I just completed a 3-day hut-to-hut trek in Nendaz, Switzerland, and as my first trek like this, I finally understand the hype. There’s something special about hiking all day with beautiful views, knowing that a cozy mountain hut with delicious food, cold drinks, and a shower is waiting for you.
Nendaz is tucked in the heart of the Swiss Alps and is a beautiful area in the Valais region of Switzerland. There are 250km of hiking and trail running trails, 200km of biking trails, countless gondolas, and opportunities for adventure.
Just a quick heads up! This blog post is sponsored by Switzerland, but all thoughts are my own.
Why Go Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Nendaz?
There are a lot of hut-to-hut trekking options in Switzerland (and Europe as a whole). Nendaz offers a true Swiss experience. I met a ton of Swiss, French, and Dutch people and no North Americans at all. It was amazing to meet and get to know people from all over the world! Most people were from close by who wanted to go into nature for the weekend.
It may not be as fancy as other huts in the country, but if you want to go somewhere without tourists (without sacrificing views or your experience) this 3-day hut-to-hut trek in Nendaz is it.
How Difficult Is the Hut-to-Hut Trek?
The total length of the trek is nearly 40km with 2000m elevation gain. You’ll be hiking about 4-5 hours a day, and it’s aimed at the average but physically fit hiker. There are few technical difficulties, and it can be done with children as well.
The hardest part for me was the elevation gain on the first day. During most of the summer, there is a gondola you can take if you want to skip this part.
Nendaz Hut-to-Hut Trek: At a Glance
| Day | Distance | Elevation Gain | Hiking Time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 10.1 km | 1,077 m | 4h30 | Essertze Mountain Hut |
| Day 2 | 13.9 km | 762 m | 5h | Saint-Laurent Hut |
| Day 3 | 14.9 km | 113 m | 4h30 |
When to go on the Nendaz Hut-to-Hut Trek
This trek is best suited for the summer months and can be done from early July to early September. I went September 4-7, and it was quieter than previous weeks. The weather was amazing for us! No rain, some clouds, and a lot of sunshine.
How to book the Nendaz Hut-to-Hut Trek
You can book this trek here. It starts at 180.00 CHF for the following:
- One route book
- One trip by shuttle bus from Nendaz to Veysonnaz
- Two nights in the cabins (dormitory) Essertze and Saint-Laurent
- Tourist tax included
- Full board without drinks (two breakfasts, two picnics and two evening meals) (remember to bring your picnic for the 1st day)
Nendaz Trekking Itinerary
Day 0
I flew into Zurich and took two trains and a bus to get to Nendaz. You could look at flying into Geneva as well. I am so happy I had a Swiss Travel Pass. Switzerland has one of the biggest and most reliable public transport systems in the world. It combines trains, buses, trams, boats, and railways into one network.
This pass provides:
- Unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat.
- Free entrance to hundreds of museums.
- Free mountain excursions to peaks like Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos, and 50% off most others.
- Full coverage on scenic panorama trains.
- City transport and other perks!
If you’re going to multiple regions, you’re not renting a car and using mostly trains, buses, and boats to get around, I’d definitely get it.
Buy your Swiss Travel Pass below:
I spent the night in MAD Mount Hotel, which is right beside the bus stop. There is an incredible spa (sauna, cold plunge, hot tub, warm rooms, etc.), comfortable rooms, and a great breakfast.
Day 1 of Nendaz Trekking
After a great sleep and breakfast, I packed my 35L backpack (check out my packing list here) with everything I needed for the next three days. I left a small bag at the hotel to be picked up when I return (you end the hike in the same spot).
I stopped by the local bakery (right across the street from MAD Mount Hotel) to pick up lunch and headed to the tourist office to get a debrief (this is mandatory). We went over the route and got a map and a detailed route with photos.
You’ll take a bus from the tourist office to Veysonnaz, where you’ll start the hike. From there, follow the photo map and start your way up to the top of the gondola. If the Veysonnaz gondola is running, you’ll be able to take it and cut off the elevation gain. In 2026, it was open June 27 – August 23 from 9:00-16:30.
If you set off on foot, this is the steepest day of the trek. Once past the gondola, the elevation eases off, and you are rewarded with beautiful mountain views as you head toward the first hut: Essertze Mountain Hut.
Length: 10.1km | Variation in altitude: 1077m | Duration: 4h 30m (without breaks) | More information here
Essertze Mountain Hut
The Essertze Mountain Hut is an incredibly quaint and rustic hut tucked away in the Swiss mountains. It was so charming and I loved my experience here. The hut wardens are very kind. The inside is open concept, which helps with getting to know your housemates for the night.
You’ll get a debrief about how the hut works (slippers, beds, etc.) once you check in.
Like many (if not all) huts in Switzerland, you’re able to buy drinks (beer, soda, etc.)—just remember to bring cash. Dinner is at 7 pm, and it is an appetizer and main, with an option to buy dessert.
There was electricity (one extension cord to charge devices), but no showers.
Day 2 of Nendaz Trekking
You start the next day heading up to Mount Rouge. Compared to the previous day, this isn’t too bad at all!
The views are beautiful as you descend and traverse the mountain into a new valley. I stopped at the mountain restaurant Les Chottes for a brownie and Rivella (a quintessential Swiss drink you need to try).
Soon you’ll come to Cleuson Lake, and it is absolutely beautiful. I spent a lot of time taking in the views and taking photos along the trail. After another ascent, you’ll reach your second home of the trip: Saint-Laurent Mountain Hut.
If you have energy left, you can continue up the trail to a smaller glacial lake and potentially see Ibex!
Length: 13.9km | Variation in altitude: 762m | Duration: 5 h (without breaks) | More information here
Saint-Laurent Mountain Hut
The Saint-Laurent Mountain Hut is tucked high in the mountains. It’s basic but cozy and has everything you need. There was some construction happening when I went, so I would assume they are expanding it a bit for the next season.
The food was seriously good here. It’s served at 7 pm just like the previous night. I never used the electricity here, but online it says it should have it available from 7-8 pm. There is a shower available for CHF 5, and drinks/snacks (cash only)
Day 3 of Nendaz Trekking
I woke up to watch sunrise over the lake, and it was stunning. The view is right next to the hut near the cross on the hill.
After a delicious breakfast, I packed up and headed back down to Cleuson Lake and crossed the dam. Before descending into the valley, stop at the Chapel of Saint-Barthélémy—it is said to have been built in 1447.
You go down a lot of elevation and through beautiful forest until you make your way back to the village of Haute-Nendaz.
Go down towards Siviez by a small footpath in the forest. From its source, follow the Bisse de Saxon to the Cabane du Bourlâ before reaching the village of Haute-Nendaz (1’350 metres).
Length: 14.9km | Variation in altitude: 113m | Duration: 4h 30m (without breaks) | More information here
Everything you need to know about Mountain Huts
Sleeping Arrangements
Both huts on this trek have one large shared sleeping room divided into different sections of beds. The main section is typically a long row of bunk-style beds, with smaller sections of beds nearby. At each sleeping area, pillows and duvets are already laid out for you, so you don’t need to carry a full sleeping bag.
The sleeping arrangements are very communal, with several people sharing the same room. Depending on the hut, there may be anywhere from a handful to 10 or more beds in each section. At both huts, we were assigned beds.
If you’re a light sleeper, I’d definitely recommend bringing earplugs and an eye mask. You never know what time your roommates will be going to bed or waking up!
Food and water
The food on this hut-to-hut trek in Nendaz was amazing. I couldn’t believe the quality given how far from town we were. Your breakfast, dinner and picnic lunch are included with your stay.
Breakfast is usually pretty simple: bread, cheese, jam, butter, muesli, yogurt, coffee and tea. There isn’t usually much protein, so if that’s important to you, I’d recommend bringing some protein powder, bars, or other snacks to help.
Also, dinner is usually family style, so take what you know you’ll eat because you’ll use the same plate for your salad/soup, main course, and dessert. I noticed that everyone stacked their plates on the table and put any food scraps on the top plate to make cleanup easier for the hut staff.
Don’t forget to grab your picnic lunch before you leave in the morning!
Every hut had drinkable water. The first day had no water on trail, so plan for that. On the second and third day I was able to fill up at restaurants along the way. I would bring a small water filter if you have it just in case.
Showers and toilets
Showers and toilets can really vary from hut to hut. The first hut had a communal bathroom with two stalls (very cozy), and the second had individual toilets and the sink outside. There were no showers at the first hut, only at the second (for 5 CHF).
For me, who is used to camping and outhouses, this was luxury.
Electricity and wifi
Not all huts have electricity. The first hut had a power cord that everyone could use for their phones, battery packs, smartwatches, etc. I never used the electricity at the second hut, but online it says it should be available from 7-8 pm.
Cash
Bring cash (CHF only) for drinks, snacks and showers. Some mountain huts in Switzerland accept cards, but the two on this trek do not. There are no ATMs. I’d also recommend bringing some smaller bills if you can.
A note from Angela: Some of the links on this blog may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them and purchase, I may earn a small commission. It won’t cost you anything extra, and it helps me keep sharing posts like this—a win win🙂
Packing List for a 3-Day Hut-to-Hut Trek in Nendaz
I have a detailed packing list here for a 3-day hut-to-hut trek in Nendaz, Switzerland.
