Zinal

THE VILLAGE

Zinal is the perfect alpine village for a mountain holiday. It is small enough that everything is within a short walk, but nonetheless has plenty of facilities. Here is a map of the village and an aerial photo. There are eight restaurants and three bars, along with two supermarkets, a bakery, two mountain gear / ski / snowboard hire shops, post office, newsagent, cash machine and a tourist information and mountain guide office. There is also a regular bus service throughout the valley.

Zinal is a beautiful place to simply relax, but for non-flyers, non-skiers, or those wishing to try something else, there are plenty of activities available on the doorstep or within the valley.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

In summer, Zinal is also a perfect base for Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering and Walking. There are many mountain huts in the area where you can stay overnight, allowing extended trips into the high mountains. In Zinal there are also picnic/bbq sites, a wildlife observation point, tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, mini golf, a Tyrollean zip wire, and tandem paragliding or hang gliding flights. In the valley there is also an outdoor swimming pool, bungee jumping, canyoning, via ferrata, fishing and day trips to alpine lakes and glaciers. A gym, sauna, massage and beauty treatments are also available.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

In winter there is cross country skiing, sledging, and snow shoeing, including a snow shoeing trip to the glacier. There is ice skating on a natural ice rink, introductory ice climbing courses, and tandem paragliding or hang gliding flights. There is also the indoor swimming pool and a gym, sauna, massage and beauty treatments are available. There is free bus service throughout the valley in the winter.

RESTAURANTS

We would recommend the following restaurants in the village:

Le Besso-- high quality, probably the best food in Zinal, local cuisine. Fantastic steak, limited choice for veggies, but a selection of fondues

Hotel Europe-- wide ranging menu, excellent pizzas, good choice for veggies

La Versache - Every kind of crepe you could want. A paragliding rendez-vous due to its location right next to the landing field.

Pointe de Zinal - décor a bit eighties but excellent salads and pizzas, a large menu

Restaurant prices are reasonable. A large 12 inch margeurita pizza is about £6.50 and beer is £1.70 for a half pint (300ml)

CRECHE

There is a creche in the village called 'Les Pitchouns' open during the ski season for children from 18 months. £15 for 9.00 til 13.00, £20 for 9.00 til 15.00. Telephone +41 (0)79 738 3658

SUPERMARKETS

There are two supermarkets in the village which between them offer a very good selection of food and wine, including local specialty cheeses and meats, fresh produce and most other things you might need, including some basic pharmaceuticals. Open 8.00 til 12.00 and 14.00 til 18.30.

Prices are similar to the UK. Kronenburg lager costs £0.40 for a 25ml bottle. Cheapest lager is £0.20 for a 25ml bottle. Large pizzas cost from £2.75 and orange juice from 40p per litre.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

At Vissoie, 5 miles down the valley, there are three doctors a physio and an extensive pharmacy. There are large hospitals at Sierre (14 miles) and Sion (25 miles). The Swiss mountain rescue helicopter will get you there very quickly if necessary.