Located in the magnificent Val d’Anniviers, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Zinal is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers.
From the Hotel de la Pointe, nestled in this enchanting setting in the Valais, numerous trails for hiking ideas in the Valais allow you to discover grandiose, unspoilt landscapes, combining glaciers, mountain lakes, dense forests and imposing peaks in the heart of the Valais Alps!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, each itinerary offers surprising points of interest and a unique immersion all the way into the wild, authentic beauty of Switzerland’s Valais mountains.
Get ready to explore the Zinal area at your own pace, with a variety of routes and activities to suit all levels.
Arolles trail
5 km (loop)
2 hours
Easy to moderate
Departure from Hôtel de la Pointe
From the Hotel de la Pointe in the Valais region, this trail begins by taking a forest hiking path that quickly leads into a dense forest of arolles and larches.
The walk takes you through a typical Alpine ecosystem, with its rich flora and fauna, while offering superb views of the Weisshorn.
It’s a pleasant route for a leisurely stroll, with a breathtaking view of the village of Zinal and the surrounding area.
This hike is ideal for a first immersion in the alpine landscapes of the Valais region.
The Five 4000 hike
~ 12 km (round trip)
4 to 5 hours
Moderate
Departure for the Zinal-Sorebois gondola lift in Switzerland, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Accessible after a gondola ride up to Sorebois, this high-mountain hike offers panoramic views of the “Five 4000s”, the region’s iconic peaks, including the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Bishorn, Mont Durand and Ober Gabelhorn.
From Sorebois onwards, the trail follows a ridge route, offering breathtaking Valais scenery and spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers. Although the route is sometimes steep, it is well-marked and suitable for hikers in good physical condition.
Lake Arpitettaz
Departure from Hôtel de la Pointe
5 to 6 hours
Moderate to difficult
The trail to Lac d’Arpitettaz is demanding, but the beauty of the turquoise mountain lake, nestled between the peaks, is well worth the effort.
From the hotel, head for the valley floor and follow the signs to the lake to start the hike.
The route crosses alpine meadows and scree slopes, and steep passages offer breathtaking views of the Zinal glacier and surrounding mountains.
This is an ideal hike for experienced hikers who want to enjoy a wild alpine setting.
Cabane du Petit Mountet
Departure from Hôtel de la Pointe
3 hours (round trip)
Moderate to difficult
The Cabane du Petit Mountet in Valais is a beautiful hike suitable for families and intermediate hikers.
To start the hike from the hotel, take the path along the Navizence river. The well-maintained trail winds through meadows and alpine forests, with constant views of the surrounding peaks.
At the top of the hut, you have a spectacular view of the glaciers and Mount Durand, and it’s an ideal spot for a lunch break with local specialities.
Zinal glacier in Switzerland
Departure from Hôtel de la Pointe
3 to 4 hours (round trip)
Moderate
The trail to the foot of the Zinal glacier is a must for mountain lovers.
From the hotel, follow the path towards the Zinal valley in the Valais region and continue to the bottom of the glacial cirque.
This hike takes you up close to the impressive glacial formations and offers breathtaking views of the moraines and surrounding mountains. Don’t forget to take your best photo!
It’s an accessible walk, but with a gradual ascent overlooking the top, ideal for feeling the power of the alpine environment and catching a glimpse of the glacier for a breath of fresh air in nature.
The Path of the Planets
~ 3 hours (round trip)
Easy
From the Tignousa gondola station (reachable from Zinal by taking the Saint-Luc funicular) in Switzerland
Although this trail requires a short uphill journey to reach the starting point, it deserves a place on the region’s hiking itineraries.
From the Tignousa station, this original trail, which represents our solar system to scale, takes you on an educational journey to the ASTRO-Valais observatory.
Throughout the hike, panels describe the planets and their position relative to the Sun, offering an immersive experience. The trail is easy, well-marked throughout and accessible for all ages, perfect for families.
Lake Moiry
7 km (loop)
4 hours
Moderate
Departure from the Moiry dam parking lot (accessible by car from Zinal)
This hike takes you around Lac de Moiry, with incredible panoramic views of the blue lake and surrounding glaciers.
The trail follows the lake shore and climbs gently up to the Moiry glacier, where you can admire the crevasses and glacial waterfalls.
The trail is well-marked all along, alternating between gravel roads and alpine meadows, offering spectacular scenery at every step.
For those who wish to continue, it is possible to continue to the Moiry hut for a well-deserved break.
Cabane de Tracuit
~ 6 to 7 hours (round trip)
Difficult
From Zinal, route de la corne de Sorebois (15-minute walk from the hotel)
For experienced hikers, the climb to the Tracuit hut is a challenge.
From Zinal, the trail climbs all the way up through alpine meadows and scree, offering spectacular views of the mountains.
The final section is more technical, with steep slopes and steep passages.
The hut, perched at 3,256 metres, offers unrivalled views of the Bishorn and Weisshorn mountains.
Although the climb is arduous, the beauty of the scenery and the satisfaction of reaching such a summit make it an unforgettable hike all the way.
Finally
These hikes around the Hotel de la Pointe in Zinal offer a variety of levels and durations, so that everyone can enjoy the alpine scenery at their own pace and according to their own preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, these itineraries offer unforgettable experiences between glacier and forest in the heart of the Valais Alps. And don’t forget to take photos!
