Grimentz

Introduction

Grimentz is one of the most distinctive villages in Valais. Sun-darkened wooden granaries, narrow lanes and traditional chalets form a historic centre at approximately 1,570 metres above sea level. Above the village lies the linked Grimentz–Zinal ski area, a high-mountain domain covering the Bendolla, Orzival, Lona and Sorebois sectors. The direct connection makes it possible to combine woodland pistes, open alpine slopes and views of the Imperial Crown, the group of 4,000-metre peaks surrounding the Val d’Anniviers. Visitors can prepare their holiday by booking ski hire in Grimentz online and collecting their equipment close to the lifts.

An authentic village for a winter holiday

Grimentz has preserved a compact, traditional atmosphere while providing apartments, hotels, restaurants, shops and winter-sports services. Accommodation near the lift base is convenient for families and skiers who prefer to walk. Before booking, it is worth checking the gradient of the approach, the distance to the snow front, the nearest bus stop and whether the property includes ski storage.

The Grimentz–Zinal ski area

The linked area offers around 115 kilometres of pistes and marked routes across the Grimentz and Zinal sides, with skiable terrain reaching approximately 2,900 metres. The Grimentz side rises from Bendolla towards Orzival, Lona and Grands Plans, while the Zinal side is centred on Sorebois and the Corne de Sorebois. Altitude usually helps preserve snow quality, but wind, visibility and avalanche risk can affect operations. The piste map and live opening information should therefore be checked each morning, particularly before crossing between sectors.

Bendolla, Orzival and Lona

The gondola from Grimentz reaches Bendolla at about 2,130 metres, making it the natural starting point for a ski day. From here, visitors can access pistes for different abilities, mountain restaurants and lifts towards the upper slopes. Orzival provides more open terrain, a snowpark and playful runs. Lona attracts stronger skiers because of its more alpine setting and long vertical descents. Their availability depends on snow and safety conditions. Skiers should distinguish between a groomed piste and a marked itinerary, and always follow signs, closures and instructions issued by the piste service.

The link to Zinal and Espace Weisshorn

The Grimentz–Espace Weisshorn cable car connects the village directly with the panoramic hub at 2,700 metres. From there, skiers enter the Sorebois sector and continue towards Zinal. On the opposite side, the Zinal–Sorebois–Espace Weisshorn gondola provides a second access route. This connection allows guests to ski in Grimentz in the morning and explore Zinal in the afternoon without using the road. Espace Weisshorn includes restaurants and terraces with a 360-degree view of the Imperial Crown. Strong winds or technical work can restrict the link, so anyone moving between sides should check the last uplift and allow enough time to return to the correct village.

Pistes for intermediate and advanced skiers

Intermediate skiers can choose from many long and varied red pistes between Bendolla, Grands Plans, Orzival and Sorebois. Alternating wooded runs with slopes above the tree line makes it easier to adapt the day to visibility. Advanced skiers can seek out black pistes, the sporting terrain of Lona and the steeper descents around Sorebois, where hard snow, gradient and changes in terrain require solid technique. The map also identifies itineraries such as Lona, Chamois and Durand–Coupe du Monde–Aigle, all beginning high on the mountain and offering substantial vertical. These routes should only be used when officially open.

Beginners, children and ski schools

Learning areas at Bendolla and Sorebois allow beginners to practise on gentler slopes before progressing to longer pistes. Magic carpets, small lifts and snow gardens depend on seasonal opening, but they simplify lessons for both children and adults. Families should agree on an easy-to-recognise meeting point and confirm where each lesson ends, especially when some members ski towards Zinal. During school holidays, booking lessons and equipment in advance is strongly recommended.

Snowparks and fun zones

Grimentz–Zinal supplements conventional skiing with several dedicated fun areas. Orzival has the main snowpark and a Kids Snowpark designed for first freestyle exercises. Bendolla features a ski-cross course and a speed check where skiers can work on turns or measure their speed in managed zones. On the Sorebois side, a chronorace offers a timed slalom, while the Family Park is intended for developing freestylers. The number, level and arrangement of features change according to snow depth and daily preparation. Before using jumps, rails or cross courses, visitors should watch other users, respect the start order and select obstacles that match their own experience.

Freeride and mountain safety

The Sorebois sector includes a freeride area for experienced riders and a Mammut Avalanche Training Center where visitors can practise avalanche-rescue searches. The freeride zone is not a secured piste and opens only when conditions allow. Official information states that it may operate when the avalanche danger is below level 3. Outside groomed runs, training, judgement, a transceiver, shovel and probe are essential. Equipment does not replace experience and does not make a slope safe. Anyone unfamiliar with the terrain should use a qualified Val d’Anniviers guide and respect closures, wildlife quiet zones and the current avalanche bulletin.

Tobogganing, snowshoeing and alternative activities

One of the best-known alternatives is the Grands Plans–Bendolla–Grimentz toboggan run, which is approximately 8.8 kilometres long. When snow and safety conditions permit, it descends from 2,436 metres to 1,570 metres. This is a genuine mountain descent, so riders need to control their speed, wear a helmet and remain aware of other users. For a quieter outing, the resort offers winter walking and snowshoe trails. The reflective Grimentz–St-Jean snowshoe route is about 3.2 kilometres long and can be followed in the evening, but it is not illuminated, so a head torch is required. Skating, curling and village activities provide additional options for non-skiers and rest days.

Access and local transport

Drivers reach the Val d’Anniviers from Sierre on a mountain road that climbs through Vissoie. In winter, travellers should check road conditions, use suitable tyres and carry any required equipment. Rail passengers can arrive at Sierre/Siders station and continue by PostBus. The year-round network serves Sierre, Vissoie, Grimentz and Zinal, while extra winter shuttles make it easier to reach the villages and ski areas. Before travelling, guests should check evening connections, the final bus and the exact distance between their accommodation and the nearest stop.

Ski hire with SKiSET

Booking with SKiSET allows guests to choose their dates, equipment category and collection point before arrival. The range may include piste, all-mountain and freeride skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and junior sets. Correct height, weight, age, ability and shoe size should be entered during booking because these details help the shop prepare suitable lengths and binding settings. Boots still need to be tried on in person, and pressure points should be reported immediately. The team can recommend an easy-turning model for a beginner, a more stable ski for an intermediate or equipment suited to the snow and goals of the day. Categories, brands and accessories vary according to availability.

The SKiSET shop in Grimentz

SKiSET lists one official collection point in the resort:

• Grimentz-Zinal.ski Sàrl – Route de la Laiterie 10, Immeuble Tenaya, 3961 Grimentz. The shop is approximately 200 metres from the lifts and combines rental, workshop services, technical retail and a ski school. It supplies skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and protective equipment, with sharpening, waxing, repairs and binding adjustment available. Equipment testing or exchanges may be possible depending on stock.

Its position close to the gondola makes collection and return convenient. At weekends and during peak holiday periods, guests should complete the online booking, arrive with enough time and allow for a proper boot fitting. Opening hours may change during the season and should be checked on the shop page before travel.

Other SKiSET resorts in Valais

Visitors interested in another base within the same ski area can view ski hire in Zinal. Farther away, Crans-Montana occupies a broad sunny plateau above the Rhône Valley, while Zermatt offers high-altitude skiing beneath the Matterhorn. These are separate destinations and require their own transport, lift passes and planning.

Planning a successful stay

A sensible first day is to explore Bendolla and Orzival, learn the lift layout and assess ability on the intermediate pistes. A clear day is ideal for travelling to Espace Weisshorn and skiing across Sorebois towards Zinal. Advanced skiers can consider Lona and the long vertical itineraries only when they are officially open. Families should coordinate ski school, equipment collection and meeting points, while tobogganing, snowshoeing and freeriding each require a separate check of conditions. The combination of a historic village, high-altitude terrain, two linked mountain sides and services close to the lifts makes Grimentz suitable for a complete week. With SKiSET equipment reserved in advance, arrival can be smoother and the first day on snow easier to organise.