Anzère
58km of piste, 904m vertical, Magic Pass included. South-facing Valais resort 20 minutes from Sion with new 10-person Bâté gondola.
Current Conditions→
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
11 Dec 2026
Closes
4 Apr 2027
Days open
114
Annual snow
2.7m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Anzère operates 58 kilometres of piste spread across 27 runs between 1,516 and 2,420 metres elevation, delivering 904 metres of vertical drop from the resort's highest point at Le Bâté. The terrain breaks down to 21% beginner, 64% intermediate and 15% advanced, with no expert-rated piste, though off-piste opportunities exist across the south-facing ski area. The resort sits at 1,500 metres in the municipality of Ayent, part of Valais canton in southwest Switzerland, and receives an average annual snowfall of 4.3 metres supplemented by 10 kilometres of snowmaking coverage across 84 cannons.
Intermediate skiers dominate the mountain with 37 kilometres of red runs forming the core of the ski area, whilst 12 kilometres of blue terrain serve progression skiers and 9 kilometres of black piste challenge advanced riders. Piste des Masques offers the longest descent at 5 kilometres from Pas de Maimbré back to the village, whilst the Les Rousses sector delivers technical terrain and open slopes reached via the new Bâté gondola. The resort layout centres on two summit access points: Pas de Maimbré at 2,362 metres and Le Bâté at 2,420 metres, each feeding distinct sectors of the ski area.
The purpose-built village maintains consistent wood-and-stone architecture dating from the 1960s development, creating a compact, pedestrian-friendly central square called Place du Village. South-facing orientation guarantees exceptional sun exposure throughout winter, with daily sunshine often exceeding seven hours when conditions allow, though the aspect can accelerate snow deterioration during warm spells. Pas de Maimbré mountain restaurant serves regional specialities including fondue and rösti on a panoramic terrace overlooking the Rhône Valley and Alpine peaks including Mont Blanc, the Weisshorn and the Matterhorn on clear days.
Anzère holds Magic Pass membership, granting annual passholders free access alongside 80-plus partner resorts across Switzerland and France. The 2025-26 season runs from 13 December 2025 through 6 April 2026, with lifts operating daily 8:45am to 4pm subject to snow and weather conditions. Adult day passes cost CHF 68, with discounted beginner passes at CHF 26 covering the gondola, La Cuvette area and Turin lift, whilst children under six ski free when passing turnstiles with an accompanying adult. The resort suits intermediate families seeking reliable sunshine, manageable terrain and proximity to Sion, whilst midweek visits outside school holidays deliver near-empty pistes.
904m
Vertical
27
Runs
58 km
Piste
2.7m
Annual snow
The Terrain
27 runs across 58 km of piste
Sunshine and rolling reds define Anzère, a compact Valais ski area facing south over the Rhône Valley. It offers 58 kilometres of piste across 27 runs and 904 metres of vertical, from 1,516 up to 2,420 metres. Intermediates dominate, with 64% of the terrain graded for them, alongside 21% beginner and 15% advanced and nothing rated expert. That makes it a comfortable place to build confidence on long, flowing runs without feeling cramped. The aspect brings plenty of sun but also means the snow can soften quickly in warm spells, so mornings are usually the best skiing of the day.
Pas de Maimbré is the main gateway to the mountain, with a view across the valley to a line of 4,000-metre peaks. From there the Piste des Masques runs about 5 kilometres back towards the village and is the longest descent in the area, while Le Bâté, the highest lift-served point, opens up the more technical Les Rousses sector. Freeriders can find some off-piste options below the Les Rousses and Le Bâté lifts, though the choice is limited. It suits families and intermediate skiers who value sun, manageable terrain and quieter slopes outside school holidays.
Terrain split
27
runs
27 runs across 4 grades
Beginner6 runs · 21%
Intermediate17 runs · 64%
Advanced4 runs · 15%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Anzère
The 2025-26 winter season operates from 13 December 2025 through 6 April 2026, with lift hours set at 8:45am to 4pm daily subject to snow and weather conditions. Early opening occasionally occurs from late November when snowfall permits, whilst the Magic Carpet at Village Square runs 19 December 2025 through 22 March 2026 from 9am to 4pm for beginners. The resort typically opens mid-December and closes mid-April annually, delivering a four-month operating window that capitalises on Valais snowfall patterns and the south-facing elevation advantage from 1,516 to 2,420 metres.
Anzère receives 4.3 metres of average annual snowfall across the ski area, with natural accumulation supplemented by 84 snow cannons covering 10 kilometres of key piste including lower altitude runs and village connections. The south-facing aspect delivers exceptional sunshine but accelerates melt during warm periods, making snowmaking critical for season-long base coverage below 2,000 metres. Peak season base depths average 80 centimetres, with the 2025-26 season recording 150 centimetres on-mountain and 20 centimetres at village level by mid-March, demonstrating reliable mid-winter conditions at upper elevations.
January through March delivers optimal powder conditions when storm cycles from the northwest dump fresh snow across the Valais Alps, whilst December and April offer variable coverage dependent on temperature patterns. Spring skiing develops from mid-March onwards as daytime sun softens south-facing piste into corn snow by afternoon, rewarding early morning sessions before surfaces turn heavy. Midweek visits from Monday to Thursday outside school holidays guarantee near-empty slopes, a sharp contrast to weekend congestion when Sion residents flood the resort just 20 minutes from the cantonal capital.
The resort calendar remains light on major events compared to larger Valais destinations, though night ski touring operates on the Masques piste for motivated climbers seeking after-hours vertical. Anzère hosts occasional ski school competitions and regional race events throughout winter, whilst the resort's inclusion in the Magic Pass network attracts passholders exploring the 80-plus partner areas. The 4.1-kilometre cross-country trail at Gô forest provides Nordic skiing when snow permits, whilst marked ski touring routes to La Brune-Tsalan (450 metres ascent) and Rousses (670 metres ascent) serve backcountry enthusiasts.
Season 2026 - 2027
11 Dec 2026
Opens
4 Apr 2027
Closes
114
Days open
2.7 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Anzère
Daily snow reports at Anzère go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
160 cm
Snowiest day
24 Dec 2023
54 cm
This winter · 2026-27
so far
272 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Anzère, and where to stay
Anzère occupies a south-facing plateau at 1,500 metres elevation in the municipality of Ayent, Valais canton, southwest Switzerland, positioned 15 kilometres from Sion on the north side of the Rhône River valley. The purpose-built resort sits above the valley floor with unobstructed views across to 4,000-metre peaks including the Bishorn, Weisshorn, Dent d'Hérens and Mont Blanc visible from Pas de Maimbré on clear days. Larch and pine forests surround the village, which emerged from a collection of five chalets in the 1960s to become a compact ski destination characterised by architectural cohesion uncommon in Alpine resorts developed during that era.
Sion, the Valais capital with extensive rail connections and commercial services, lies 20 minutes downvalley by road, whilst the larger resort of Crans-Montana sits 16 kilometres northwest across the Rhône Valley. The municipality of Ayent encompasses Anzère alongside traditional mayens (alpine pastures) and the Bisse d'Ayent irrigation channel, part of the historic suonen system dating to the 15th century that funnelled water across the dry Valais slopes. Geneva, Switzerland's second city, lies 160 kilometres west with Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) positioned between.
Road access follows a winding mountain route climbing from the Rhône Valley via either Ayent or Arbaz, both connecting to the A9 motorway running the length of Valais from Lake Geneva to Brig. Drive time from Sion measures 20 minutes under normal conditions, whilst Geneva requires approximately two hours via the A9 and A1 motorways covering 160 kilometres. Lausanne sits 80 minutes west, and parking at Anzère includes free village lots connected by complimentary shuttle buses, plus paid parking at the gondola base and Les Rousses where enforcement issues fines for non-payment particularly during weekends.
Geneva International Airport, the primary gateway at 136 kilometres distance, offers two-hour train connections to Sion via direct Swiss Federal Railways services departing hourly, followed by bus transfer to Anzère. Sion Airport operates 30 kilometres from the resort handling limited commercial traffic, whilst Bern Airport lies three hours distant. Public transport from Sion station to Anzère runs via bus services operated through Ayent or Arbaz routes, depositing passengers at the central Place du Village with ski-in access to lifts and amenities within the pedestrianised core.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Anzère, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Anzère's ski season?
Anzère's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from December 11 through April 4. That window is roughly 114 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Switzerland, Europe often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Anzère have?
Anzère lists about 58 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 27 named runs. That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Anzère?
Trail grading at Anzère breaks down roughly as 21% beginner, 64% intermediate, 15% advanced. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Blue/Red) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Anzère have?
Anzère operates 13 lifts across 7 lift types. The fleet includes 4 t-bars, 3 surface lifts, 2 quad chairs, 1 gondola, 1 8-person chair, 1 triple chair, and 1 double chair.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Anzère?
Base elevation at Anzère is about 1,516 m (4,974 ft), with the summit around 2,420 m (7,940 ft), giving roughly 904 m (2,966 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Anzère get each season?
Anzère averages about 272 cm (107 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Where can I buy Anzère lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans CHF 20 to CHF 68, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (multi-day passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Anzère before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 5 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Anzère so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Anzère have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Anzère. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Anzère located?
Anzère sits in Switzerland, Europe. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
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