Tucked deep in the Val d’Anniviers at an altitude of 1,670 m (5,479 ft) , Zinal is a small, traditional mountain village with breathtaking high Alpine scenery. Towering 4,000 m (13,123 ft) peaks, collectively known as the Imperial Crown, surround the resort, giving it a quiet but dramatic character that appeals equally to families, freeriders, and anyone seeking unspoilt Swiss charm. Whether you’re here to carve sweeping pistes or venture off‑piste in the legendary Garde de Bordon area, Zinal is a place that invites you to slow down, admire nature at its purest, and leave feeling reinvigorated.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your perfect Zinal ski holiday, from resort highlights and terrain for all levels, to dining, après‑ski, and family activities.
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Zinal sits at the end of the Val d’Anniviers in the Swiss canton of Valais, about halfway between Verbier and Zermatt as the crow flies. The nearest major hub is Sierre, approximately 27 km/16 mi away, where you can connect by bus or car for the final climb into the valley.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-altitude terrain | Relatively limited nightlife |
| Authentic Swiss village atmosphere | Not a huge piste mileage unless you add the full Val d’Anniviers pass |
| World-class off-piste | Fewer “après-ski” hotspots |
| Links with Grimentz | n/a |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Zinal has to offer.
Zinal’s slopes extend from just above the village to nearly 3,000 m (9,842 ft), ensuring excellent natural snow cover, further boosted by modern snowmaking. In 2013, a 125 seat cable car linked Zinal to Grimentz, creating a combined Grimentz–Zinal domain of around 115 km/71 mi. Most pistes face north or northeast, preserving snow quality and offering long descents, some notably steep. Meanwhile, further variety awaits across the Val d’Anniviers (220 km/136 mi total), accessed via bus or car connections to resorts like St‑Luc/Chandolin and Vercorin.
Zinal caters well to learners with Minigliss areas at the village base and mid‑mountain in Sorebois, both equipped with magic carpets. These gentle, enclosed zones are free to use and provide an easy introduction for kids and adult novices alike. For a wider range of easy blues, the link to Grimentz offers additional beginner slopes around Bendolla.
Enjoy abundant reds above treeline, with minimal queues and wide grooming. A highlight is the run from Sorebois over to Grimentz, which passes the steep start of the Piste du Chamois. This multi‑sector layout lets you rack up mileage across the combined 115 km/71 mi Grimentz–Zinal domain.
Zinal offers a satisfying challenge for advanced skiers. The top stations around Espace Weisshorn boast steep black runs and couloirs, with sustained pitches that demand both skill and confidence. Snow conditions usually stay consistent thanks to the north‑facing slopes, letting you push your limits on groomed terrain without the crowds found in larger resorts.
For freeriders, Zinal is a dream come true. The Garde de Bordon sector features 100 ha (247 ac) of marked freeride terrain that opens when avalanche risk is below level 3, while Corne de Sorebois offers easy access powder lines just a short traverse from the lifts. Days after a storm, untracked bowls and gullies remain, especially in this lesser‑known corner of the Val d’Anniviers. If you’re keen to explore deeper routes, hire a UIAGM certified guide. An Avalanche Training Centre near the slopes allows you to practise beacon searches and hone essential safety skills before heading off‑piste.
The Grimentz–Zinal area hosts a main snowpark near the Orzival lift (Grimentz) with jumps, boxes, and rails, plus a smaller kids’ zone. Zinal itself excels in freeride-friendly open faces, ideal if you prefer natural hits over man-made features.
The ski season in Zinal for 2024/25 started on December 7th and it's expected to run until April 21st, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Zinal, be sure to explore our Zinal deals for the best ski offers available.
Zinal offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 34 cm (13.3 in) and 35 cm (13.7 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.4 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall decreases to 32 cm (12.5 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.8 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in Zinal, with an impressive 47 cm (18.5 in) of snow over 4.5 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 28 cm (11.0 in) of snow over 3.8 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 34 cm (13.3 in) | 3.5 days |
| January | 35 cm (13.7 in) | 3.4 days |
| February | 32 cm (12.5 in) | 3.8 days |
| March | 34 cm (13.3 in) | 4.1 days |
| April | 28 cm (11.0 in) | 3.8 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Despite its modest size, Zinal offers cosy dining spots both in the village and on the mountain. Highlights include:
Zinal’s nightlife is generally low‑key, but there are a few fun spots to grab a drink and share ski stories. Highlights include:
Download Grimentz-Zinal piste map here
