October 15

VAL D’ANNIVIERS: SWISS MOUNTAIN ALL YEAR ROUND. FROM SIERRE-ZINAL TO ALPINE SKI.

Posted by Héctor Rubio on October 15, 2021 in alps, switzerland, trail running spain | Leave a comment

VAL D’ANNIVIERS: SWISS MOUNTAIN ALL YEAR ROUND. FROM SIERRE-ZINAL TO ALPINE SKI. Our ALPS section presents a destination of special interest. This area has been hosting mountaineers and hikers from all over the world for 150 years.

And as you all know, this summer it celebrated the 48th edition of the Sierre Zinal mountain race. Although this race is today the icon of the valley, there are today much more things every day of the year.

VAL D’ANNIVIERS: SWISS MOUNTAIN ALL YEAR ROUND

VALAIS ALPS, SWITZERLAND.

The Val d’Anniviers is a side valley of the Valais marked by a strong cultural tradition. From Sierre, in the Rhône valley, to the top of the climbing village of Grimentz stretches a series of authentic mountain villages with their old sunburned wooden houses.

Val d’Anniviers (German: Eifischtal), with its rugged alpine landscapes, is one of the seven great side valleys of the Valais. After our recent experience in it, we are also sure that it is one that is worth visiting, at any time of the year.

In the vicinity of Sierre, the valley faces south of the Rhône valley and at the top is divided into two tributary valleys: the Val de Moiry, to the west, and the Zinal valley, to the east. This has been our chosen in the recent visit.

The end of the valley is dominated by a splendid mountain range called “Grande Couronne” (Great Crown), which includes no less than five four thousand: Weisshorn (4,506m) Zinalrothorn (4,221m) Obergabelhor (4,063m), Matterhorn (4,478m) and Dent Blanche. (4.357m)

Vistapuronne. Photo: Mayayo.

VAL D’ANNIVIERS: HISTORY AND LIVING VILLAGES.

The culture of the valley was marked for centuries by its pastoral Alpine economy. The houses, barns, churches, chapels and old mills burned by the intense sun bring to mind traditions and crafts of yesteryear. Many of them can be visited. And if it comes to traditions, you can not leave aside the typical cow fights of the Valais.

Among its most outstanding villages, we can point out:

Chandolin: The picturesque village of Chandolin is located almost 2000 m away, on the sunny side of Val d’Anniviers, and is one of the villages with permanent population located at the highest altitude in Europe.

St-Luc: In the neighbouring village of St-Luc there is the François-Xavier Bagnoud observatory, a path dedicated to the planets and a historic grain mill,

Grimentz: the attractive old barns of Grimentz have already served as the subject of many calendars.

Vercorin: located on the nearest terrace of the valley, has a pleasant climate and has a wonderful nature reserve.

Vissoie you can discover beautiful examples of sacred art, such as the church and the crypt of the palace chapel.
Zinal, the village of mountaineers, is located directly at the foot of a 4000 m high summit.

Val d´anniviers cabanne arpiettaz zinal Photo: Myswitzerland

VAL D’ANNIVIERS: FROM SIERRE-ZINAL TRAIL RACE TO ALPINE SKIING.

The mountain conditions of Val d ́Anniviers are privileged: All year round we can enjoy these places, changing the summer mountain sports for the winter ones. Let’s give a brief review of some of the most outstanding.

MOUNTAINS IN SUMMER

The main attractions during the summer are hiking and mountaineering excursions. Even after comparatively short walks, here you can access viewpoints and shelters of great beauty.

During the multi-day hiking trails that run through the Val d’Anniviers, luggage is comfortably transported to the next accommodation. The valley is very crowded among mountaineers due to the large number of excursion possibilities. The queen crossing of the area is undoubtedly the Tour del Cervino, but there are many more.

MOUNTAINS IN WINTER

The three ski resorts located in Val d’Anniviers Grimentz-Zinal, St-Luc/Chandolin and Vercorin allow you to enjoy winter with a unique ski pass. Around 220 km of slopes await here. All resorts offer a wide range of possibilities for skiers, snowboarders, fans of snowshoeing and dog sledding.

Lovers of Nordic skiing have 19 km of slopes in Zinal. And the Grande Couronne with its four thousand is a luxury territory for experts in cross-country skiing, which can link all kinds of routes.