Zinal

Zinal, a traditional Valaisan village, sits at 1,670m at the head of the Val d'Anniviers in the Swiss Alps. Surrounded by four-thousanders like the Weisshorn and Zinalrothorn, it offers a dramatic, intimate setting for those seeking an authentic mountain experience, with quiet streets and classic timber chalets.

The resort is part of the Grimentz-Zinal ski area, which boasts 115km of pistes across 40 runs, served by 21 lifts including modern gondolas and high-speed chairs. Terrain reaches 2,880m, ensuring reliable snow cover from early December to mid-April. The impressive nearly 1,600m vertical drop allows for long descents through varied terrain, from open alpine bowls to forested lower slopes. A terrain park caters to freestyle riders, and the connection between Zinal and Grimentz provides access to two distinct mountainsides in one day.

Skiing and snowboarding in Zinal offer a spacious and varied experience. From the 2,880m summit of the Sorebois sector, runs sweep down in long, satisfying descents, making the most of the 1,600m vertical, with panoramic glacier views. The high altitude ensures cold, consistent snow and an uncrowded feel.

The link with Grimentz doubles your terrain options. The Grimentz side features more sheltered, tree-lined runs, contrasting with Zinal's wide-open bowls. This combination provides a diverse skiing experience, whether you prefer groomed pistes or fresh tracks. The efficient, modern lift system means queues are rarely an issue, even during peak times.

While Zinal's strengths lie in its longer, steeper runs, beginners can still learn here. A gentle, sheltered nursery area near the village base is ideal for first-timers. Once comfortable, you can progress to manageable blue runs higher up the mountain. Zinal's quiet slopes provide a relaxed learning environment with plenty of space.

Intermediate skiers will find ample terrain across the Grimentz-Zinal area. Red runs from Sorebois are long, well-groomed, and engaging without being overwhelming. The descent back to Zinal village is a particular highlight, offering a sustained run with varied terrain. Crossing to Grimentz provides a different style, with tree-lined runs and natural rollers. Confident intermediates might also try the easier black runs, and the variety between the two sides ensures plenty to explore during your stay.

For advanced skiers, Zinal's upper terrain truly excels. Black runs from the Sorebois summit are steep, sustained, and often have excellent snow due to their north-facing aspect. Off-piste opportunities are abundant across the mountain, with couloirs and powder fields accessible from the ridgeline for those willing to traverse or hike.

The Piste de l'Ours is a challenging, mogul-strewn favourite requiring commitment from top to bottom. Beyond the marked pistes, the Val d'Anniviers offers extensive ski touring, with guided itineraries available to explore remote terrain.