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Family-Friendly Short Nendaz Trek

Duration: 3 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Hike the hidden trails of the Valais region
> Sleep in welcoming mountain huts
> Explore alpine valleys and the stunning Lac de Cleuson

Think wide valleys, quiet trails, and that classic Swiss mountain charm, welcome to the Short Nendaz Trek! This 3-day family-friendly route takes you from Veysonnaz to the heart of the Nendaz municipality, with overnights in two cozy huts and views that feel like your own private Alps.

Along the way, you’ll wander through peaceful larch forests, picnic in open meadows, and stop for photos above the turquoise waters of Lac de Cleuson. The trails are well-marked and manageable, with just enough uphill to keep the kids proud of themselves.

Perfect for families with some hiking experience, this trek is short on stress but big on alpine vibes. And the best part? We take care of the logistics so you can focus on what matters; more mountains, more time together.

Itinerary

Day
1

Veysonnaz - Cabane d'Essertze

Duration: 03:35 h
Distance: 9 km
Ascent: 980 m
Descent: 40 m

Your trek begins in the alpine village of Veysonnaz. From there, the trail immediately heads uphill, zigzagging under and alongside the ski lifts towards Thyon. The initial climb is steady and long, but the viewpoint at around the three-kilometre mark offers sweeping vistas over the Nendaz valley and the Rhône plain around Sion. What a welcome reward!

As you climb higher, the terrain becomes rockier, but you are still surrounded by wooded hills. Shortly before reaching the hut, you will pass the Madonna statue near Mont Coire (2,305 m), a serene landmark surrounded by mountains. The trail continues to ascend until it levels out in the second half, leading you gently to your first overnight stop at Cabane d’Essertze. Here, you will receive a warm welcome and be treated to stunning views. It's the perfect way to settle into the rhythm of the mountains and create lasting memories.

Cabane d'Essertze

Info
Cabane d'Essertze
Cabane d'Essertze
Day
2

Cabane d'Essertze - Refuge de Saint-Laurent

Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 610 m
Descent: 330 m

The morning starts gently as the trail winds away from Cabane d’Essertze, tracing ridgelines and leading you into wide alpine landscapes. Early on, you’re treated to open views and a sense of calm that sets the mood for the day.

You move through quiet pastures and light forests, with a few short climbs and easy-going descents. The terrain keeps things interesting without ever pushing too hard. As you near Refuge de Saint-Laurent, the surroundings become more pastoral. The refuge awaits in a tranquil corner of the mountains—cosy, remote, and perfect for slowing down.

Refuge de Saint-Laurent

Info
Refuge de Saint-Laurent
Refuge de Saint-Laurent
Day
3

Refuge de Saint-Laurent - Nendaz

Duration: 04:40 h
Distance: 15.8 km
Ascent: 40 m
Descent: 1180 m

Today's stage features a rewarding descent all the way to Nendaz. Shortly after leaving the refuge, you will reach a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the shimmering Lac de Cleuson reservoir, nestled in the alpine heights. The bright blue waters of the lake provide a beautiful contrast to the green slopes around it. Further down, you will reach the striking curved structure of the Cleuson Dam (Barrage de Cleuson), which is set dramatically against the mountain backdrop. Take a moment here to admire the views, one of the most photogenic spots on the trek.

Continue walking along the trail to Siviez, a small alpine settlement. Shortly afterwards, you will reach La Printse, a key mountain river that feeds the ancient irrigation channels of Valais, known as bisses. These canals are still in use and form part of the cultural landscape. Follow the Bisse du Milieu trail, passing wooden sculptures and shaded forest sections on this peaceful, green route winding through alpine vegetation and small clearings.

You will walk along the Planchouet path and descend further via the trail to Le Bleusy, closely hugging the ancient water channel along the way. Eventually, you will pass a small bus stop and enter the outskirts of Nendaz. The final stretch into the village offers benches and beautiful views of the Nendaz Valley and the peaks of the Bernese Alps. It's a calm and reflective end to a varied alpine adventure.

Included

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Nendaz Trek. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Accommodation

    During your Nendaz Trek, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. In the mountain huts we normally only book dormitories, but we can look into private rooms on request. If the private rooms are fully booked or not available in the hut, we automatically book a bed in dormitories for you. Please note that private rooms are more expensive and there will be an additional charge for this.

  • Half-board in Huts

    Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts. Here you can also buy an array of snacks and bottled water.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

  • How to Get to the Starting Point of the Nendaz Trek

  • End point: Nendaz

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy