Zinal – Village history and mountain trails

Zinal lies at 1,670 m at the far end of the Val d’Anniviers, where the valley opens into the Zinal Valley. At the foot of the Imperial Crown, the village is surrounded by some of the highest Alpine peaks. Its history and trails through the mountain landscape give your stay different points of focus: you can explore a small museum and a historic mine, or choose between hikes with different trail profiles. Seasonal activities in Sorebois and the village also add to the options.

History and heritage in Zinal

Before Zinal became a holiday resort, it was a summer settlement. The people of Anniviers stopped here with their herds before continuing to higher alpine pastures. From 1860 onward, the village became increasingly associated with the rise of mountaineering; tourism has been part of village life for 150 years. A guided village tour shares local history and heritage through the knowledge of passionate residents. Tour options and languages are seasonal details to check before making plans.

The Maison du Remuage is a small museum dating from 1768 and is considered a typical example of an earlier home. The upper floor contains furniture and everyday objects from that time; the cellar displays photographs from the late 19th century. A visit therefore offers insights into former ways of living alongside a collection of historical images.

Another historic site is the La Lée copper mine. It was discovered in 1832 in Mount La Lée above Zinal, lies at 1,937 m, and includes 500 m of man-made tunnels. The walk there takes about one hour and 30 minutes from Zinal. Check current visitor access before planning the hike. The Sierre-Zinal mountain race also takes place in Zinal every year and is known as the “Race of the Five 4,000ers.”

Hikes with different trail profiles

For the easy option on the Zinal–Sorebois route, recommended for families, take the cable car to Sorebois and then hike downhill to Zinal along the route, which takes about two hours. The more challenging option climbs uphill through forest and alpine meadows. The two options therefore follow different routes: a descent after the cable car ride or a climb through forest and pastureland.

The Sorebois Vertical Trail starts in Zinal and leads to the Corne de Sorebois at just under 3,000 m. Its destination therefore differs from that of the Zinal–Sorebois route, whose family-friendly option is described as a descent to Zinal. The elevation and endpoint give the trail its own connection to the mountain landscape.

Nature experiences and seasonal activities

A guided botanical hike on the Plats de la Lée in Zinal focuses on edible and medicinal mountain plants. It covers gathering the plants and their traditional and scientific uses. In the medicinal plant garden, visitors can observe, touch, smell, and taste medicinal plants. Both the hike and the guided garden visit are seasonal.

A guided glacier cave excursion begins with an educational snowshoe hike and leads into a natural glacier cave. The ice shimmers bluish; the formation is ephemeral and changes over the years. Suitable weather conditions are required for the excursion.

In summer and autumn, you can ride mountain carts down the Sorebois trails from Espace Weisshorn to the Restaurant de Sorebois. The carts are collected at the mountain station of the Zinal–Sorebois–Espace Weisshorn gondola lift. The activity is weather-dependent; check the lift’s seasonal operating schedule before travelling. The Sorebois playground is at 2,440 m, right next to the mountain restaurant; access by lift is seasonal.

Minigliss also has a ski slope in the centre of Zinal that is open to everyone and can be accessed without a ski pass. Beginners of all ages can practise skiing or snowboarding there. For travellers weighing up culture, hiking, and a range of seasonal activities, these options show different sides of the village.

Discover more destinations: Grimentz

Return to the main travel guide: Anniviers.