Trail running

Via Valais Cabane de Moiry - Zinal (Stage 5)

Zwischen der Cabane de Moiry und Zinal

Zinal

More than 1,000 metres of positive gradient and 2,000 metres of negative gradient for this fifth leg, which goes around the mountain range separating Moiry from Zinal.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

22.71 km

Duration

4:40 h

Description

From the Moiry hut, go back on the path on which you arrived the day before. After a two-kilometre descent, when the path intersect, follow the direction of Fêta d'Août de Châteaupré and walk along the entire length of the lake below. A short ascent then takes you to the Sorebois pass, which is the route into the Zinal valley. Don’t miss the view of the Zinalrothorn, the Weisshorn and the Dent Blanche, some of the impressive 4000-metre peaks in the Val d'Anniviers. Cross the mountain pastures where black-nosed sheep graze and make your way through the rocks to Crevache. The path descends steeply for 1,200 metres to the valley, then follows the Navizence River directly to Zinal. This is the first night you not spent in a hut, so enjoy a good shower and visit this welcoming mountain village.

Turn-by-turn directions

From Moiry hut, go back down the path on which you arrived the day before to an intersection, and head for Feta d'Août de Châteaupré. Walk along the hillside overlooking the entire Lac de Moiry, then go up to the Col de Sorebois, which you cross before heading towards Zinal valley, where a long descent awaits you. Once you reach the banks of the Navizence, cross it and follow the path on the east side of the river to the village of Zinal itself.

 

Cabane de Moiry - Fêta d’Août de Châteaupré - Sorebois - Crevache - Zinal 

Start

Cabane de Moiry (2824m)

Destination

Zinal (1669m)

Author's recommendation

Be sure to stock up on food in Zinal. The next grocery store is in Randa, at the end of Leg 7.

Technical information

Altitude

2836m

1671m

Ascent

+755m

Descent

-1910m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

For the 1st Stage Via Valais : Take the train to Martigny station, then to Le Châble. Take a first gondola lift between Le Châble and Verbier, then a second one from Verbier to Les Ruinettes in order to get to the start of the trail.

Approach

For the 1st Stage Via Valais : Take the A9/E62 motorway to Martigny, then continue on the Grand-Saint-Bernard/route 21 via Sembrancher to Le Châble. It is advisable to use public transport however as this is a multi-leg route that ends in Zermatt.

Parking

For the 1st Stage Via Valais : 240 free parking spaces are available at the Le Châble Aerial Cableway station for a maximum of 10 days.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • Hat or peak cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Hiking poles

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

 

For all trails:

  • Use marked trails only, and take note of all signposting – for both your own safety as well as that of grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please treat other trail users, as well as the plants and animals, with respect.

 

For mountain trails:

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at high altitudes. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your trail carefully: take the fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season into consideration.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In case of uncertain weather conditions, turn back in good time.
  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Take note of warning signs indicating the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in Grimentz will provide information regarding trail running in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps:

1:50’000 : 5003 Mont Blanc – Grand Combin 

1:50’000 : 5006 Matterhorn – Mischabel

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion