Trails of the Val d'Anniviers

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.7 Read 3 reviews

Hike in authentic Switzerland with views to the Matterhorn
Walk to peaceful alpine lakes and meadows
Stay in Hotel Weisshorn, once a hub for Victorian-era mountaineers
Easy to navigate and well-maintained trails
Relax with a warming raclette and a glass of Valais wine

Explore this little-known valley on this inn to inn walking holiday through the Val d’Anniviers; the quiet side of the Matterhorn. Hike in the shadow of the Weisshorn, Dent Blanche and Matterhorn peaks, with a choice of walks on most days to suit you. Immerse yourself in the Swiss lifestyle and stay in authentic chalet-style hotels, where relaxation and hearty fondues are the order of the day. You will also spend one night in Hotel Weisshorn, steeped in mountaineering history and a fantastic atmosphere.

What To Expect

If you like alpine hiking and a taste of the mountain life without compromising on comfort then this is the tour for you. Relax in comfortable 3* hotels in Zinal and St. Luc with one night spent in a private room in historic Hotel Weisshorn. Why not treat yourself to an upgrade to the Hotel Bella Tola in St Luc, a luxurious ’Belle Epoque’ style hotel.

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent active trip.

Activity:

Multi Center Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking tour

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie Adventures, Alpine & Mountains

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is graded ‘moderate’ overall, as the walks are around 5-15km, and some have significant ascent and descent. The walk to Lac d'Apitettaz from Zinal involves a small section with the use of chains to help you climb/scramble. However the majority of walks are optional and you can really make this tour as easy or as difficult as you would like. Walking poles are recommended.

Navigation

Trails are way-marked, and together with hiking maps, the route notes and GPX tracks for our suggested walks, you will have no problem finding your way.

Accommodations

Stay 6 nights in 3* standard hotels and 1 night in a private room with shared bathroom facilities in a mountain hotel. The accommodation we normally use is detailed on the following pages, and on our website, however is subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered.

Meals

7 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included in your trip (on days 1, 4, 5, 6 & 7). On nights where dinner is not included (in Zinal on days 2 & 3) there are a few restaurants in the village to choose from. Lunch is not included as standard and this can be picked up from the local supermarket or bakery, or your hotel may be able to provide a packed lunch (ask for this upon arrival).

Upgrade to Hotel Bella Tola

We recommend upgrading your accommodation in St-Luc to the fabulous 4 star historic hotel– the Hotel Bella Tola. Facilities include a library, sauna, hamman and an indoor pool with the most magical view of the mountains. For more details and prices please contact one of our team or refer to our website.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

This trip is available to solo walkers and a solo walker supplement is payable. If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you but there is a supplement payable.

You can add on extra nights in any of the overnight locations on this tour.

Included

6 Nights in 3* hotels
1 Night in a mountain hotel in a private room
7 Breakfasts
5 Dinners
Bag transfers from Zinal to St Luc
Detailed pre-departure information pack
Detailed route notes, maps and GPX tracks
The “Anniviers Liberty Pass” which includes over 20 free activities in the valley and most local bus services and cable cars/funiculars
24-hour emergency telephone assistance

Excluded

Flights to and from Switzerland
Travel from/to airport to Zinal/from St Luc
Travel Insurance Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
Any items not specifically mentioned in the program

Extras

Upgrade to Hotel Bella Tola in St Luc

When To Go

This trip is available to start any day of the week, from the end of June until the end of August. It is possible to complete the trip until the end of September this, however some of the public transport will not be running and taxis will need to be taken to the start/end of some of the Lac de Moiry walk, this would be payable locally. Contact your Destination Specialist for more information.

Time of Year

The best months for walking are in the summer months between June and mid-September when the wild flowers are in bloom and the weather is generally fair. Mid-September to mid- October is also a lovely time to do this trip, the landscape becomes a collage of vibrant burnt oranges, reds and browns. The area is also very tranquil at this time of the year.

Please be aware that earlier in the season there may be some residual snow lying in patches, but this will not require any special equipment or skills.

Getting to the Start

Fly into Geneva, Zurich or Bern then continue by train to Sierre. (2 , 3 or 1 hours) From Sierre take a postbus to Vissoie and then change for a postbus to Zinal (each journey about 30 mins in duration– transfer time depends on time of day) Train timetables and details of public transportation in Switzerland are available via the excellent travel planner at www.sbb.ch.

Getting from the End

From St-Luc take the bus down to the valley floor to Vissoie, then change bus to return to Sierre (approx. 1 hour total). From Sierre train station, all airports mentioned above are easily reached, as well as a number of other Swiss and European destinations.

Travel During the Trip

Public transport in Switzerland really does live up to the cliché and is seamless. Some of the walks on this tour require a bus journey to the start or from the end of the walk back to your accommodation. The buses used in the valley are called ‘post buses’ and work very well. More info about the buses and timetables can be found here.

Pass Anniviers Liberté

At your first hotel you will receive a ‘Pass Anniviers Liberté which entitles you to free use of most of the postbus lines in the valley, some cable cars, swimming pools and many other attractions. For a full list of inclusions, have a look here. Please note that your bus from Sierre train station to Zinal is not included and needs to be paid locally.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between Zinal and St. Luc. Due to its location, bags cannot be transferred to Hotel Weisshorn so you will pack your overnight things in your day bag and take this along when you hike to Weisshorn. You will be reunited with your main bag in St. Luc on day 5.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items,for example, proper rain gear (jackets and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking shoes or boots, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be?

How far in advance do I need to book?

What personal equipment do I need?