Freeride guiding
in Grimentz-Zinal

Discover some of the best freeride terrain in Valais from our home base in Val d’Anniviers. From lift-accessed powder and forest runs to high-alpine terrain and short ski tours, Grimentz-Zinal offers exceptional possibilities throughout the winter.

Since 2012, we’ve been guiding in Val d’Anniviers and have made this valley our home.

Freeride in Val d’Anniviers
Why Grimentz-Zinal is made for freeride

Grimentz-Zinal combines many of the ingredients that make an exceptional freeride destination. Good average snowfall, cold winter temperatures, varied aspects and extensive high-alpine terrain create opportunities to find quality snow throughout the season.

The terrain is just as varied. From powder runs and playful forest skiing on snowy days to wide-open faces, steep technical lines and high-alpine descents, there is something to explore in almost every direction.

And when the best skiing lies beyond the lifts, short ski tours open up even more terrain. With the right conditions, a relatively small amount of climbing can take you away from the ski area and into a completely different mountain environment.

Tree skiing in deep powder through the larches in Grimentz

A vast mountain playground
Over 24,000 hectares in Val d’Anniviers alone

Val d’Anniviers covers more than 24,000 hectares, making Anniviers one of the largest municipalities in Switzerland. Much of this vast territory is high-alpine mountain terrain, surrounded by peaks reaching over 4,000 metres.

Grimentz-Zinal is our starting point, but our freeride days are not limited by the boundaries of the ski area. With touring equipment, an extraordinary network of valleys, ridges and high-alpine passes opens up around us.

Depending on the conditions and the objective for the day, we can stay close to the lifts, explore deeper into Val d’Anniviers or venture towards neighbouring valleys and mountain areas. Different altitudes, aspects and terrain give us an enormous range of possibilities throughout the winter.

We are not limited to a piste map. Where we go is determined by the snow, weather and avalanche conditions, your level and how far into the mountains you want to explore.

Freeride for different levels
Do I need freeride experience?

You don’t need previous freeride experience to join us, but you should be a confident skier who is comfortable on all marked slopes. Skiing off-piste is more demanding, and the right level will allow you to enjoy the experience safely.

If this is your first time skiing off-piste, your guide can introduce you progressively to freeride terrain, helping you develop the technique and confidence needed for variable snow.

More experienced freeriders can use the day to explore further, search for more challenging terrain or combine lift-accessed skiing with ski touring and bigger backcountry objectives.

Every day is adapted to your experience, fitness and goals.

Le Beau Ski guide Paloma skiing powder between the trees in Grimentz-Zinal

Local knowledge makes the difference

MEET OUR GUIDES →

Our approach

Why ski Grimentz-Zinal with a local freeride guide?

Powder turn with a Le Beau Ski guide in Grimentz-Zinal

Local knowledge

Years spent exploring Val d’Anniviers make a real difference when choosing where to ski. Snow quality can change enormously with altitude, aspect, wind and temperature, and knowing how the mountain reacts to different conditions opens up possibilities that are easy to miss.

Our guides use this local knowledge to look beyond the obvious lines and choose the terrain that offers the best combination of snow, experience and safety on the day.

Off-piste couloir skiing in Grimentz-Zinal

A day built around you

There is no fixed itinerary for a freeride day. We take into account your skiing level, fitness, previous off-piste experience and what you want to get from your time in the mountains.

That might mean searching for powder close to the lifts, developing your freeride technique, using skins to reach quieter terrain or setting out on a bigger backcountry objective. The day evolves around you and the conditions.

Powder face shot freeride skiing in Grimentz-Zinal

Safety & mountain decisions

Good freeride guiding is as much about decision-making as it is about skiing. Weather, snowpack and avalanche conditions are constantly assessed throughout the day, and plans can change as the mountains give us new information.

Our aim is to find great skiing while making considered decisions about terrain, route choice and exposure. Safety is always central to the experience, without taking away from the adventure.

Testimonials
Google reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 22 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Glauerdt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best ski days of the season. Stefano is by far the best guide we’ve had!! Great two powder days and safety always comes first.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charlie Dunmore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've had the pleasure of touring with Stefano the past couple of years. He has a deep knowledge of the terrain and conditions of the Val d'Anniviers based on many years of experience, and will tailor routes and itineraries to suit your skills and goals. He's a confidence inspiring presence, and great company too!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joe Gaines 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic day out with Stefano. We were a group of mixed fitness but all keen to experience the off piste skiing Grimentz had to offer, and Stefano tailored our day superbly to ensure we were all having a good time. He found us some great snow and taught us lots while doing it! He was also great fun to be around, an absolute essential ☺️ I’d highly recommend skiing with Stefano and the team.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gareth Ayre 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Finds the best snow, safe, infectious enthusiasm, and a great laugh to! Highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dr. S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano is an excellent guide and made the day truly enjoyable. He knows the area extremely well, keeps the experience fun and is always helpful and attentive. Exactly what you want from a guide on an off-piste touring day.

10/10 — highly recommended. We'll be back :) Danke!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ben Thomson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano was great and we could some amazing powder even though the conditions made that hard. He also rescued me when I dislocated my shoulder.  So important to have a guide that can sort things out in an accident.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ben Salter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano was a great guide. Even in some pretty tough conditions he managed to make sure we had top quality morning in Zinal and Grimentz. Couldn’t recommend him enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Archie Hardyment 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great ski. In high risk conditions Stefano delivered a great day whilst keeping everyone safe.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ed Crossman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano is a fantastic guide. This year really showed that. With sketchy conditions everywhere, he gave us adventure while always staying safe. He's great company too.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   William Hardyment 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Two fantastic days touring/off-piste with Stefano in the Val d'Anniviers in January, just after large snowfall. Always fun and informative, but also safe. In difficult conditions they delivered a couple of fantastic days touring and kept the fun going. Thank you Stefano.

Frequently asked questions
FAQ

You don’t need previous off-piste experience, but you should be a confident skier who is comfortable skiing all marked slopes in a ski resort. Your guide will adapt the terrain and pace to your ability, from your first experience in powder to more technical and challenging freeride lines.

No two freeride days are exactly the same. Your guide will consider the snow, weather, avalanche conditions, your skiing level and your goals before choosing the best terrain for the day. Depending on conditions, this might mean lift-accessed powder, short ski tours, longer backcountry routes or a combination of them.

Yes. Avalanche safety equipment — transceiver, shovel and probe — is required for all our freeride days. We also recommend ski touring equipment, as it gives us greater flexibility to access the best terrain and snow conditions. An avalanche airbag backpack is also highly recommended.

Yes. Our days can range from lift-accessed freeride with minimal walking to ski touring and longer backcountry adventures. Touring equipment gives us access to considerably more terrain and allows us to search for the best snow away from the main ski areas.

Absolutely. If you are already a confident piste skier, your first freeride experience can be a great introduction to skiing beyond the marked slopes. Your guide will select appropriate terrain and introduce you progressively to off-piste technique, terrain awareness and mountain safety.

Yes. We create personalised multi-day freeride and ski touring trips in Valais, across the Alps and internationally. Trips can be designed around a specific destination or built around the type of terrain and experience you are looking for.

Our home bases are Val d’Anniviers and Saas-Fee in Valais, Switzerland, where we offer private freeride guiding throughout the winter. We also organise multi-day trips across the Alps and personalised freeride and ski touring adventures in destinations around the world.

Conditions come first. Our guides use their local knowledge, weather and snow information, avalanche conditions and your skiing ability to decide where the best options are each day. Being flexible allows us to make the most of the mountains while keeping safety at the heart of every decision.

Blog
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