a girl skiing in Les 4 vallees Switzerland ski domain

Family Skiing Les 4 Vallées, Swiss Alps (Video + Maps)

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Family skiing in Les 4 Vallées ski domain features Up-market Verbier, Authentic Bruson, Natural La Tzoumaz, Homely Nendaz, Friendly Veysonnaz and Original Thyon. Pick one of these villages and you will be guaranteed a superb family skiing holiday in Les 4 Vallées.

We know the 4 Vallées inside out, so all the information you will find in this Family Skiing Les 4 Vallées article is from a local that lives here and has skied every piste multiple times in all conditions. Therefore should you have any questions after you have read through this post “Family Skiing Les 4 Vallées :: Switzerland” get in touch. We’re here to help.

For us, the best thing is that the whole resort is connected, unlike other ski areas which have different mountains and nothing is connected. The 4 Vallées are also well known for ski touring, heli-skiing, and freeride on world-renowned marked routes, in short, a ski area that lacks for nothing.

Before you continue reading why not first enjoy a little video which should make you want to ski Les 4 Vallées with your family even more.

Where are Les 4 Vallées?

Les 4 Vallées ski area, (the 4 Valleys), is the biggest ski area in Switzerland and is situated in the western part of the country in the Canton of Valais. With 410km of linked pistes accessed by 93 ski lifts the ski terrain stretches from 1250m and tops out at 3330m at the summit of the Mont Fort.

Les 4 Vallées, as the name translates, stretches over 4 different valleys. The villages of Verbier, Bruson, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon are all part of this exceptional ski domain. The map below shows where these villages are located.

And if you are reading our blog then you know it is also an outstanding summer adventure playground and a mecca for family hiking.

FACTS :: 4 Vallées Ski Domain

      • Voted Best Swiss Ski Resort 2019
      • 410 km of ski pistes
      • 35 blue pistes
      • 39 red pistes
      • 14 black pistes
      • Altitude from 1500m to 3330m
      • 6 Resort Villages
    • Largest Ski resort in Switzerland
    • 4 Different Ski domain passes depending on your holiday village
    • Extensive off-piste terrain
    • International free ride domain
    • Part of the famous Haute Route

     

    For a more detailed understanding of the region visit the local website.
    Or click on the Ski map below.

    map of ski domain 4 vallées
    4 Vallées ski Domain Map

    Is Les 4 Vallées ski domain for my family?

    I can pretty much already say, yes. It is such a great and large ski domain that it offers something for everybody. And with its 6 completely different villages in style, size and authenticity, it is impossible not to find the perfect match for you and your family. You really have the possibility to tailor your perfect family skiing Les 4 Vallées holiday. Not only on the slopes but also with your choice of the village. 

    What to expect from Les 4 Vallées Ski Domain

    It is Switzerland’s largest Ski Domain with a network of 410km of slopes for any type of snow sport. As it is a high-altitude ski domain with the highest point being the Mont-Fort at 3330m , it is pretty much a snow-sure destination.

    The team in charge of maintaining the pistes throughout the 4 Vallées work day and night to ensure, together with the snowmaking machines, that pistes are ready every day of the season until well into spring.

    Even during the busy seasons, the size of the ski domain allows the crowds to spread out. Meaning that you are never really standing in queues for a very long time, if at all.

    The whole ski area has 35 blue pistes, 39 red pistes, 14 black pistes and several itinerary runs (non-pisted or controlled pistes – off-piste and freeride terrain)

    skier in les 4 vallées domain
    Looking down to Tortin from Plan de Fou :: Les 4 Vallées

    Freestyle – in Les 4 Vallées

    If you like the jumps and a ski cross course, then the family skiing trip in the 4 Vallées is even more for you.

    • In the Verbier (La Chaux) section you can find all of the above by the Jumbo lift. They even have an air cushion where the brave can show off their acrobats.
      We love the ski cross course. It is so fun to add a little competition with the kids to your ski day.
    • Thyon 2000 offers a second snowpark.

    Family skiing Les 4 Vallées :: with younger kids – Snowgardens

     No matter in which of the resort villages you are staying in, the little ones will find suitable activities.

    The snow fun parks are amazing and most of them are FREE of charge.

    winter snow garden les 4 Vallées
    Snow gardens across les 4 Vallées :: Family Skiing les 4 Vallées
    • For Tracouet in Nendaz or the one over in Thyon 2000 you will need to get up the mountain with the cable car, but once you’re at the top the kids can go wild. And if they have had enough from skiing, they can really have fun with the snow tubing, the tube carousels and the electric snowmobiles (extra charge).
    • Siviez – Nendaz snow garden is reachable by car and is free of charge as well. Magic carpets help the beginners back up the hill and for the youngest members of the family, there is also a tubing carousel.
    • In Verbier, you will find 4 different nursery slopes with 3 being close to the village. Les Esserts is the most popular one and also the easiest to learn your first runs.
      All four of these beginners’ areas have a magic carpet and drag lifts whereas the 4th more challenging one, called La Chaux is accessible from Médran via La Chaux Express lift. I believe none of the Verbier nursery slopes are free of charge apart from Les Moulins. But better check.
    • La Tzoumaz also has a baby lift section near the village. I believe this one is payable. You will find prices and the exact locations on the link.
    nursery ski slopes 4 Vallées ski domain
    Magic carpets on nursery slopes at Tracouet :: Les 4 Vallées

    All these places have toilet facilities and restaurants nearby.  Absolutely perfect also for non-skiers to bring a sledge and have fun whilst absorbing the mountain sun and views.
    Check with the local website to see which ones give you free entry to the snow garden and for which ones you need to pay.  

    Sledging in les 4 Vallées

    • Nendaz offers a fun 3km sledge run adjacent to the Tortin blue run. You can take the chair lift up and tickets can be bought in Siviez. They offer single or multiple tickets. Careful: there is a section halfway down the piste where it gets super steep and is quite dangerous in my opinion especially if you are with kids. We always walk that bit no matter what.
      A second mini sledge hill and also a try ski area is within the centre of Nendaz next to the village crèche. This place is amazing, nicely in the sun as of the end of January and the kids can sledge alone. It has a magic carpet that allows them to go back up with ease. They dedicate one part of the hill for the sledging fans and the other side is for the skiers. It is all free of charge and there is even a toilet nearby.
    • La Tzoumaz / Verbier has the longest sledge run in French-speaking Switzerland and it is located in the area of Savoleyres. You need to go up with the cablecar from La Tzoumaz village to start the 10km long run with a drop of just under 900m altitudes. Careful: It says it is suitable for the whole family but it is rated difficult. For me honestly, it is a too advanced run for families with younger children. There are steep areas and hairpin curves.
      Maybe better suited to those who are less easily scared and older children but still with their parents to keep a close eye on their speed. It is up to you to decide:
      As always you can also just take it super slowly, walk some sections and admire the beautiful surroundings!
    families sledging les 4 Vallées
    Sledging within the 4 Vallées ski domain

    Which is the best village/resort in Les 4 Vallées?

     Although this is ultimately a personal decision, I will tell you here, why I think Nendaz is your perfect choice. I will also mention below which other villages attract which kind of people. After all, it is your decision to make. 

    Nendaz and Les 4 Vallées 

    Skiing from Nendaz

    The 4 Vallées stretches over 4 valleys and Nendaz lies in the heart of it, perfectly centred to reach the entire area.

    This gives you many options on which direction you would like to ski and within a short time, you can reach one side or the other of the entire ski domain. Whether it be high society Verbier or the family slopes in Thyon. you have great daily options which make the weekly ski holiday exciting and versatile.

    Depending on your family’s ski ability you can all start at the same point which is either in Siviez, also called Super Nendaz or at Tracouet summit accessible from Nendaz village. Both starting areas offer great possibilities. Within minutes each and everyone is skiing the dream. Whether it is the dad that loves a steep slope to carve on, the teenagers that are heading on to explore an itinerary run (off-piste) with all the necessary gear of course, or mum and the little ones that are warming up on the blue run. There is no need for different starting points, running around and losing valuable time. Even the non-skiers can enjoy a snowshoe hike or a pushchair walk from the same starting points.

    Which ski pass to buy when skiing from Nendaz?

    You can buy the local Printse pass which covers Nendaz and Siviez, Veysonnaz and Thyon.

    Printse section is in blue. For the interactive map, head back up to the full ski domain map at the beginning of the post.

    4vallées ski map
    The Blue section is the Printse ski domain :: Map shows the full 4 Vallées ski domain

    You do have the option to upgrade to the FULL 4 Vallées pass, whenever you choose to head over to the Verbier ski domain or up to the Mont-Fort. Just show your Printse pass at the ticket office in Siviez and they will add it to the Verbier section for you.

    Alternatively, if you know that you want to head up to the Mont-Fort and over to Verbier daily, then you are better off buying the FULL 4 Vallées pass directly.
    PRICE LIST 

    mont fort views 4 Vallées domain
    View and images from the top of Mont Fort 3330m :: Les 4 Vallées

    Nendaz the Village

    Nendaz is an all-year-round village, meaning families live here, there is a school and many shops are open all year round. It is not the prettiest Swiss village if I am honest, but it has everything you need and more.

    If you are having a little break from skiing then an ice rink and the sledging/beginner ski hill in the village are great alternatives. Squash courts and a gym are available for those of you that need a bit more exercise whilst others can enjoy nature along the many snowshoes walks Nendaz has to offer. And to top it all, the amazing mountain spa in the Village Hotel invites you to ease your aching muscles in the heated inside/outside swimming pool or in one of their spa facilities.

    nendaz snowy village family skiing 4 vallées
    4 Vallées Ski Village Nendaz Switzerland

    Nendaz is not a Swiss village with many shops, so don’t be too disappointed if part of your skiing holiday includes shopping.

    There are a few nice sports shops, one of them, in particular, has not only the latest ski gear but also a beautiful fashion selection. So maybe shopping can be put back on the holiday “to-do list” again.

    Accommodation in Nendaz

    The choice of accommodation is immense. We prefer the selection of the luxury Alpine Comfort Chalets, mostly ski-in/out next to the Jean Pierre piste. A portfolio where you can find a cosy log chalet for 2-4 persons all the way to luxury 12-persons ski chalet.

    ski chalets
    Luxury Ski Chalets from Alpine Comfort in Nendaz Switzerland

    Each and every chalet can be booked with or without hotel service. Their offer is amazing and they do listen to what you would like. Whether it is self-catered, daily breakfast service, or the fully catered option, if they have availability they will fit your demand into their daily schedule.

    All the chalets are of a high-quality standard and more in the upper market, which of course comes with a price. They are most certainly not the cheapest accommodation you can find but for sure some of the nicest chalets there are throughout the village. Most of them are ski-in/out, so how cool to just tumble out of bed, have a bite or two to fill your tummy and click straight in your skis or board and let the skiing day begin.

    A guaranteed successful skiing holiday if you stay with Alpine Comfort!

    Other 4 Vallées Villages

    We have never overnighted in any of the other villages but we have visited them and got to know the feel and vibe they are giving. I am trying to give you a quick explanation of the other 4 Vallées villages other than Nendaz, so you can get an understanding of what to expect and maybe also understand why there can be price differences from one resort to the other. Especially when investigating ski rental and accommodation prices.

    Let’s start with the famous and well known

    kids skiing
    Family skiing Les 4 Vallées in Switzerland

    Verbier – 4 Vallées Village

    The most popular village of the 4 Vallées and voted (again) Best Ski Resort in Switzerland in 2019!

    Verbier village has a well-deserved reputation for après ski and nightlife. Verbier is loved by the rich and famous, and everyone has the need for seeing and be seen.

    The resort, at an altitude of 1500m, is well maintained throughout and you can feel the expense and care invested into the beauty of the village.
    Plenty of authentic Swiss restaurants are waiting to be discovered.

    Lots of accommodation to choose from in Verbier but they all come with a hefty price tag. After all, you are holidaying in one of the top ski resorts in the world.

    Which ski pass to buy when skiing from Verbier?

    You have the choice of 3 different ski passes when your holiday resort is Verbier.

    ski map from les 4 Vallées Verbier
    3 different ski sections available from Verbier

    The FULL ski pass which covers the entire 4 Vallées all the way over to Thyon is called the 4 Vallées & Verbier pass and it includes the Mont -Fort.

    If you’re not such an advanced skier you might be better off choosing the Verbier pass (excl Mont Fort). Shown in red on the map. As with all passes you can upgrade daily at the ticket office if you suddenly feel the need to explore the whole 4 Vallées.

    The 3rd pass in yellow and light red would be Savoleyres & Bruson, if you are more of the easy and tranquil skier. Plenty of runs available plus Bruson is a bit of an insider tip from the locals as when there is a lot of fresh snow, it is known as powder valley.

    telemarker skier family skiing 4 vallées
    Great ski domain throughout the 4 Vallées

     

    Bruson – 4 Valléees village

    Bruson is the newest village to the 4 Vallées, lying opposite Verbier in the heart of a nature conservation area. The little village of Bruson is very charming. It’s the last village of the whole 4 Vallées ski domain on the right side.

    A quiet, family-oriented ski resort with perfect access to the 4 Vallées thanks to the new Le Châble – Mayens de-Bruson gondola which connects directly with Verbier.

    Which ski pass to buy when skiing from Bruson?

    The smallest pass would be the Bruson and Savoleyres ski pass (including La Tzoumaz, see map below). With access to Bruson and Savoleyres down to La Tzoumaz, this is a great ski pass for those looking to get off the beaten track.
    Also with this pass, you can upgrade daily to a Verbier or even to a 4 Vallées pass at the ticket office.

    verbal ski map
    Verbier ski domain :: Les 4 Vallées

    La Tzoumaz – 4 Vallées Village

    This discreet and family-friendly resort, with a centre square where people meet and greet, is nestled at 1530m altitude. The village La Tzoumaz is small and one really must not expect parties, shopping and high society.

    La Tzoumaz is more of a comfortable quiet family ski village. It has a small fun hill within the village plus the longest sledging run within western Switzerland. You will find chalets, apartments and smallish hotels to suit your accommodation needs.

    Which ski pass to buy when skiing from La Tzoumaz?

    If you like to stay local the best pass would be the La Tzoumaz – Savoleyres sector. Same ski area as the Bruson section above.

    Verbier area would be the next pass upgrade and if you wish to explore the FULL 4 Vallées resort there is another option, 4Vallées & Verbier which covers the entire 4 Vallées.

    Bruson ski domain map
    4 Vallées ski Domain Section La Tzoumaz & Savoleyres

    Veysonnaz – 4 Vallées Village

    The sunniest village of the 4 Vallées is for sure Veysonnaz at an altitude of 1230m. The village is on the left part of the 4 Vallées looking down over the Rhone valley.

    Also, a quieter village compared to Verbier or even Nendaz. The village offers an indoor swimming pool which is always a hit with families. Veysonnaz is the home of the famous World cup run “Piste de l’Ours” where many woman’s downhill competitions have been held.

    Which ski pass to buy when skiing from Veysonnaz?

    Best to buy the Printse pass (see Nendaz map) which covers all the way over to Nendaz and Siviez but not Mont Fort. But again, like with all 4 Vallées ski passes you can upgrade as and when you wish. Just head to the ticket office in the morning and add the 4 Vallées sector to your pass.

    family skiing in switzerland
    Amazing beginners and advanced slopes in the Veysonnaz -Thyon domain, Les 4 Vallées

    Thyon – 4 Vallées Village

    The sunny 4 Vallées village Thyon is the eastern gateway to the vast 4 Vallées skiing area and lays at an altitude of 1500 m to 2100 m. Thyon is particularly geared up to meet the needs of skiers and is the biggest beginner’s area of the 4 Vallées. The village Thyon area alone has over 10 lifts. The small village is particularly ideal for family holidays. It offers a wide range of holiday apartments and enjoys a beautiful panorama of the Bernese, Valais and Vaud Alps, dominated by the 4048 meter peaks of the world-famous Matterhorn and the majestic Dent Blanche.

    This area is amazing for families that travel with small children that still need to go back home for a nap. If you choose the right accommodation you will find yourself right next to the ski piste. If you don’t want to explore the Valais as such and just want to leave your car parked in the underground parking lot for a week then Thyon will be an amazing location for your family skiing trip in the 4 Vallées.

    The layout of Thyon is like a balcony with Les Masses, being the first level at 1600m. A little higher is ” Les Collons”, a sector with 3 balconies at 1800m, 1850 and 1900m. The highest point of the resort Village reachable by car is Thyon at 2000m.

    There are not many activities such as shopping and party but who needs all these noisy things when one can enjoy a peaceful quiet village.

    Which ski pass to buy when skiing from Thyon?

    As you’re at one end of the 4 Vallées I would recommend just buying the Printse ski pass and the day you want to make it all the way over to Verbier and up to the Mont Fort, upgrade to the 4 Vallées ski pass.

    4vallées ski map
    The Blue section is the Printse ski domain :: Map shows the full 4 Vallées ski domain

    4 Vallées Ski Pass Prices

    I have just put a quick overview for you together of the prices so you have a rough idea of what it would cost. Children younger than 7 years and seniors older than 76 years are skiing free of charge in Les 4 Vallées ski domain.

    • Children count between 7 and 14  years young
    • Young people are between 15 and 24 years old
    • Senior is between 64 and 76 years old

    There are family discounts available and of course for multiple-day skiing the prices drop as well.

    For more information on each and every single section plus prices and possible combinations check out the Official 4 Vallées website.

    You will also find all prices for the snow gardens on their site. Most of the time it is just the fee up with the cable car to the site and the facilities are free of charge. But check it out to be sure.

    And to be sure you have the right clothing for a Family Ski Trip to the 4 Vallées, we recommend these dry and warm snow pants. And here are some more tips on how to keep the kids warm during the winter months.


    You may also like these posts here below if you’re planning to visit the Valais and its 4 Vallées during the summer month.

  • Ski Resorts in Valais, Switzerland

  • Ski Crans Montana
  • Family Resorts Aletsch Areana – Bettmeralp
  • Winter in Zermatt – Dream holiday for the family
  • Summer Activities in Les 4 Vallées

    If I have missed anything out on this post, or if you have some more questions on Family skiing Les 4 Vallées in Switzerland; then leave a comment below. It is always nice for others to see some real people conversations.

    Now don’t forget to PIN it for future references and tell a friend about it.

    Thank you, Never forget to travel!

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2 thoughts on “Family Skiing Les 4 Vallées, Swiss Alps (Video + Maps)”

  1. What a fantastic job you did putting together this comprehensive post, thank you!
    I have been to Haute-Nendaz in the early 1990s. I wonder how much it has changed since then.
    I watched the video twice – such a feel good clip! How young were your twins when they learned to ski?

    Reply
    • Hi Tamara
      Thanks for commenting. OMG you would not know Nendaz again, sadly! Luckily the 4 Vallees are still as beautiful as in 1990 I believe . The twins started with 2.5, but did not liked it when they were that young. One year later it clicked and all one t uphill from then onwards. Now, and also in the VIDEO they are 4.5 year young and fearless skiers 🙂
      Will you be visiting Nendaz again?

      Reply

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Hi, my name is Corina, a mum of twins, a wife and founder of Packed Again – a Swiss Family Travel & Adventure Blog. We live in the most amazing mountain valley in Switzerland, the Valais.

It is outdoors where we feel the most connected and happy with each other.

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