Nendaz Tourisme for up to date details when you are in the resort and to collect relevant brochures.

Sledding

This has already established itself in the old favourite category. Starting at the top of the Tortin chairlift, you can follow the purple signposts for 3km down to Siviez. Every Tuesday afternoon there are organised sled runs. Book at Nendaz Tourisme and meet at the ticket desk at Siviez. Hire sleds (for children and/or adults) from our partners at Gaby Sports in Nendaz or Siviez or from Mariéthoz Sports in Nendaz.

There is also a short 150m sled run at the sports centre in the middle of the resort. It is lit at night.

                                                                                                           photo: Aline Fournier

Snow shoes

You don’t have to wear skis to enjoy the snow. Equipped with Big Feet/Snowblades available from any of the hire shops you can enjoy 6 different snow-shoe tracks, dotted all round the resort. The distances range from 5.5km to 7km and are graded either easy or intermediate. Some start from the middle of the resort; some from Siviez; and some from Pracondu. This season access to Pracondu has been made a lot easier with the introduction of a new bus service which runs from the tourist office, up past the lift station and past Secret Alps to the end of Route de la Péroua. Alight at the edge of the Pracondu area.

Cross country skiing

The new bus mentioned above will also help cross-country skiers access 9km of cross country runs in the Pracondu-Pra da Dzeu area. There is also a shortish cross country run which starts at the top of the Tortin chairlift in Siviez.

Winter walking

The first thing to appreciateis that though the 100km of walking trails are marked, they may be icy. Makesure that you wear the rightgear and check the state of the track before you set off. The second thing to remember is that you must not walk on any ski run. Look for the pink signpost at the various starting points (at the round-about at the centre of the resort; at the top of the Tracouet cable car; at the bus stop in Siviez) and then follow the signposts. Some walks are right out in the countryside while others may involve sharing the road sometimes with light traffic. For instance, a short hike round the old village, along to Chapelle St Michel and back to the centre of Nendaz via La Crettaz would take about 45minutes and you would be on quiet roads for some of the time. On the other hand a longer walk from Siviez-Ouché-Tortin would be entirely traffic free.     

  photo: Aline Fournier   

Skating

The ice rink is in the middle of the resort beside the sports centre and is home to Nendaz Hockey Club. Skating is available from 10am till 11.45 and then again from 2pm till 4.30pm. The rink is also open some evenings for disco-skating depending on fixtures for ice hockey. Skates can be hired at the sports centre.

Squash and gym

Fitness Star has opened a totally refurbished gym with well equipped exercise and weights rooms; two squash courts; sauna; steam room and sunbed. Experienced staff are on hand 9am to 10pm Monday to Friday and for a few hours at weekends too. Located in the Raccard building (opposite Hotel Mont Fort), fitness fanatics are welcome to use the facilities for a one-off session or on a regular year-round basis.

Squash is also available at Siviez.

Swimming

A new shuttle bus is now running Monday to Friday between Nendaz and Veysonnaz to ferry visitors to the wellness centre and the covered swimming pool at Veysonnaz. The centre has a sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, caldarium and massage facilites.

Golf

The 18 hole golf course and driving range at Sion is open all year round. Further details are available at Sion Golf Club or at the tourist office in Nendaz. The Sion club is branching out and – in what must be some kind of first -- has opened a 3 hole winter course up at Tortin. All the necessary equipment will be ready to hire at the Chotte de Tortin.

Relaxation

If all the above sounds far too energetic, relax and stay put in Secret Alps comfort. Enjoy your own steam room, have a beauty therapist come round to give a massage treatment and then laze in front of the fire in perfect peace.