Switzerland, Europe
Grimentz/Zinal
1,330m vertical, 115km piste, 22 lifts linking Grimentz and Zinal. Northeast-facing terrain, Magic Pass access. Val d'Anniviers.
Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
7 Dec 2025
Closes
21 Apr 2026
Days open
135
Annual snow
4m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Grimentz/Zinal spans 1,570 to 2,900 metres across 115 kilometres of piste served by 22 lifts, with a vertical drop of 1,330 metres linking two authentic Valais villages 8 kilometres apart. The ski area opened in its current form in winter 2013/14 when a 3-kilometre aerial tramway connected the formerly separate sectors of Grimentz and Zinal. Terrain splits 23% beginner, 51% intermediate and 26% advanced across 40 runs, with northeast-facing slopes ensuring reliable snow coverage from early December through late April. Five 4,000-metre peaks form the Imperial Crown backdrop - Weisshorn at 4,505 metres, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Dent Blanche and Bishorn.
Beginner slopes cluster around Bendolla on the Grimentz side and Sorebois at Zinal, whilst intermediates spread across both sectors on wide, groomed bowls between 2,000 and 2,900 metres. Advanced terrain includes the 1,300-metre Lona black run at Grimentz and the 7-kilometre Chamois descent linking Zinal to Grimentz village. The Gardes de Bordon freeride zone at Zinal covers 100 hectares and includes Switzerland's first avalanche training centre, opened in 2014. Off-piste routes into Vallon d'Orzival drop 1,500 vertical metres to the hamlet of St Jean.
Grimentz village sits at 1,572 metres with dark timber chalets dating from the 15th century, whilst Zinal at 1,675 metres retains a quieter mountain character beneath the Imperial Crown cirque. Lift queues remain rare even during February half-term, and seven mountain restaurants serve the ski area including Espace Weisshorn at 2,700 metres. Snowmaking covers 30% of terrain with 250 cannons ensuring coverage on lower sections. The area attracts freeride skiers seeking untracked powder days after storms.
Daily lift passes cost CHF 72, rising to CHF 82 at peak periods, with the Val d'Anniviers pass adding St-Luc-Chandolin and Vercorin for CHF 89. Magic Pass holders access the resort as part of a CHF 459 season ticket covering 80 Swiss areas. Free ski buses link Grimentz, Zinal and neighbouring valleys throughout winter. The resort suits confident intermediates, advanced skiers and powder seekers, though limited mellow terrain restricts absolute beginners.
1330m
Vertical
40
Runs
115 km
Piste
4m
Annual snow
The Terrain
40 runs across 115 km of piste
Grimentz/Zinal spreads 40 runs across 115 km of piste of terrain. It leans intermediate at 51%, with 9 beginner runs to find your feet and 10 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
40
runs
40 runs across 4 grades
Beginner9 runs · 23%
Intermediate20 runs · 51%
Advanced10 runs · 26%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Grimentz/Zinal
The 2025/26 season runs 7 December 2025 through 21 April 2026, with weekend operations potentially starting mid-November in favourable snow conditions. Bendolla and Sorebois sectors typically open weekends from 15 November, transitioning to daily operations by early December. The season extends 19-20 weeks depending on snowpack, closing in mid-to-late April as spring temperatures rise. Altitude between 1,570 and 2,900 metres provides a 5-month operating window, longer than many mid-sized Swiss resorts.
Annual snowfall averages 430 centimetres across the ski area, with the resort recording 150-200 centimetres base depth each winter according to 10-year records. February delivers the heaviest precipitation with 30-plus centimetre storms occurring 3-4 times monthly from December through April. Northeast-facing terrain holds snow quality through spring, whilst 250 snowmaking units cover lower runs to Grimentz and Zinal villages. Base depths fluctuate from 20 centimetres early season to 60-165 centimetres by mid-winter, with summit zones retaining coverage into late April.
Optimal timing spans mid-January through mid-March when base depths exceed 100 centimetres and powder remains untracked for days after storms. February offers peak conditions but attracts school holiday crowds, whilst March balances snow quality with longer daylight and warmer temperatures. December and early January suit early-season enthusiasts, though coverage remains variable below 2,000 metres. April delivers spring corn snow on sunny slopes, with softer afternoon conditions. Quieter periods include early December, January outside holidays, and post-Easter April.
No major events disrupt normal operations, though the Sierre-Zinal mountain race passes through the valley each August. Night skiing does not operate at Grimentz/Zinal. The resort maintains a low-key calendar focused on daily operations rather than special programming. Avalanche training sessions run regularly at the Gardes de Bordon centre throughout winter for groups and ski schools.
Season 2025 - 2026
7 Dec 2025
Opens
21 Apr 2026
Closes
135
Days open
4 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Grimentz/Zinal, and where to stay
Grimentz/Zinal occupies the upper Val d'Anniviers, a side valley branching south from the Rhône near Sierre in canton Valais, southwest Switzerland. Grimentz sits at 1,572 metres on the western fork, whilst Zinal at 1,675 metres lies 11 kilometres southeast up the main valley beneath the Imperial Crown massif. The valley extends 30 kilometres from the Rhône, narrowing as it climbs through traditional Valaisan hamlets including Vissoie at 1,200 metres, where the road splits toward both resort villages. Surrounding peaks include five 4,000-metre summits forming an alpine amphitheatre above Zinal.
Sierre lies 27 kilometres north via winding mountain roads, serving as the valley's transport hub at 533 metres in the Rhône corridor. From Sierre, the route climbs 16 kilometres to Vissoie through switchbacks and narrow sections carved into steep valley walls. Beyond Vissoie, roads diverge - 7 kilometres west to Grimentz or 11 kilometres south to Zinal. The journey from Sierre takes 35-45 minutes by car or PostBus, with road conditions requiring winter tyres November through April. Other Val d'Anniviers villages include St-Luc, Chandolin and Vercorin, accessible via separate forks from the main valley road.
Road access from Geneva follows the A9 motorway east through the Rhône valley to the Sierre-Ouest exit, then Route 9 into Val d'Anniviers. The 185-kilometre drive takes 2 hours to Vissoie under normal conditions, adding 15-20 minutes to reach either village. From Zurich, the 260-kilometre route via Bern and the Lötschberg takes 3.5-4 hours. Roads narrow considerably above Sierre, with buses using both lanes on tight switchbacks. Parking exists at both village lift stations, with Zinal charging daily fees whilst Grimentz offers free spaces near the Bendolla gondola.
Geneva Airport sits 185 kilometres west, with hourly direct trains to Sierre/Siders taking 2 hours 15 minutes. Zurich Airport lies 260 kilometres northeast, requiring train changes via Bern for a 3.5-hour journey. From Sierre station, PostBus route 451 serves Vissoie every hour, requiring a change to routes toward Grimentz or Zinal with journey times totalling 45-60 minutes. Free ski buses circulate between Val d'Anniviers resorts during winter, though services to outer villages run infrequently. Private transfer operators including Taxi Anniviers serve both airports, whilst car rental desks operate at Geneva and Zurich terminals.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Grimentz/Zinal, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
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Lift tickets
9 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 18–64
Adult Full Day
CHF 72up to CHF 82 peak
Full day skiing at Grimentz-Zinal in authentic Val d'Anniviers villages. 115km of slopes connecting Switzerland's most beautiful villages with spectacular 4000m peak views.
Buy passYouth 13–17
Youth Full Day
CHF 58up to CHF 66 peak
Youth skiing in Grimentz-Zinal surrounded by Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, and Dent Blanche peaks. Connected by one of Switzerland's longest cable cars for easy resort access.
Buy passChild 6–12
Child Full Day
CHF 44up to CHF 50 peak
Children's skiing in Switzerland's most beautiful villages with gentle learning slopes and dramatic mountain scenery. Family-friendly resort with traditional Alpine charm.
Buy passChild 0–5
Child (Under 6)
Free
Free skiing for children under 6 at Grimentz-Zinal. Perfect family destination in authentic Swiss villages with spectacular views of famous four-thousander peaks.
Buy passSenior 65–99
Senior Full Day
CHF 58up to CHF 66 peak
Senior skiing at Grimentz-Zinal with 1350m vertical drop and northeast-facing terrain for reliable snow. Peaceful alternative to crowded Swiss resorts.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Val d'Anniviers Pass
CHF 89up to CHF 99 peak
Multi-resort pass including Grimentz-Zinal, St-Luc/Chandolin and Vercorin ski areas with free local bus transport throughout the scenic Val d'Anniviers region.
Buy passAdult 18–64
VIP Pass
CHF 72up to CHF 82 peak
Exchangeable pass for couples with young children - parents can alternate skiing while one stays with children under 6. Perfect family solution at Val d'Anniviers.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 18–64
6-Day Pass
CHF 345up to CHF 375 peak
Six-day skiing in Grimentz-Zinal with substantial savings over daily rates. Extended stays in Switzerland's Imperial Crown region with uncrowded slopes.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 18–64
Magic Pass
CHF 459
Season pass valid at Grimentz-Zinal and 80 other destinations. Excellent value for extensive Swiss Alps skiing with access to authentic mountain villages.
Buy passGrimentz/Zinal lift tickets & passes
The 2025 - 2026 season at Grimentz/Zinal closed on Apr 21, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from CHF 44, with peak rates up to CHF 99.
Lift tickets FAQ
How much does a Grimentz/Zinal day pass cost?
Grimentz/Zinal day passes range from CHF 44 to CHF 99 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Grimentz/Zinal lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Grimentz/Zinal lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Grimentz/Zinal, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Grimentz/Zinal lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Grimentz/Zinal - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Grimentz/Zinal lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Grimentz/Zinal offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Grimentz/Zinal directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Grimentz/Zinal.
More Grimentz/Zinal intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.