Discover the best hikes in the Valais, combining breathtaking scenery and accessible challenges. Plan your next mountain adventure!
The Val d’Anniviers is a true paradise for nature lovers and hikers, offering a variety of trails winding through breathtaking mountain scenery.
Whether you’re an experienced walker or looking for a more family-friendly hike, this region of the Swiss Alps has something for everyone. Here’s the navigation of five captivating hiking ideas that will allow you to discover breathtaking views, varied ecosystems and unique experiences in Valais near blue lakes, dense forests or a suspension bridge. You’ll find all the steps and information you need to complete the route as a hiking enthusiast.
1. Hike to Tracuit hut
14 km (round trip)
6 to 7 hours
Difficult
Departure from the village of Zinal, parking near the Maison de la Montagne
The hike to Cabane de Tracuit begins in the Valais village of Zinal, in the heart of the Val d’Anniviers. The well-marked but demanding trail begins with a gradual ascent through flower-filled alpine meadows, offering picturesque views of the valley and surrounding peaks. As the climb progresses, the landscape becomes wilder and rockier, signalling the entrance to a spectacular alpine world.
At the halfway point, the trail becomes more technical and the altitude begins to make itself felt. Hikers cross a few névés, depending on the season, and the path winds through scree, adding a touch of adventure. Higher up, the views open up, revealing an impressive panorama of many of the peaks of the five 4000s, including the Weisshorn and Bishorn.
The Cabane de Tracuit, perched at 3,256 meters, stands at the summit of this ascent, offering an unforgettable reward for hikers. The view from the hut is breathtaking, with a 360-degree perspective of glaciers and mountains. It’s the perfect place for a well-deserved break, where you can enjoy a bite to eat while admiring the icy expanses and snow-capped peaks.
The return journey to Zinal takes the same route, allowing us to see the magnificent scenery in a new light.
2. Lac de Moiry hike
13 km (round trip)
~ 4 hours
Moderate
Departure from Moiry dam (parking available)
Located about 20 minutes from Grimentz in Switzerland, the Moiry dam is the starting point for this hike. From the dam, the trail follows the edge of the lake, with its turquoise waters contrasting magnificently with the surrounding mountains. The Moiry glacier, visible in the background, adds a spectacular touch to the scenery.
Continue hiking around the blue lake until you reach the opposite shore. Here, the climb is gradual, but the path becomes steeper for walking, offering breathtaking views of the glacier. For hikers looking for an extra challenge, it’s possible to extend the route to the Cabane de Moiry, perched at 2,825 meters above sea level. The hut offers drinks and snacks, and the view of the glacier from its terrace is simply unforgettable.
The return journey takes the same easy route, offering different views of the lake, the dam and the mountains of the Valais canton. The calm and beauty of the surroundings make this a memorable hike.
3. The Becs de Bosson hut
14 km (round trip)
~ 5 to 6 hours
Difficult
Departure from the village of Grimentz, near the Bendolla cable car
The hike to Becs de Bosson starts in the village of Grimentz, where parking is available near the Bendolla cable car. This demanding hike takes you through spectacular Alpine scenery, with impressive panoramas of the surrounding peaks, including the Weisshorn and Val d’Anniviers.
The trail begins with a gradual but continuous ascent, skirting high-altitude meadows and scree, before reaching the Becs de Bosson refuge, perched at 2,983 meters above sea level. A pause here allows you to catch your breath while admiring the incredible views of valleys and glaciers as far as the eye can see.
From the refuge, the path becomes steeper, leading hikers up to the Becs de Bosson ridge. The somewhat technical final section is reserved for trail runners or experienced hikers and offers a rewarding challenge. At the summit, the panorama is exceptional, with unobstructed views of several mountain ranges, including Mont Blanc on a clear day. The return journey takes the same route, providing a gentle descent to Grimentz.
4. Lake Arpitettaz hike
10 km (round trip)
~ 4 hours
Medium to difficult
Departure from the village of Zinal, near the Pontet parking lot
The hike to Cabane de Tracuit begins in the Valais village of Zinal, in the heart of the Val d’Anniviers. The well-marked but demanding trail begins with a gradual ascent through flower-filled alpine meadows, offering picturesque views of the valley and surrounding peaks. As the climb progresses, the landscape becomes wilder and rockier, signalling the entrance to a spectacular alpine world.
At the halfway point, the trail becomes more technical and the altitude begins to make itself felt. Hikers cross a few névés, depending on the season, and the path winds through scree, adding a touch of adventure. Higher up, the views open up, revealing an impressive panorama of many of the peaks of the five 4000s, including the Weisshorn and Bishorn.
The Cabane de Tracuit, perched at 3,256 meters, stands at the summit of this ascent, offering an unforgettable reward for hikers. The view from the hut is breathtaking, with a 360-degree perspective of glaciers and mountains. It’s the perfect place for a well-deserved break, where you can enjoy a bite to eat while admiring the icy expanses and snow-capped peaks.
The return journey to Zinal takes the same route, allowing us to see the magnificent scenery in a new light.
5. The Zinal Mine Trail
7 km
~ 3 hours
Average
Departure from the village of Zinal, near the Maison de la Montagne (parking nearby).
The Sentier des Mines starts near the village of Zinal, where parking is available for easy access. This hike takes you in the footsteps of the region’s mining past. The trail begins with a gentle climb through a peaceful forest, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.
Once you’ve arrived at the old mines, take your time to discover the remains of this historic activity. Explanatory panels retrace the region’s mining history and the extraction techniques used in the past, offering a cultural immersion in the heart of the Alps.
The trail continues on to viewpoints with splendid views over the valley, offering beautiful scenery for photos. It’s the perfect place to take a break and admire the panorama. The loop then takes you back to Zinal, where you can end the hike with a well-deserved break in a local café or restaurant.
Finally
These five hikes in Switzerland offer a variety of the finest views and experiences suitable for all types of walker. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or a leisurely stroll, each route immerses you in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the forests, mountains and other treasures of the Swiss Alps, with a unique valley view offered on every hike.
These carefully selected itineraries showcase the diversity of the Val d’Anniviers, from its wild valleys to its majestic peaks.
A perfect place for nature lovers to discover all year round.
