Grimentz, Switzerland

Rob from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

Grimentz is still a smallish resort, but 2 fast chairs added in 04/05 improve it a lot. With just a little hiking, there are some excellent off-piste options. It makes sense to visit for a day or two as part of a week or so exploring all of the resorts of the Annivers Valley - Chandolin, St Luc, Vercorin and Zinal are all on the same pass. Post buses between them are fairly few and so it is best to have your own car - and make sure to have chains too because the small, steep and twisty roads are often treacherous in winter. Between them, these resorts offer some excellent and varied skiing covering several hundred kms, and mostly beautiful traditional Swiss Villages with characteristic dark wooden chalets. Sunny Chandolin and St-Luc are probably the nicest places to be based, while Zinal and Grimentz have the best of the snow and lift facilities. Grimentz is rarely crowded by Alpine standards, and you won't meet many non-Swiss skiers here. Even at weekends, Chandolin and St Luc can be deserted so plan your week accordingly. If you are self-catering, the Manor supermarket on the outskirts of Sion is a good place to stock up before you head up the valley as provisions are pretty basic.

2006-01-19