Summer Activities:-
switzerland walking holidays . . .
Switzerland Walking Holidays - You can discover the area by the network of Bisses, which are delightful paths that run alongside the old irrigation canals. They are brilliant as they are on a slight incline so before you know it you're in the mountains without breaking sweat. They pass through mountain pastures to the sound of mountain cow bells. The views of the valleys, villages and mountains are stunning. You can plan a whole day out with a stop off at one of the mountain restaurants for lunch and a few beverages! Nendaz offers 98km of walks along 8Bisses so there's enough to keep you going for a couple of weeks.There are even several recommended walks with pushchairs (link to families) so there's no excuse! Info and maps available from the Tourist Office: www.nendaz.ch
Hiking - For more strenuous outings there are 250km of walking to reach the summits. You can self guide or book a guide the Mountain Guide and Hiking Office: www.montagne-loisirs.ch
Mountain Biking - this is a paradise for amateurs and advanced mountain bikers - there are 10 new circuits which you can get from the Tourist Office. The Grand Raid is the longest mountain bike race in the world which is held in Aug - starting in Verbier it goes through Nendaz - it's 132kms long with total climb of 4,600m and attracts more than 4,000 riders - one not to be missed!
Transport - You'll be glad to know that the buses around the local area will take your bikes and the lifts are open in the Summer to take you (and your bike or paraglider) to the top - check out the opening dates and times from the lift station: www.telenendaz.ch.
Paragliding - The landing field is right in front of the apartment so this could be your opportunity to show off to the rest of the family if they're sitting on the balcony. The paragliding school offers tandem flights, introduction flights or a complete training course if you get hooked. Joël Debons is your man: tel. +41 (0)79 637 36 86 - www.adamair.ch
Swim & Spa - There's an outdoor (25 degrees) swimming pool with a paddling pool opposite the apartment with marvellous views over the Rhône valley. It's open from about 2nd June to 2nd September. There's also a fabulous spa complex with 3 outdoor pools, one indoor pools and enough saunas to loose a stone in an afternoon at Saillon which is 30 mins drive down the valley - great to stop off at one of the Valais vineyards on the way back.
Other Sports - There are two tennis courts opposite the apartment as well as an ice rink, sports centre and bowling alley in Nendaz. The Golf Club at Sion 20 mins drive. It's a 18-hole course and the Club organises beginners courses which include instruction by a golf professional, equipment (for rental) as well as an aperitif. Call: +41(0)27 / 203 79 00 to book and there are special if you to buy your green fees at the tourist office.
The International Alpenhorn Festival is held at the end of July above Nendaz, at Tracouet at an altitude of 2,200m. About 100 players participate and face each other amicably either solo or in a group. The jury, composed of great names in the world of the alphorn and members of the Swiss Federation of Yodellers, judge without bias.