You’ve moved past the beginner slopes and are now comfortably skiing blues. The next step is the exciting world of red runs, and Grimentz-Zinal is a fantastic place to explore them. This area, nestled deep in the Val d’Anniviers, offers some of the most rewarding intermediate skiing in the Swiss Alps.
It’s a place where you can build confidence, refine your technique, and experience the thrill of long, scenic descents without the overwhelming crowds of larger resorts.
The beauty of the Grimentz-Zinal ski area is its variety. One moment you can be on a wide, sun-drenched piste with panoramic views, and the next you can be on a more technical, shaded run that holds perfect snow all day.
The connection between the two villages of Grimentz and Zinal via the cable car creates a massive playground. For intermediate skiers, this means endless opportunities to find your perfect slope, push your limits a little, and feel a real sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. This isn’t just about getting down the mountain; it’s about enjoying the journey on some truly spectacular terrain.
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Understanding the Grimentz-Zinal ski area for intermediates
Before we get into specific runs, it helps to understand the layout and what makes this area special for skiers who are ready for more. The ski domain is split into two main sectors: Grimentz (the Bendolla side) and Zinal (the Sorebois side).
Each has its own distinct character. The Grimentz side is generally sunnier, with wide-open bowls and rolling terrain. The Zinal side is higher, more north-facing, and is known for its excellent snow quality and long, uninterrupted runs.
In Switzerland, a red run signifies an intermediate slope. You can expect steeper gradients than on a blue run, often between 25% and 40%. They require more precise turn control and the ability to manage your speed effectively.
What makes the Grimentz-Zinal red runs so good is that they are exceptionally well-maintained. The grooming is typically superb, giving you a consistent surface to practice your carving.
Yet, they also offer enough variation in pitch and width to keep things interesting and help you become a more adaptable skier. Moving onto these slopes is a key part of your skiing progression, and this is a safe and inspiring environment to do it in.
Top red runs on the Grimentz side (Bendolla)
The Bendolla sector in Grimentz is often the first place people explore. It’s easily accessible from the village and catches a lot of morning sun, making the snow soft and forgiving.
This is a great place to warm up your ski legs and build a rhythm for the day. The runs here are generally wide, which gives you plenty of space to make turns and choose your line.
Lona: The classic long cruise
If there’s one run that defines intermediate skiing in Grimentz, it’s the Lona piste. Starting from the top of the Lona 2 drag lift or the Becs de Bosson chairlift, this run offers a fantastic top-to-bottom experience. It’s a long, flowing red that gives you a bit of everything. The top section is wide and open, with breathtaking views across the valley towards the Matterhorn on a clear day. You feel like you’re on top of the world.
As you descend, the run follows the natural contours of the mountain. You’ll find rolling sections where you can let your skis run and steeper pitches that will get your attention and require you to make more dynamic turns.
Because of its length, it’s a great run for building stamina. It’s rarely crowded, especially mid-week, so you often feel like you have the entire slope to yourself. Skiing the Lona run from top to bottom without stopping is a great personal challenge for any intermediate skier.
Orzival: A fun test of technique
Running parallel to the Orzival chairlift, this red run is a bit more direct and consistently steeper than Lona. It’s an excellent slope for focusing on your technique. The consistent pitch allows you to get into a good rhythm with your turns, whether you’re practicing short-radius carves or longer, sweeping ones. The width is still generous, giving you room to maneuver, but the gradient demands more control.
Later in the day, especially after fresh snowfall, the sides of the Orzival run can develop small, soft moguls. This provides a safe and fun environment to start learning how to handle uneven terrain. Instead of avoiding them, you can use them as a tool to improve your balance and timing.
It’s one of those challenging red slopes that pays you back in confidence. A few laps on Orzival will sharpen your skills and make you feel ready for anything the mountain throws at you.
Les Becs de Bosson: Scenery and speed
Starting from the highest point in the Grimentz sector at nearly 3,000 meters, the run from Les Becs de Bosson is an unforgettable experience. The journey begins with some of the most impressive alpine scenery you’ll find anywhere.
The 360-degree view is simply stunning. The run itself is a fantastic, high-altitude red that holds excellent snow due to its elevation. It’s a fast, sweeping piste that encourages you to open up your turns and enjoy the feeling of gliding through the high mountains.
It connects seamlessly with the Lona and Orzival runs, allowing you to create long, varied descents back towards the Bendolla mid-station. This run is a perfect example of what a comprehensive Grimentz ski area guide should highlight—it combines spectacular views with thrilling skiing.
Exploring the challenging red slopes in Zinal (Sorebois)
A quick ride on the impressive Zinal-Grimentz cable car transports you to an entirely different world. The Sorebois sector in Zinal feels wilder and more rugged. Being predominantly north-facing, the snow here is often colder, drier, and better preserved, especially later in the season. For intermediate skiers looking for a step up in challenge and some of the best snow in the Val d’Anniviers, Zinal is the place to be.
Combe Durand: The ultimate leg-burner
This is one of the most famous runs in the entire valley and a must-do for any competent intermediate. The Combe Durand is one of those epic long ski runs Zinal is known for.
Starting from the top of the Corne de Sorebois chairlift at 2,896 meters, this run descends all the way down to the village, a vertical drop of over 1,200 meters. It is relentless in the best possible way.
The run is a wide, sweeping red that snakes down a massive valley. Its pitch is consistent, allowing you to find a rhythm and stick with it. The challenge here is not so much technical difficulty but endurance.
It just keeps going and going. You’ll ski through high alpine bowls, then into tree-lined sections, with the scenery changing constantly. Finishing the Combe Durand from top to bottom is a true badge of honor. Your legs will be burning, but the sense of achievement is immense. It’s the kind of run that makes you feel like a real skier.
Chiesso and Greppon: Variety and views
The area served by the Chiesso and Greppon lifts offers a fantastic network of interconnected red runs. These slopes are slightly less demanding than the Combe Durand but offer incredible variety.
The Chiesso piste is a beautiful, wide red that is perfect for high-speed carving. It’s often perfectly groomed and is a joy to ski first thing in the morning when it’s empty.
From here, you can link onto the Greppon runs, which wind their way down towards the mid-station. These slopes are a little narrower and have more twists and turns, requiring you to constantly adapt your skiing.
This combination of runs is perfect for a few hours of exploration, offering different views of the majestic Weisshorn and Zinalrothorn peaks. It’s a great example of how skiing Val d’Anniviers intermediate terrain can be so diverse and engaging.
A perfect day skiing the best Grimentz-Zinal red runs
To get the most out of the area, it helps to have a plan. Following the sun and the best snow conditions can make a huge difference to your day. Here’s a sample itinerary that combines the best of both sectors for a strong intermediate skier.
| Time | Location | Activity & runs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Grimentz (Bendolla) | Warm up on the Orzival run. Enjoy the fresh grooming and morning sun. Do a couple of laps to find your rhythm. | The sun hits this side first, so the snow will be softer and more forgiving. |
| 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Grimentz (High Altitude) | Head up the Becs de Bosson chairlift. Ski the long Lona run from the very top back to the Bendolla mid-station. | Take a moment at the top to soak in the incredible panoramic views. |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Transition | Take the Grimentz-Zinal cable car across to the Sorebois sector. | The cable car ride itself is an experience, offering a unique perspective of the valley. |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Zinal (Sorebois) | Lunch at the Restaurant de Sorebois. Refuel with great views of the “Imperial Crown” of five 4,000-meter peaks. | The sunny terrace is a perfect spot on a clear day. |
| 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Zinal (Sorebois) | Explore the Chiesso and Greppon red runs. Enjoy the excellent snow quality on the north-facing slopes. | This is where you’ll find some of the best snow in the afternoon. |
| 4:00 PM onwards | Zinal (Sorebois) | The grand finale: Ski the full Combe Durand run from top to bottom, all the way back to the Zinal base area. | Make sure your legs are ready for this long descent! It’s a rewarding end to the day. |
Beyond the pistes: Improving your skills on intermediate terrain
The red runs in Grimentz-Zinal are the perfect training ground. As you become more comfortable, you’ll naturally start to ski them faster and with more confidence. This is also where you can begin to play with different types of turns and tactics.
For example, on a steeper section of the Orzival run, you can practice short, tight turns to control your speed. On the wide, open parts of the Lona run, you can work on your long, carved turns, really feeling the edges of your skis grip the snow.
Handling variable conditions is another key skill you’ll develop here. A run that is perfectly groomed in the morning might have some icy patches or soft moguls by the afternoon.
Learning to read the snow and adapt your technique is what separates a good intermediate skier from a great one. These slopes provide a safe yet realistic environment to practice these skills.
Feeling confident on all the Grimentz-Zinal red runs, in any condition, is a sign that you are truly progressing as a skier and might even be ready to explore some of the area’s famed off-piste terrain with a guide.
Skiing Val d’Anniviers intermediate: Tips for your trip
To make your ski vacation even better, a little local knowledge goes a long way. The Val d’Anniviers is a special place, and understanding a few things can help you get the most out of your time on the slopes.
- Best time to ski: For the best conditions on red runs, January through March is ideal. You’ll have a deep snowpack, and the conditions are typically consistent. February often brings a great mix of fresh powder and sunny days.
- Lift Pass: The Val d’Anniviers lift pass is great value. It not only covers Grimentz-Zinal but also the nearby resorts of St-Luc/Chandolin and Vercorin. If you have a car, you can easily explore a new area for a day.
- On-mountain dining: Don’t miss the chance to eat at some of the mountain restaurants. The Restaurant de Sorebois in Zinal offers stunning views. In Grimentz, the Bendolla restaurant is convenient, but for a more authentic experience, seek out the Buvette de Lona at the top of the Lona run.
- Pacing yourself: The ski area is large, and the runs are long. It’s easy to tire yourself out. Remember to take breaks, stay hydrated, and don’t feel pressured to ski from the first lift to the last. Quality over quantity is a good mantra here.
Grimentz-Zinal truly is a paradise for intermediate skiers. The variety of terrain, the quality of the snow, and the sheer beauty of the surroundings make every run an adventure. Exploring these red slopes is an incredible way to improve your skiing and create lasting memories on the mountain.
If you are eager to discover these wonderful runs with someone who knows every turn and secret spot, or if you’re looking to build the confidence to ski them with style and ease, we’re here to help.
At Bespoke Snowsport, we adapt to your pace and help bring out the best in your skiing. Let us guide you on a family adventure or a personal skills clinic to unlock the very best of Grimentz-Zinal. Your perfect day on the mountain is just a lesson away.