Big off-piste in the bowls of 'Orzival'
(with no body else in sight)
Eric and Penny Kendall and their beautifully renovated auberge.
The Val d’Anniviers (often referred to as the ‘Zinal’ area) has become my favourite ski destination. Big hills, high and comprehensive lift system, and multiple slope aspects are just for starters. There is no mass tourism, no high-rise buildings, and few skiers off the piste. The area is very traditional, with only tentative signs of new development. But most importantly, the skiing is about as exciting as it gets! 1500 m powder descents abound and there are many vast bowls where fresh tracks can be found even weeks after snow! (Hardly the case at the Grands Montets).
Here is a brief summary of the areas, all of which are included on the Val d’Anniviers ski pass:
ZINAL: Lifts to 2900m, Slopes facing East, West and North. Vertical : 1500m
The domain has excellent piste and off piste plus a dedicated free-ride area which offers a long off-piste descent. However the best and most adventurous skiing can be found ‘over the back’. The Sorebois lift takes us to the highest point and from there we start the classic journey to the Moirey Dam, this is the ‘Vallee Blanche’ of the area. From the Sorebois we can also access the vast north facing Chamois Bowl, which, if snow permits, gives us 1500m of descent, often in powder..
GRIMENTZ: Lifts to 2900m. Slopes mainly face East and North. Vertical : 1500m
Grimentz is the largest and most well known area. There is plenty of great off-piste in the domain itself, but the best powder is found in the north facing bowls of Orzival. The Orzival area is found to the north of the main domain and most of the terrain can be accessed without skinning. There is a good choice of routes all with approximately 1500m of vertical. These descents are not to be missed. Grimentz is also the access point to the Bec du Bosson area, this place is a paradise for day-touring, many classic and varied itineraries await.
ST LUC / CHANDOLIN: Lifts to 3000m, slopes face South and West. Vertical : 1400m
Zinal and Grimentz already offer a great deal, but then there is another first class area, included on the same lift ticket and a short drive away! The St Luc – Chandolin area seems to only attract piste skiers, leaving immense areas of untracked snow. There is some interesting day-touring to access the north facing slopes; in spring, huge south facing snow fields give excellent spring snow (when timed right!). The area also offers a wide choice of steep but relatively safe couloirs; in fact this area is perfect for honing steep skiing technique. At the beginning of April Mountain Tracks hosted an advanced off-piste and day-touring week in the area. We were based in the small village of Motec, in a newly converted chalet. We were looked after in fine style by the owners, Eric and Penny Kendel who have created stylish and memorable accommodation. The auberge feels distinctly homely with a lovely communal area, kitchen and home-made food. Penny does all the catering herself and has an impressive eye for detail. The group found the accommodation aspect of the week different and enjoyable.
I want to recommend a trip to Zinal and surrounding areas to all Mountain Tracks clients, I’m confident that it offers everything an adventurous skier could wish for. Please check the website for our 2010 courses.
By Matt Dickinson
