The wild Val d'Anniviers reveals its winter treasures at Grimentz/Zinal, where 115km of high-altitude terrain reaches elevations of 2,900m against a dramatic backdrop of 4,000m peaks. What makes this area extraordinary is its combination of serious skiing credentials with authentic village atmospheres untouched by mass tourism development. Grimentz charms visitors with its centuries-old timber buildings blackened by the Alpine sun, while Zinal maintains its mountain guide heritage at the valley's end. Between them stretches remarkable terrain ranging from gentle learning zones to challenging blacks and legendary off-piste descents through ancient larch forests—all enhanced by exceptional snow quality preserved on predominantly north-facing slopes.
Total Runs
40
Total Area
115km
71.5 miles
The 2014 completion of the Grimentz-Zinal cable car—an engineering achievement spanning 3.5km across the Gougra gorge—transformed these previously separate resorts into a compelling unified destination. This modern connection stands as the centerpiece of a 20-installation network efficiently serving both sectors with minimal waiting even during peak periods. From valley floors to panoramic summits, vertical drops exceeding 1,000m deliver satisfying descents across diverse skiing zones with remarkable snow preservation. The lift system's intelligent design provides access to high-alpine terrain offering some of Switzerland's most consistent snow conditions throughout the season.
Total Lifts
22
Lift Types
7
Deep within southwestern Switzerland's French-speaking Valais canton, approximately 180km from Geneva and 30km from Sierre in the Rhône Valley, lies the remarkable Val d'Anniviers housing both Grimentz and Zinal. The dramatic Gougra gorge physically separates these authentic mountain communities while creating their distinct characters—Grimentz with its medieval village core and Zinal with its end-of-valley mountaineering heritage. This isolated position preserved traditional Valais culture evident in dark-timbered buildings, narrow lanes, and distinctive local customs. Among these traditions, the ceremonial production of Glacier Wine stands out, aging in larch wood barrels stored in village cellars and served only on special occasions in this captivating Alpine enclave.
