Summary

Zinal is an old mountain village at the head of the splendid Val d’Anniviers, with stunning views and a small area of slopes that seem popular with families. It has less charm than the other four resorts in the valley, with newer, modern development appearing around the older core. The local ski area is reached by a single cable car on the outskirts of the village that takes you above the treeline – nearly all the runs are treeless. The local slopes are limited in extent for keen piste-bashers and runs are short, but suit intermediates well. And since 2013/14 Zinal’s slopes have been linked by a black piste to those of neighbouring Grimentz; there’s a cable car back to the heart of Zinal’s slopes. There is a good, snow-sure beginner area up the mountain, as well as fabulous off-piste opportunities.

Buses serve the other main ski area in the valley (notably St Luc, which has its own web page) but a car is a better bet for getting around.

Blogs, features and news

• Skiing a year ago today…
• One of our favourite ski resort hotels
• Two great days in Val d’Anniviers
• Magic Pass to include Saas-Fee
• Discounted Swiss ski passes are back