Tour of the Val d’Anniviers: Zinal–Grimentz (stage 3)
Zinal
5/14°
A hike between two valleys: from the Val de Zinal over a pass to the Moiry dam and reservoir, followed by a descent of the wild Val de Moiry and picturesque Grimentz.
Difficulty
DifficultLength
14.36 kmDuration
4:30 h
Description
This hike starts at the top of the Zinal - Sorebois cable car, with a superb view of the Imperial Crown. The path climbs along steep slopes to reach the Sorebois pass, before descending into the Val de Moiry. Below, the Moiry dam holds back the turquoise waters of the lake, fed by the Moiry glacier, nestled at the bottom of the valley. Near the dam, a restaurant with a panoramic terrace, a via ferrata and guided tours of the interior of the dam await you. The second part of the hike is a long and beautiful descent through pastures and forests into the Val de Moiry to Grimentz.
Turn-by-turn directions
The route begins at the top station of the Zinal–Sorebois cable car (2,438 m). From here, the trail climbs steadily up the south-western slopes of the Corne de Sorebois, but bypasses the summit itself for the Col de Sorebois (2,835 m).
From here, a steady zigzag descent leads down to the Moiry dam (2,250 m) where the restaurant with its sunny terrace offers a welcome stop for refreshments.
The trail leads across the crest of the dam before dropping down into the valley below. For the second half of the hike, the trail leads northwards, steadily descending the Val de Moiry, crossing the river La Gougra twice before arriving in Grimentz.
For a longer and more demanding hike, skip the cable car from Zinal to Sorebois and hike up instead.
Start
Zinal-Sorebois cable car summit station (2,438 m) (1663m)
Destination
Grimentz village (1,558 m) (1588m)
Author's recommendation
The Anniviers Liberté pass offers a 50% discount on the funicular and free travel on the PostBus as well as certain activities.
Technical information
Altitude
2856m
1586m
Ascent
+1195m
Descent
-1270m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Train to Sierre, then PostBus to Zinal (change at Vissoie). At end of the hike, bus from Grimentz to Sierre (change at Vissoie). See full timetable information at sbb.ch.
Approach
A9 motorway, exit 29 (Sierre-Est), follow signs for Val d’Anniviers. In the village of Vissoie, continue in direction of Zinal.
Parking
Park in Vissoie, take the PostBus to the start of the hike in Zinal. At the end of the walk, take the bus from Grimentz back to Vissoie.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
