Switzerland

Zinal and the Val d’Anniviers

Dates

Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20

7 days - 6 nights

Dates	Duration
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20	7 days - 6 nights

Difficulty

Type

Self-Guided

Looking for some place a little wilder, with quieter trails and small villages?

Val d’Anniviers, in the French-speaking portion of Switzerland’s Valais canton, is an undiscovered gem. The valley is home to Chandolin, Grimentz and Zinal – each village a great starting point for some of the best trails the Alps have to offer. Above this valley, on the border with Italy, rise several snow-capped 4,000-meter peaks – the Weisshorn, Bishorn, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Matterhorn, and Dent Blanche. Taken together, they make for spectacular scenery during your run.

Trail running the Via Valais above Val d’Anniviers’ Zinal, Switzerland. (Photo: PatitucciPhoto)

Val d’Anniviers is also home to one of the world’s most iconic trail races, Sierre-Zinal. Held each August, this 31-km trail race is the oldest mountain race in the Alps. With its famously warm spirit, Sierre-Zinal is a sort of homecoming for elite athletes from around the world. Our self-guided trips in this region are based out of the picturesque village of Zinal. At the end of the valley, Zinal is ringed by high peaks and glaciers. If you’d like to include the Sierre-Zinal trail race in your itinerary, let us know and we can assist with registration.

Aid station at Sierre-Zinal, Switzerland. (Photo: Milo Zanecchia)

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1 : You’ll arrive in Switzerland, then take a train and a bus to the village of ZInal in the beautiful Val d’Anniviers where you can check-in to your hotel.

Day 2: Get a taste of one of the most well-known Trail Races in the world, Sierre-Zinal, by taking in the second part of the race route, which has the best running and views. You’ll take a bus to the village of Chandolin, then run the high traverse back to Zinal, with the famous 4000m peaks surrounding you. A steep descent brings you down through forest to the famous finish line in Zinal.

Distance 20km; Ascent 580m; Descent 1040m

Day 3: Today you head into the upper Zinal valley with a loop out of town to the stunning viewpoint of Roc de la Vache. An optional out and back takes you up to Cabane Tracuit, where mountaineers prepare for their climbs, at an elevation of 3256m.

Distance 21km; Ascent 1780m; Descent 1780m

Day 4: It’s time for an overnight fast packing trip, staying in the remote Cabane de Moiry. You’ll start by taking the bus to Grimentz then run up to the beautiful Lacs de Lona and down to the azure Moiry reservoir. From here, it’s a final big climb up to your overnight cabane, which is perched on the side of the Moiry glacier.

Distance 17km; Ascent 1350m; Descent 620m

Day 5/6: You’ll run down from the Cabane de Moiry and climb back into the Zinal valley via the Corne du Sorebois pass. It’s possible to take a gondola down to Zinal to skip the last section of steep descent!

Distance 26km; Ascent 960m; Descent 1730m

*These routes can be run as two separate days, staying overnight in your Zinal accommodation, instead of the Cabane de Moiry.

Day 7 : Today you’ll say good-bye to the Val d’Anniviers, and depart for your post-tour destination.

Book this tour

Cost

$3350 per person

$650 single supplement

Looking for a customized itinerary?

Please get in touch. We’d love to discuss your options with you.

Prefer to go with a guide?

Explore our group guided trips or inquire about our privately guided trips.

Accommodation in 3 star hotels and/or mountain huts
Buffet breakfasts every morning, and multi course dinners every evening
Detailed daily run descriptions, GPX files and all the resources you need along the way are provided via our app (see a sample here). We’ll also send you a printed copy of the route and other key information, in case you’d like to take these with you as a back-up
A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains thorough travel instructions, regional information and tips from the staff and guide team at Run the Alps
In-tour support through our WhatsApp Helpline

Flights / transportation to and from the tour
Transport to and from trailheads if you choose to shorten a run
Drinks
Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
Trail snacks and lunches – our materials include info of where to stop along the way or if bringing trail snacks is a better option based on the day

Run the Alps can provide guidance on how to travel to Zinal, the tour’s start point.

Run the Alps can provide guidance on how to travel from Zinal to your onward location.

Why Run the Alps? Learn how Run the Alps compares to other trail running companies and about what sets us apart.
Group Discounts: When we create tours for a group of five or more self-guided guests, there is an opportunity for some savings. We’re pleased to pass them on to you – please get in touch to explore your options.
Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all standard guided and self-guided trips. Simply check the Alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
Add an Alps Trail Race: As we work with you to develop your self-guided itinerary, it may be possible to add one of the many great Alp trail races to your plans. Please contact us to discuss trail race options and timing if this is of interest.
Can a non-running partner join me on this tour? Yes–read how hiking and sightseeing companions can come too.
Celebrating a special occasion? Each year we get a number of guests who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or retirement with a Run the Alps trip. If this is you, let us know!
Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. You can check out our Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
Tour Grants Program: Run the Alps is committed to making our trips more inclusive. If you’d like to join this trip, but don’t think you can afford it, please check out our Tour Grants Program.
Trip Insurance: Life can sometimes throw us a curveball and wreak havoc upon the best laid plans, which is why Run the Alps requires trip insurance. Learn more here.
Terms and Conditions: You can read up on them here.

Want to know more?

Runners on the move along the classic high-elevation Sierre-Zinal single track, which features big views and easy cruising

Celebrating 50 Years of Sierre-Zinal: Race Legends Look Back

Sierre-Zinal is celebrating its 50th running. Run the Alps heard from a few of the race’s legends: Kasie Enman, Marco De Gasperi, Rickey Gates, Megan Kimmel, Stevie Kremer, Pablo Vigil, and Jonathan Wyatt for their perspectives on Sierre-Zinal over the years.