At an altitude of 1,670 m, Zinal lies at the end of the Val d’Anniviers, where the valley leads into the Zinal valley. The village sits at the foot of the Imperial Crown and is surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Alps. Those choosing Zinal for a stay will find a range of ways to explore the area: village history, a former copper mine and trails with very different focuses.
Village History and Heritage
Before Zinal became a holiday resort, it was a Mayen village. The Anniviards would stop in the village with their herds before continuing to the high-altitude alpine pastures. From 1860 onwards, Zinal became increasingly associated with the rise of mountaineering; tourism has been part of village life for 150 years. Zinal is also the annual setting for the Sierre-Zinal mountain race, also called the “Race of the Five 4,000ers.”
The Maison du Remuage is a small museum dating from 1768 and is considered a typical example of an earlier dwelling. The upper floor contains period furniture and everyday objects from that time. Photographs from the late 19th century are displayed in the cellar. The same house thus brings together a glimpse of earlier domestic life and historical photographs.
The La Lée copper mine lies above Zinal. It was discovered in Mount La Lée in 1832, is located at an altitude of 1,937 m and comprises a total of 500 m of tunnels dug by hand. Allow approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to walk from Zinal to the mine. Check current visitor access before making plans.
Hiking Trails and High-Altitude Destinations
The Zinal–Sorebois hiking route has an easy option recommended for families. For the family-friendly option, take the cable car to Sorebois and then hike down to Zinal along the route in approximately two hours. The more demanding option climbs uphill through forest and alpine pastures. The routes described therefore differ in direction and terrain: one begins with a cable car ride and continues on foot downhill, while the other climbs through forest and pastureland.
Another destination is the Corne de Sorebois: the Trail Vertical de Sorebois starts in Zinal and leads there to just under 3,000 m. For a different kind of mountain experience, mountain-cart rides are available on the trails of Sorebois in summer and autumn. The descent runs from Espace Weisshorn to the Restaurant de Sorebois; the carts can be picked up at the top station of the Zinal–Sorebois–Espace Weisshorn gondola. This activity is weather-dependent, and the lift operates seasonally. Check operating status before travelling.
A guided glacier-cave excursion begins with an informative snowshoe hike and leads into a natural glacier cave. The bluish shimmering ice is part of a fleeting formation that changes over the years. Suitable weather conditions are required for the excursion.
Plants, Winter Activities and Family Fun
The guided botanical hike on the Plats de la Lée in Zinal takes place seasonally and teaches participants how to identify edible and medicinal mountain plants. Gathering the plants and their traditional and scientific uses are also covered on the seasonal hike. On a seasonal guided tour of the medicinal plant garden, visitors can observe, touch, smell and even taste medicinal plants. At the seasonal “From the Garden to the Bottle” experience day, participants can create a personal perfume from essential oils. Check the programme dates in advance.
Minigliss is a ski slope in the centre of Zinal that is open to everyone and does not require a ski pass. Beginners of all ages can practise skiing or snowboarding there. At the unsupervised natural ice rink, visitors can play Curlcharlette, a game inspired by curling. Check seasonal winter opening in advance and confirm what equipment is needed for Curlcharlette.
At an altitude of 2,440 m, the Sorebois playground is right next to the mountain restaurant. Lift access is seasonal, so take this into account when planning. La Nuit des Mélèzes is a seasonal winter programme: a magical walk through the forest, with lanterns along the route. Check the dates for your travel period. A guided village tour also introduces visitors to Zinal’s history and heritage through the knowledge of dedicated local residents. Before making plans, check whether the tour is offered on your travel dates and in which language.
Discover more destinations: Grimentz.
Go to the main travel overview: Anniviers.
