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Snow-sure resort
Stunning views
Traditional charm
Hidden gem
Off-piste skiing
Off-slope activitiesSnow-sure resortStunning viewsTraditional charmHidden gemOff-piste skiingOff-slope activitiesSnow-sure resortStunning viewsTraditional charmHidden gemOff-piste skiingOff-slope activitiesSnow-sure resortStunning viewsTraditional charmHidden gemOff-piste skiingOff-slope activitiesZinal is a traditional Valaisan village in the Swiss Alps, with a raw, mountain-first character that sets it apart from the big-name resorts. At 1,670m, it sits at the head of the Val d'Anniveiers beneath a ring of four-thousanders, including the Weisshorn and Zinalrothorn, giving it a dramatic, almost amphitheatre-like setting. For skiers who want an authentic Swiss mountain experience during their holiday, Zinal delivers with quiet streets, timber chalets, and fresh Alpine air in an intimate setting.
Part of the Grimentz-Zinal ski area, the resort shares 115km of pistes across 40 runs served by 21 lifts, including gondolas and high-speed chairs. Terrain rises to 2,880m, and the altitude keeps snow cover reliable through a season that typically runs from early December to mid-April. The vertical drop of nearly 1,600m is impressive, with long descents through varied terrain from open alpine bowls to forested lower slopes. A terrain park adds something for freestyle riders, and the connection between Zinal and Grimentz gives you the freedom to explore two distinct mountainsides in a single day.
Away from the slopes, Zinal keeps things simple and charming. A handful of restaurants serve hearty Valaisan cooking, with raclette, fondues, and local wines from the Anniviers valley. There's no wild nightlife here, instead, après-ski means a quiet drink by a fire or an evening walk under the stars. This is a place where you can genuinely switch off and focus on the mountains.
Check out Zinal ski deals to start planning your trip.
Zinal is a traditional Valaisan village in the Swiss Alps, with a raw, mountain-first character that sets it apart from the big-name resorts. At 1,670m, it sits at the head of the Val d'Anniveiers beneath a ring of four-thousanders, including the Weisshorn and Zinalrothorn, giving it a dramatic, almost amphitheatre-like setting. For skiers who want an authentic Swiss mountain experience during their holiday, Zinal delivers with quiet streets, timber chalets, and fresh Alpine air in an intimate setting.
Part of the Grimentz-Zinal ski area, the resort shares 115km of pistes across 40 runs served by 21 lifts, including gondolas and high-speed chairs. Terrain rises to 2,880m, and the altitude keeps snow cover reliable through a season that typically runs from early December to mid-April. The vertical drop of nearly 1,600m is impressive, with long descents through varied terrain from open alpine bowls to forested lower slopes. A terrain park adds something for freestyle riders, and the connection between Zinal and Grimentz gives you the freedom to explore two distinct mountainsides in a single day.
Away from the slopes, Zinal keeps things simple and charming. A handful of restaurants serve hearty Valaisan cooking, with raclette, fondues, and local wines from the Anniviers valley. There's no wild nightlife here, instead, après-ski means a quiet drink by a fire or an evening walk under the stars. This is a place where you can genuinely switch off and focus on the mountains.
Check out Zinal ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding in Zinal feels spacious and varied. From the top of the Sorebois sector at 2,880m, the runs sweep down in long, satisfying descents that make the most of the 1,600m vertical, where you can look out across a panorama of glaciers. Up at that altitude, snow tends to stay cold and consistent, and the mountain has a natural, uncrowded feel.
Zinal's connection with Grimentz doubles your terrain options. On the Grimentz side, you'll find a different personality with more sheltered, tree-lined runs compared to Zinal's wide-open bowls. Together, the two give you a skiing experience that keeps things interesting, whether you're carving groomers or hunting fresh tracks. The area's modern lift system moves efficiently, and even during busy weeks, queues are rarely an issue.
Since Zinal's strength lies in its longer, steeper terrain, it isn't the most obvious first choice for complete beginners. That said, the nursery area near the village base is a gentle, sheltered spot for first-timers to find their feet. When you're ready for more, you can venture higher up to manageable blue runs that let you progress at your own pace.
Zinal's quiet slopes mean less traffic and more space, making the learning experience more relaxed. If you're a new skier travelling with experienced friends, the Grimentz side has additional gentle terrain that's worth exploring.
WeSki insider tip: Head to the Grimentz side for more sheltered beginner-friendly blues among the trees. It's a confidence-boosting change of scenery from Zinal's exposed upper slopes.
Intermediates will find plenty to work with across the Grimentz-Zinal ski area. Reds from Sorebois are long and well-groomed, with enough pitch to keep things engaging without feeling overwhelming. The run back down to Zinal village is a particular highlight for intermediates, this is a sustained descent with changing terrain that tests your stamina and technique.
Crossing over to Grimentz opens up a different style of skiing. Here, you've got tree-lined runs with natural rollers and a more sheltered feel. Confident intermediates can start dipping into the area's easy blacks, which are considered doable with a bit of commitment. The variety between the two sides means you won't run out of new runs to try during a week's stay.
WeSki insider tip: Ski the Zinal valley descent in the morning when the snow is freshly groomed. By afternoon, the lower section can get soft in the sun.
Zinal's upper terrain is where the resort comes into its own for strong skiers. Black runs from the Sorebois summit are steep, sustained, and often hold excellent snow thanks to the north-facing aspect. Off-piste options open up across the whole mountain, with couloirs and powder fields accessible from the ridgeline that reward those willing to hike or traverse.
The famous Piste de l'Ours is a local favourite – a wonderfully challenging, mogul-strewn run that demands commitment from top to bottom. For those looking beyond the piste markers, the Val d'Anniviers has a long tradition of ski touring, and guided itineraries can take you deep into terrain that feels remote.
WeSki insider tip: After fresh snowfall, the north-facing slopes off the Sorebois ridge hold powder for days. But make sure to go early, as locals know these stashes well.
Zinal's wide-open terrain and long descents suit snowboarders well. Natural features, like rollers, banks, and open powder fields, make for satisfying freeriding, and the terrain park provides jumps and rails for freestyle sessions. Linking between Zinal and Grimentz means you can ride varied terrain all day, from open bowls to tree runs. Just watch out for flat sections on connecting runs, which can sometimes catch boarders out.
The Val d'Anniviers is a quietly respected area for off-piste skiing, and Zinal sits right at its heart. From the top of the lifts, you'll have accessible powder fields and couloirs that range from gentle off-piste excursions to serious, committing descents. Hiring a local mountain guide is recommended for the best and safest experience, since they'll know where the snow is holding and which lines are in condition.
Ski schools in Zinal provide group and private lessons for all ages and levels. English-speaking instructors are available, which is helpful given the resort's French-speaking setting. Whether you're just starting to learn, need a confidence boost on reds, or want to explore off-piste with guidance, lessons can be arranged locally.
The Grimentz-Zinal ski area features a terrain park with jumps, rails, and boxes suited to different ability levels. It's a well-maintained setup that gives freestylers a dedicated space to progress, and its position on the mountain means the snow stays in good shape through the season.
Zinal has a naturally unhurried quality that works well for families. The village is small, safe, and easy to navigate, with very little traffic and a walkable feel that lets children roam freely. For parents, the appeal is straightforward: a stress-free environment where you can ski varied terrain while knowing the kids are well looked after. The compact layout means pick-ups and drop-offs at ski school are simple, and the evenings are quiet enough to enjoy a fondue together without the noise and bustle of a larger resort.
Young children can learn on the nursery slopes near the village base, where the quieter atmosphere means less crowding and more space to build confidence. Local providers run kids' ski lessons, and childcare options are available for the youngest members of the group. Older children and teenagers will enjoy the longer descents and the terrain park, while the link to Grimentz adds a real sense of adventure, as skiing between two resorts in a day feels like a proper expedition for younger skiers.
Off the slopes, there's more to Zinal than its size might suggest. Tobogganing and snowshoeing are popular family activities, and the winter walking trails through the valley floor offer an easy outing with spectacular views up towards the four-thousanders. The village's restaurants are relaxed and welcoming to families, with hearty Valaisan dishes like raclette and fondue that tend to go down well with all ages. It's the kind of place where a rest day feels just as rewarding as a day on the mountain.
Zinal's setting, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Alps makes it a rewarding place to spend time off the slopes. Whether you're a non-skier in the group or just fancy a rest day, the valley's natural beauty and quiet trails provide plenty of reasons to step outside.
Beyond the pistes, Zinal's dramatic Alpine setting provides a brilliant backdrop for winter activities. Many of these experiences take advantage of the valley's natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere:
For days off the mountain, the Val d'Anniviers offers a mix of relaxation, culture, and gentle exploration that suits the valley's quieter character:
Dining in Zinal reflects the village's traditional Valaisan roots. Expect hearty mountain cooking, local cheeses, and wines from the valley, served in cosy, wood-panelled settings. The restaurant scene is small but reliable, with a handful of spots that locals and returning visitors recommend:
WeSki insider tip: Try the local Anniviers raclette made with cheese from the valley's own alpine dairies. Paired with a glass of Fendant from the nearby Sierre vineyards, it's a simple, perfect mountain meal.
If you're looking for a quieter, more traditional après experience, Zinal gets it right. Zinal's après-ski scene is laid-back and low-key, matching the village's quiet character.
This isn't a resort for all-night partying, rather it's the kind of place where you'll wind down with a vin chaud on a sun terrace after the last run, or settle into a bar for a local beer and conversation. The bars in the village each have their own personality, from slope-side terraces to cosy indoor spots. Evenings tend to be relaxed, and the atmosphere is friendly and social.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Zinal is typically traditional and unpretentious, where you'll find a mix of small hotels, self-catering apartments, and chalets. Hotels tend towards the comfortable three- and four-star range, often family-run with a personal touch. Apartments are a popular choice for families and groups who want the flexibility of self-catering, and several chalets are available for those who prefer more space.
The overall feel here is quiet and residential, with accommodation that matches the village's relaxed, mountain-focused character. Most options are within a short walk of the lifts and village centre. The village is compact – everything is about ten minutes away on foot – so location is less of a concern than in larger resorts.
The main Val d'Anniviers ski pass covers the combined Grimentz-Zinal ski area, giving access to all 21 lifts and 115km of pistes across both resorts. Multi-day passes are available and provide the best value for a week's skiing.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Zinal ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Rental shops in Zinal carry a full range of ski and snowboard equipment, from beginner packages to performance-level gear. Booking ahead is recommended during peak weeks, and collecting your equipment the evening before your first day on the slopes saves time in the morning.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Zinal, letting you book ahead and add equipment to your package so you can collect on arrival. Browse Zinal ski deals to build your perfect trip.
Zinal is small enough to walk everywhere comfortably. The village stretches along the valley floor, and the main lifts, restaurants, and shops are all within easy reach on foot.
A ski bus connects Zinal with Grimentz and other villages in the Val d'Anniviers, running regular circuits throughout the day. This is useful if you want to start your day from the Grimentz side or explore the wider valley. Evening transport is more limited, so it's worth checking schedules if you're planning dinner in a neighbouring village.
The closest major airport to Zinal is Geneva, around 220km away. Zurich airport is another option at roughly 260km. From Geneva, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours via the motorway to Sierre, then up the Val d'Anniviers.
You can also travel by train to Sierre and connect by PostBus to the valley. The road up to Zinal is well maintained but winding, so winter tyres or chains are essential.
WeSki provides car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Zinal. Add them to your Zinal ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Zinal is best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers, with the majority of its terrain leaning towards reds and blacks. There is a nursery area and some manageable blue runs, so beginners can certainly learn here, but the resort doesn't have the breadth of gentle terrain you'd find in purpose-built beginner resorts. If your group has mixed abilities, beginners can start in Zinal while more confident skiers explore the wider Grimentz-Zinal area.
Zinal and Grimentz share the same ski pass and are linked on the mountain, but each has a distinct personality. Zinal's slopes are more open and exposed, with steeper terrain and bigger vertical drops. Grimentz tends to be more sheltered, with tree-lined runs and a slightly gentler profile. The two together create a well-rounded ski area, and skiing between them in a day is one of the highlights of a ski holiday here.
With skiing up to 2,880m and a north-facing aspect on many of its key runs, Zinal holds snow well through the season. The typical season runs from early December to mid-April. Higher slopes tend to stay in excellent condition even during warmer spells, while lower terrain can soften later in the day as temperatures rise.
One of Zinal's biggest strengths is its quiet slopes. The resort doesn't attract the volume of visitors that larger Swiss resorts do, so lift queues are minimal and the pistes feel spacious. Even during Swiss school holidays, the atmosphere stays relaxed compared to higher-profile destinations.
Geneva is approximately 220km from Zinal. The drive takes around two and a half hours via the motorway to Sierre, then up the Val d'Anniviers road. Alternatively, you can take the train from Geneva to Sierre (about two hours) and connect by PostBus to Zinal. WeSki provides private transfers from Geneva, which you can add to your Zinal ski holiday package for a hassle-free journey.
Zinal's quiet, compact village makes it a good choice for families who value a safe, low-key environment. There are ski lessons for children, childcare options, and activities like tobogganing and snowshoeing. The village is easy to walk around, and the relaxed atmosphere means it's a stress-free base for a family ski holiday. Keep in mind that the ski terrain is stronger for intermediates and above, so families with very young beginners may find the gentle terrain more limited than at larger, purpose-built resorts.
The two resorts are linked at altitude, so you can ski between them during the day. The lift pass covers both sides. A ski bus also connects the villages at valley level, which is handy if you want to start from one side and finish at the other, or explore the village on the opposite end of the valley.
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