Nax Mont-Noble Ski Resort Switzerland

Nax Mont-Noble ski resort is perched above the Rhone River valley in the Swiss Valais near Sion. Nax, known locally as the 'The Balcony of Heaven', is at once seemingly close to everything but in reality a world away. Mont Noble is one of the many traditional (& relatively unknown) Swiss ski areas that ‘flies under the radar’ and makes a wonderful change from the more popular nearby 'mega’ resorts, like its neighbour across the valley, Nendaz Veysonnaz Thyon (the Printse sector of 4-Vallees). The 1,135m of skiable vertical at Nax is sorely tempting when in the region on a powder day, and it makes a fine addition to the Val d'Herens ski region resorts of Arolla & Evolene.

The ski resort's full vertical is well-served by 2 modern fixed-grip quad chairlifts installed in 2012, an ancient double chair for access, and a linking J-bar surface tow (Les Planards) that was replaced by a new version in 2022. The piste trails at Mont Noble are exceptional, with long, rolling top to bottom, full vertical descents running along ridges and then through mixed larch & pine forest. All the ski pistes are rated intermediate, and there is no terrain or lifts designated for beginners. The off-piste includes some steeps off the summit and in the forest, and alot of gentle, but fun, alpine terrain. Check out the ski trail map for Nax Mont Noble below.

Nax Mont Noble Ski Trail Map

Pros & Cons for Nax Mont Noble Ski Resort

Pros

• Authentic Swiss Alps village & ski resort.
• Long skiable vertical of over 1,135m, &  a high lifted summit of 2,640m.
• Uncrowded off-piste terrain with north & west-aspect, including trees and perfect for the adventurous.
• Exceptional quality on-piste trails for intermediate skiers & snowboarders.
• Affordable lift pass.
• Very quiet md-week, & even when the car parks are full on a sunny weekend, still feels realatively deserted.
• Public transport access by train & then bus is possible.

Cons

• Limited accommodation available nearby.
• No advanced on-piste terrain (but in reality there is way more piste diversity here than the ski trail map indicates).

Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)

• Only one major surface tow (unusual in a ski resort of this nature, but it is a very important link).
• No designated lifts or terrain for novices & beginners.
• Small (ish) ski area (relative to some of its neighbours!), with just 35km of intermediate trails, but its skis BIG!

Where is Nax Mont Noble Switzerland?

The Nax Mont Noble ski resort is on the south side of the Rhône River valley in the French speaking part of Valais, Switzerland. The base of the ski lifts are 3km east of the village of Nax, and around 20km (28min) by rental car southeast of the major town of Sion.

The closest gateway airports is Geneva (GVA), 175km (<2hr) drive east to Nax Mont Noble. Flights to Geneva come from all over the world. The small airport in the Rhone valley at Sion (SIR) is an option for travelers from London, Zurich, and those with their own private plane! Search & book here for all transfers to Nax Mont Noble.

Rail & bus services to the village of Nax are via Sion. Trains from Geneva airport take a little over 2hr (on the IR90 service, direction Brig) to get to Sion, where buses or private transfers can finish the journey up the valley to Nax. From Sion train station (gare), bus route 388 heads to Nax and the ski lifts at the Nax, Espace Mont Noble stop, at least three times per day in the morning, taking 45min to the ski lift base. From mid-morning, at least four route 388 services (direction Fontany) go back down to Sion, taking up to 55min for the journey. Search & book here for train tickets to Sion. Buy bus tickets direct from the driver.

A free ski bus runs once every morning serving the hamlets between Eison and Nax. A single return journey occurs later in the afternoon.

Nax Mont Noble Accommodation

Accommodations available at the Mont Noble ski area are in the nearby village of Nax or the surrounding hamlets that line the free ski bus route south toward Eison. In the ski area at mid-mountain near the top of the first chairlift (1,900m), Chalet La Dzorniva can accommodate skiers overnight in dormitories or private rooms with half board and might be an option if travelling light. Down in Nax, the Hotel Mont-Noble has cosy, affordable rooms & food. Otherwise look for an apartment or chalet in the village or local area.

Search & book here for all Nax (Mont Noble) ski accommodation.

Sion is the gateway city for several ski villages & resorts, plus a sightseeing location of note. Perfect for day-trippers to the many ski resorts in the region, access to the city is fabulous via the train. Buses from the train station make regular journeys to the ski lifts at Anzere. The city centre has full services and some comfortable, well-priced hotels (including the Hôtel Elite, Hôtel du Rhône), a few lovely guesthouse rooms (like Chambre d'hôte Valère) and an affordable youth hostel with private rooms (Sion Youth Hostel). Upon arrival at Sion, you will immediately notice the castles looming over the town: Majorie Castle, Valère Castle, and Tourbillon Castle. They make a classically European diversion on a down day.

Sion can also be used as a base to explore resorts up & down the Rhone Valley, utilising the train & buses to get to 4-Vallees, Crans Montana, Vercorin & even Zermatt.

Search & book Sion ski accommodation.

Review

The Powderhounds reviewed Nax Mont Noble on a deliciously cold, sunny day in January 2025. We loved its authenticity, long deserted piste trails, diverse off-piste options & on-mountain casual dining. Click on the review link in the left column (or top of the page if on a mobile) to read all the reviews.

See how Nax Mont-Noble compares to the rest of the Swiss ski resorts on the Switzerland ski resort ratings page, or compare to the rest of Europe the European ski resort ratings page.

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