Grimentz Ski Holidays 2024 2025 | Skiing Grimentz

Grimentz Ski Resort

Grimentz is gorgeous: originally a nomad farming village, larch-clad houses and barns line twisting cobbled pathways and the pedestrianised Rue du Vieux Village – just as they have for hundreds of years (one dates back to the 12th century). The chalet window boxes are brimming with bright geraniums in the summer months, earning the place the nickname of “Geranium village”.

But beauty isn’t reserved only for the village. Look outwards and you’re in southwest Switzerland’s Val d’Anniviers, where a ring of Europe’s tallest peaks – the Couronne Impériale or Imperial Crown – jut into the skyline.

8km (or a ten-minute drive) up the valley is the smaller village of Zinal, which is lift, piste and bus linked with Grimentz to form the Grimentz-Zinal ski area. Two ski lifts set off from the village, the Grimentz-Sorebois cable car leading over to Zinal, and the Grimentz-Bendolla gondola for the local slopes. That’s not your lot, with the ski pass also covering the Val d’Anniviers ski areas of St Luc-Chandolin (a 20-minute drive away) and Vercorin (half an hour’s drive). To top it all off, heli-skiing is huge here, with trips setting off from the village.

When it comes to getting here, Bern is the nearest airport (45 minutes’ drive), with Geneva and Basel airports around a couple of hours away. If you’re travelling by rail, you can reach resort from Sierre station in about 40 minutes.

Stats & FAQ

Location: Valais, Switzerland

Established: 1969

Open: November - April

Downhill: 115km

View our detailed Grimentz snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Grimentz snow history.

Nearest Airport & Transfer Time:
Sion Airport (SIR)	41km, 45 mins
Geneva Airport (GVA)	194km, 2 hours
Bern Airport (BRN)	197km, 2.5 hours
EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL)	292km, 2 hours
Zürich Airport (ZRH)	316km, 3.5 hours
Beginner Intermediate Advanced 25km 22% 52km 45% 28km + 10km itinerary 33%
Top Altitude:	2900m
Bottom Altitude:	1500m
Resort Altitude:	1572m
Longest run:	4.3km (local area) 5.8km (Val d’Anniviers)
Slope Orientation:	N E NE
Vertical Drop:
Skiable Vertical:
Night Skiing:	No
Glacier:	No
Snow Report Top 69cm Base 39cm Forecast 54cm Web Cam
Downhill Runs:	115km
Beginner slopes:	22%
Intermediate:	45%
Advanced slopes:	33%
Lift Pass Price:	290CHF Grimentz-Zinal / St Luc-Chandolin / Vercorin Adult 6 Day
Nearby resorts: Zinal

Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Grimentz

The local pistes stream down from the Becs de Bosson and Roc d’Orzival, where there are some jaw dropping views over the Anniviers and Rhone valleys.

Beginners can practice on the Bendolla area, which has nursery runs and a mix of short and gentle blues Marenda and Visivi. Progress onto the longer Avoin back to the village for a confidence boosting end to the day. We like how blue routes lead down from both top lift stations – the Panorama from Orzival and Becs de Bosson run let you enjoy the scenery and high altitude snow without having to bomb down steeps with speedsters.

The same goes for red run skiers, who can choose between the Superieure and Concours from Bosson and ski the Orzival on the other side, returning to Grimentz on the tree-lined Foret. There aren’t any long, wide runs that you can really let loose on, but what this area does have is variety.

For experts, the black Lona run is one of the most challenging in the valley and the longest in the local area. Most of it lies above the treeline with steep 60% gradients, cruisier bits and room for big, wide turns. You’ve also got the luxury of being able to ski from Zinal’s Combe de Sorebois back to Grimentz: the Chamois black piste takes you along a ridge, into a wider, scenic field then down through the trees. Before you ski back though, try the Col (where paragliders also set off from) and Face piste which branches off L’Arete.

The Abondance itinerary from Roc d’Orzival is unpisted - make sure the Avalanche Bulletin gives you the go ahead, then set off on a scenic, powdery descent. Other ungroomed trails include Grand Plans and Avoin down to St Jean, but really this is just the start the powder terrain here – get a guide to show you the ridges, couloirs and tree runs between Grimentz and Zinal, or set off on a heliski trip right from the village.

Grimentz Apres Ski

This might not be a party town like Verbier, but it is within one of the country’s main wine producing regions, which means a good tipple isn’t hard to find. To try the local creations, taste your way through some of the hundred wines at Oenotheque.

For good old fashioned après, Chez Florioz (at the foot of the pistes) is the main watering hole here. Later on, try Pub Domino for drinks and darts or Le Country for themed evenings and games tables. Disco Shadock stays open till the early hours if you fancy a night on the tiles.

When hunger strikes, feast on raclette and fondue in cosy Restaurant de Moiry, and Valais dishes at Becs de Bosson. Up on the mountain, Bendolla’s a favourite for a lunch with a view (just be sure to save room for their amazing puddings).

For a Grimentz activity through and through, see if you can arrange a sip of the Vin du glacier. This wine comes from a barrel and isn’t your usual white wine – the barrels are never emptied with new wines added to blend with old ones, a tradition that comes from the days of the nomadic farmers. The barrel in the Bourgeoisiale House cellar dates back to 1886 and the honour of drinking the wine was originally reserved only for the bishop when he visited the village. These days it’s invite only, but the tourist office might be able to hook you up with a tasting…

Otherwise, the Bendolla-Grimentz toboggan run is a 5km route (hire toboggans from Do-Sports or Epiney Sports) and the village has a natural ice rink which is lit up in the evening. La Maison de Grand Maman is an old house from 1529 furnished in 19th century style and the communal cattle shed is opened to the public weekly.

Best time to go

Best time to ski Grimentz

Best time to visit & ski Grimentz

With north and northeast facing terrain, top heights of 2816m and snow cannons operating on around 30km of pistes, the area is well equipped for early and late season skiing.

Peak Dates

Local traditions over Christmas in Grimentz include a big Christmas Market on the main street, an appearance from Santa on Place de la Cure and mass at the church. Enjoy a wonderfully traditional setting, and have a go at ice skating on the natural rink or husky sledding for winter-wonderlandy activities.

The local lift company help celebrate the New Year in Grimentz, traditionally giving out drinks and treats. Look out for the ski school’s torchlight descent, live music and of course a firework display.

Excellent ski schools and a wonderfully charming old village make Half Term in Grimentz an excellent escape.

This part of the Anniviers valley has some of the best spring skiing conditions around, with high, north facing pistes meaning Easter in Grimentz is usually snowy and scenic.

Grimentz Ski Holidays