Zinal

Zinal is a mountain village in the Val d'Anniviers, in the canton of Valais, sitting at around 1,670 metres above sea level beneath an impressive amphitheatre of peaks including the Weisshorn, the Besso and the Ober Gabelhorn. The historic centre of the hamlet is largely car-free and retains traditional timber buildings typical of Valais villages, such as mazots and raccards. Zinal is best known as the finishing point of the renowned Sierre-Zinal mountain race, which each summer links the town of Sierre to the village across a substantial change in altitude. The resort is also a popular starting point for alpine hiking, with access to several mountain huts such as the Rothorn hut and the Petite Fourche hut, as well as to the surrounding glaciers. In winter, Zinal offers a ski area connected to Grimentz-Anniviers, with downhill runs and ski-touring routes. The Val d'Anniviers as a whole remains a region valued for its authentic mountain character, unspoilt natural surroundings and classic alpine scenery typical of Valais.