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
What To Expect
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, 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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