Most people associate Nendaz with skiing, but Nendaz summer is a totally different experience, and one that tends to surprise people who only know the resort in winter.
This guide covers the best outdoor activities, hiking and biking trails, family attractions, and tips for planning a Nendaz Switzerland summer trip.
What you need to know about Nendaz in summer
Haute-Nendaz sits at around 1,365 metres above sea level in the canton of Valais, overlooking the Rhône Valley.
In summer, temperatures in the village range between 20°C and 25°C during the day, while the higher trails and alpine pastures stay cooler. The resort gets a lot of sunshine, which is common for Nendaz’s mountain climate during the warmer months.
The commune of Nendaz covers 18 villages and hamlets in total, of which Haute-Nendaz is the largest and most visited. Summer runs roughly from late June through to mid-September, with July and August being the busiest and warmest months.
Best outdoor activities in Nendaz
The range of things to do in Nendaz in summer is more extensive than most people expect.
- Hiking the bisses: Nendaz has eight historic irrigation channels (bisses). The bisses were originally built to carry glacial meltwater to the villages and farms below, and the paths alongside them are mostly flat, shaded, and suitable for all ages.
- Mountain biking: There are 200 km of marked mountain bike trails in and around Nendaz, with 12 mapped circuits ranging from easy family loops to demanding technical routes.
- Paragliding: Element’air Nendaz offers tandem paragliding from several launch sites above Haute-Nendaz, with landing zones in the valley. No experience needed for tandem flights.
- Trail running: Nendaz and neighbouring Veysonnaz together offer 14 dedicated trail running itineraries, designed for levels from beginner to experienced runner.
Hiking and biking trails in the Swiss Alps
Nendaz Switzerland summer hiking has the bisse network and the high-altitude trails.
Between the two, you can choose gentle, low-gradient waterside walks and serious mountain routes that gain significant elevation.
Our favourite routes
- Bisse du Milieu and Bisse Vieux circuit: A circular route starting near the Nendaz tourist office, following two historic channels through peaceful forest and out to the hamlet of Planchouet with its mountain chapel. Around 12 km. Easy gradient, suitable for families.
- Dent de Nendaz via Lac Noir: Take the gondola from Haute-Nendaz to Tracouet, pass Lac Noir, and climb to the Dent de Nendaz summit at 2,462 metres. Panoramic views of the Rhône Valley and towards Mont Blanc on clear days. Intermediate.
- Around Mont Gond: A 14.16 km intermediate hike taking around 4 hours 40 minutes, one of the most popular circuits in the area for its variety of terrain.
- Cleuson reservoir hike: An 11.6 km intermediate trail (around 3 hours 10 minutes) to the turquoise-blue Cleuson dam, built between 1946 and 1952. The views from the dam edge are striking.
- Nendaz Trekking (3 to 4 days): A marked hut-to-hut circuit starting and ending in Nendaz, including an ascent of the 2,491 m Mont-Rouge summit, nights in mountain huts, a visit to the Combyre-Meina alpine pasture, and sections along the Bisse de Chervé. From CHF 275 per person with accommodation included.
- Balavaux larches walk: The Bisse de Saxon trail passes the oldest and tallest larches in Europe. The oldest tree is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old, standing 30 metres high and 10 metres wide.
For mountain biking, meanwhile, the Cleuson/Siviez Dam Trophy is a 19.64 km circuit that has a serious amount of vertical. Alternatively, family-friendly biking circuits are mapped around the lower village area and along some of the wider bisse tracks.
Five summer lifts operate from Haute-Nendaz during the summer season, making it easy to reach the higher trailheads without the climb. The 4 Vallées lift infrastructure is open in the summer too.
Family-friendly summer attractions
One of the reasons Nendaz in summer works well for families is that there are many activities to enjoy. A mountain summer holiday in Nendaz offers:
- Panorama trail: An easy-grade path with games of skill installed along the route. Designed for families with younger children.
- Hérens cow trail: An educational walking route on the Tortin mountain pasture, focused on the stocky native Hérens cattle breed. Short and flat.
- Sculpture trail: Starting at the edge of Haute-Nendaz village, this trail features wood carvings of local mythical creatures made by local artists. The legend of the Sofleu devil and the Louvie vulture feature along the route.
- Outdoor swimming pool: Nendaz has an outdoor pool (Piscine de Nendaz) open during the summer season, useful for days when the kids need something different from hiking.
- Pumptrack: A dedicated pumptrack circuit in the resort for children and teenagers on bikes or scooters.
Exploring Nendaz and the surrounding Valais region
The regional capital Sion is 15 km away by road and sits in the Rhône Valley directly below the resort. In fact, it’s one of Switzerland’s oldest cities, with twin hilltop castles (Tourbillon and Valère), a well-preserved old town, and Roman ruins.
From there, you can also access Alaïa Bay, the wave pool, as well as the Lac Souterrain de Saint-Léonard, one of Europe’s largest natural underground lakes, open for boat tours.
Book your summer trip to Nendaz now
Nendaz Switzerland summer is a great alternative to the beach.
Enjoy hiking trails, family attractions, or the wider Valais region. The things to do in Nendaz in summer range from toddler-friendly activities to a four-day hut-to-hut mountain trek.
Alpvision Résidences offers a range of apartments and chalets in Haute-Nendaz, from compact studios for couples to larger properties for families and groups.
Book your holiday today!
