Zinal and the Val d’Anniviers
Summary
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.
The traverse above Zinal – a beautiful section of the Sierre-Zinal race route (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.
For more information
Run the Alps stories: Why Sierre-Zinal is the Best Trail Race In the World
Interview with Vincent Theytaz, Director of Sierre-Zinal
Trail du Besso – A Tough New Race in Zinal, Switzerland
Make it private and bring a guide. Your companions, your dates, your tour. Contact
Self-Guided Tour FAQ
When you sign up to run in Zinal and the Val d’Anniviers, your trip will be planned in detail.
Each self-guided tour includes the following components:
* Three-star hotel and mountain hut bookings.
* Run the Alps will provide supporting materials to get to and from the tour.
* Thorough travel instructions, regional information, our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps , and detailed run descriptions printed on durable, waterproof paper, complete with a run profile, time estimates, bail-out options, emergency numbers, and a map. See a sample of the ‘Overview’ section.
Typical pricing is $ 2,950 per person for a 6 night, 7 day tour. Pricing assumes double occupancy. $ 450 additional for single supplement. Since tour planning time and materials are the same regardless of trip length, cost for shorter trips are not reduced proportionally.
Our Zinal and the Val d’Anniviers self-guided trip can start as early as June 15th and as late as September 20th.
As we work with you to develop your self-guided itinerary, consider adding one of the many great Alp trail races into your plans. Please contact us to discuss trail race options and timing.
No matter where you are, on every self-guided trip, if a serious problem arises, Run the Alps is just a phone call away.
Terms and Conditions: Read up on Run the Alps’ Terms and Conditions, Covid-19 policy, and travel insurance.