Nestled in Switzerland’s 4 Vallees region, Nendaz ski resort is the ultimate destination for beginners and families.

Etienne Bornet

“It’s just a little snow.

It’sjusta little snow, Vanessa.”

Ski lifts in winter in Nendaz, Switzerland

Credit:Etienne Bornet

“you’re free to do this,” I repeated to myself.

“It’s just a little snow.”

Before this week, the closest I’d ever gotten to skiing was watching the Winter Olympics on television.

Aerial view of Nendaz town in Switzerland

Florian Bouvet-Fournier

Nearly everyone in Nendaz knows Amacker, who has more than 45 years of experience under his belt.

We started on flat snow, where Amacker went over the very basics of learning to ski.

Soon enough, though, it was time to practice gliding.

Writer, Vanessa Wilkins, learning to ski in Nendaz, Switzerland

Vanessa Wilkins

For some reason, I was petrified of falling, I explained.

“Why are you afraid of falling?”

“If you fall, you fall.

It’s just snow!”

He had a point, and I eventually managed to get a handle on the basic glide.

My biggest challenge came when I tried to add turns to my repertoire.

Amacker, as patient as ever, tried to explain it to me in a different way.

“Don’t worry,” he reassured me.

“I wouldn’t take you here if I didn’t think you could do it.”

Vanessa Wilkins

“Excellent work, I knew you could do it!”

Amacker exclaimed when we reached the bottom of the slope.

Lift openings vary by region, but gondolas typically operate between mid-December and mid-April.

Enjoy a beer on the sunny, expansive terrace overlooking the valley.

If you time your visit right, you might also be treated to a spectacular sunset.

Rentals

A number of equipment stores offer daily and weekly ski and snowboard gear rentals.

Programming

Five ski schools in Nendaz cater to people of all levels and abilities.

TheNeige Aventure Ski Schooloffers ski touring lessons and workshops to help you take your skills to the next level.