Hikes

Tour of the Val d’Anniviers: Zinal–Grimentz (stage 3)

Blick auf den Moiry Stauseee

Zinal

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

Intermediate

Length

14.36 km

Duration

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

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
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

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.

 

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)  

For certain walks:

  • Swimwear

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ 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 hikes:

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on «Print» icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out 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 offices in Zinal and Grimentz have got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1307 Vissoie / 1327 Evolène

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion