Ultimate Guide to La Tzoumaz Ski Resort
La Tzoumaz, once known as Mayens-de-Riddes, is a beautiful village in the Swiss Alps and one of the most popular winter destinations in Switzerland. It has a total of 12 ski pistes, but La Tzoumaz is part of the world-famous Four Valleys ski area, so it offers skiers access to over 400km of pistes.
Those who are looking for the ideal winter destination where they can connect with nature and feel like they’re spending their vacation in paradise can’t go wrong with visiting La Tzoumaz. This village, which was once known as Mayens-de-Riddes, is one of the most popular winter destinations in Switzerland.
When translated, the name of the village means “the place where you rest”. And it’s certainly the ideal place to rest and recharge. Regardless of whether you want to visit a place where you can rest, or somewhere where you can ski to your heart’s content, La Tzoumaz probably has what you’re looking for.
La Tzoumaz ski resort
La Tzoumaz is located in Switzerland and it is a large resort that consists of a total of 12 lifts. This includes one cable car, 5 lift chairs, and 6 surface lifts, which have a vertical descent of 634 meters, or 2081 feet.
But since this is primarily a ski resort, the La Tzoumaz ski area is the place to be. There are a total of 12 ski pistes.
The resort may not be the fanciest place for skiing with the most options. However, it still offers a lot of great skiing options, especially for intermediate skiers. For a better grasp of the ski area, you can take a look at the La Tzoumaz pistes map.
La Tzoumaz is part of the world-famous Four Valleys ski area which in itself has 412km of downhill skiing, out of which 54 are in La Tzoumaz itself. The Four Valleys ski area is also home to 205 marked pistes and has 92 ski lifts. With the right pass, you will have access to the entire ski area.
When you stay at the La Tzoumaz ski resort, you also have access to a professionally run toboggan track. This 10km long run isn’t recommended for children under 7 and anyone who dares go down it should be wearing a helmet, but it’s still a great time for those looking for an adrenaline rush.
This resort is also a favorite among snowboarders and there is even a Snow Park in La Tzoumaz that a lot of freestylers love to visit.
Quiet and great value for money
The La Tzoumaz ski resort is probably one of the lesser-known resorts in the Four Valleys ski area and that’s because it’s quieter and doesn’t offer as much luxury as other neighboring resorts. However, it’s the perfect place to bring your family and provides you with easy access to resorts such as Verbier.
It’s also a great value considering it costs much less to stay in La Tzoumaz than at most neighboring resorts. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get an amazing experience. In fact, you’ll have a lot of fun adventures, and be able to stay at a beautiful chalet or hotel that will provide you with a luxury stay.
What to do in winter
Since La Tzoumaz is a ski resort, the most fun activities happen during the winter. While there are a lot of exciting and interesting things to do during the winter months, here are the ones we recommend except for skiing.
Ice skating
Is there a more glamorous winter activity than ice skating? If you like to glide on ice alone, with friends, or the entire family, you can come to the Central Square in La Tzoumaz and visit the ice skating rink. You’re guaranteed to have a good time in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.
This outdoor rink is open every day until 8 pm and you can bring your own skates or rent a pair opposite the rink at Monnet Sports.
Swiss Snow Kids Village
If you’re bringing your little ones along for the trip, you can’t miss the Swiss Snow Kids Village. It doesn’t matter how old your children are, as there is no minimum age requirement. Just bring them along where they will have the chance to slide in the powdery snow with the village’s mascot Snowli.
The goal of the kids’ village is to introduce children to snow sports in an exciting and unforgettable way. The staff consists of professional instructors who have been trained to teach children and they help their students learn how to ski and snowboard.
Toboggan run La Tzoumaz
Even though we’ve already mentioned it, this toboggan run on piste de Luge needs a special section on its own. It’s a winter activity you don’t want to miss. It is one of the longest toboggan runs in French-speaking Switzerland and has a drop-in altitude of 711 metres.
It also takes you by some amazing scenery. If you want to enjoy your surroundings while getting an adrenaline rush at the same time, you can’t miss this run.
La Tzoumaz in the summer
The La Tzoumaz ski resort is known for its winter activities. But that doesn’t mean there still isn’t plenty to do there during the summer. Maybe you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to think about La Tzoumaz lift opening times and activities in the snow and would much rather enjoy the sunshine.
If you’re a fan of hiking, whether alone or with your family, you won’t be disappointed with the hiking trails La Tzoumaz has to offer. There are also walks that were designated specifically for families. There, everyone from the youngest to the oldest members of your family can enjoy the scenic routes.
If you’re a nature lover, you can’t leave La Tzoumaz during the summer without visiting The Sentier des Sens, which translates to the trail of the senses. It will take you back to the roots of the forest and allow all of your senses to take in the magical experience of this 5.3km forest walk.
Those who feel comfortable on two wheels will be delighted by the wide array of bike routes. No matter if you’re more comfortable on a ground bike or a mountain bike, or if you prefer to go uphill or downhill, you’ll find the perfect trail for you. You even have places to rent bikes and charge e-bikes as well.
And finally, if you’ve never experienced the beauty of a mountain lake, there are multiple water sources in La Tzoumaz that are sure to amaze you.
One of them is Lac des Vaux, a lake perched at the heights of both La Tzoumaz and Verbier. It is often visited by walkers, fishermen, and sometimes some brave swimmers. The combination of the blue waters of the lake combined with the green pastures surrounding will leave you speechless.
For skiers and non-skiers, for groups and families
It doesn’t matter if you’re coming to La Tzoumaz to ski or not. If you’re coming along or bringing a whole group of friends or your family with you, you’ll undoubtedly find something fun to do.
Skiers will have the time of their life exploring the Four Valleys ski area. It holds snow well and it’s quieter and more peaceful than the more popular ski resort destinations.
But non-skiers can also have a lot of fun here. Aside from the longest toboggan run, La Tzoumaz is also known for being a great area for snow-shoeing. You can arrange a tour with a tourist office and explore the woods as you have never done before.
La Tzoumaz is also a great place for families because it offers activities for kids and parents alike. In fact, youngsters can have an amazing experience learning to ski and snowboard here. If you’re there with the family, you should pop by Verbier. This place also offers a lot of things to do with children during winter.
Finally, groups of friends can also have an unforgettable vacation here. Both beginners and expert skiers and snowboarders can find pistes they will enjoy. If you’re up for some unforgettable après ski, you can simply visit Verbier and experience the wild nightlife.
What you may (and may not) like
Just like any other place, La Tzoumaz has its upsides and its downsides, or to say its pros and cons.
The pros include:
- A very large ski area located in the Four Valleys that caters to people of all skills.
- A lot of opportunities for snowboarding and off-piste skiing.
- A north-facing position that ensures much less snow is melting.
- Fair prices and good value compared to more expensive resorts.
There’s only one thing that you might not like about La Tzoumaz. It has less nightlife than other resorts and fewer haute-couture shops. But that shouldn’t be a problem as there are some great bars and clubs in Verbier you can easily visit.
Summary
While there are countless ski resorts in the world, nothing says “winter holiday” as much as Switzerland. The Alpine mountain ranges were made for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying your time by yourself, with family or with friends. If you want to make your visits to La Tzoumaz more frequently, you should save yourself the trouble of renting out a room or chalet every time you visit and buy property. Take a look at real estate for sale from where you can access both resorts.
