Whether skating or classic: these ten cross-country skiing destinations are all reachable from Zinal by public transport. From romantic forest tracks to scenic high-altitude loops, there’s something for every level of Nordic skier.
The destinations below are sorted by travel time from Zinal, centre to make your planning easier. Make sure to visit the map to explore all cross-country skiing areas and thousands of other outdoor activities reachable from any starting point in Switzerland.
Much more on ovunta.com/en/map
Perched on a sunny plateau high above the Rhône Valley, this renowned Valais resort offers sweeping views of the Alps from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. Trails traverse forests and open terrain across the broad, gently rolling highland landscape.
9 kmLearn more on
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| 453 (26m) | |
| 451 (33m) | |
| 2225 (14m) | |
| 436 (8m) | |
Famous for its thermal baths, this Valais resort village sits in a dramatic mountain basin beneath towering cliffs. An extensive network of trails winds through the valley floor and surrounding terrain, combining winter sport with the possibility of wellness relaxation.
16 kmLearn more on
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| 453 (27m) | |
| 451 (33m) | |
| IR95 (7m) | |
| 471 (25m) | |
Traditional wooden chalets and Valaisan heritage define this authentic village in the Val d'Hérens. The network spreads across the valley floor and surrounding terrain, offering a genuine mountain experience away from heavily developed resort infrastructure.
19.7 kmLearn more on
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| 453 (27m) | |
| 451 (33m) | |
| IR95 (10m) | |
| 381 (37m) | |
High above the Lötschental valley floor, Lauchernalp presents a compact cross-country experience at altitude. The sun-drenched plateau offers sweeping views of glaciated peaks and the dramatic valley below, creating an intimate alpine atmosphere.
4.9 kmLearn more on
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| 453 (1h 7m) | |
| IR90 (24m) | |
| RE1 (25m) | |
| 591 (8m) | |
A renowned high-alpine destination in the Bernese Oberland, Kandersteg offers extensive cross-country terrain winding through a dramatic glacial valley. Surrounded by towering peaks and frozen waterfalls, this historic mountain village provides a comprehensive network suitable for skiers seeking varied distances and scenic immersion.
24.7 kmLearn more on
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| 453 (1h 7m) | |
| IR90 (24m) | |
| RE1 (37m) | |
Perched on a sunny terrace high above the Rhône Valley, Ovronnaz combines cross-country skiing with striking views of the Muverans massif and distant peaks. The resort town is also known for its thermal baths, adding a relaxing après-ski option.
6.8 kmLearn more on
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| 453 (26m) | |
| 451 (33m) | |
| R91 (24m) | |
| 312 (32m) | |
High in the Val d'Hérens at over 2000 metres, Arolla sits beneath glaciated peaks in a pristine alpine setting. This remote mountain village maintains a traditional character, with trails winding through open terrain surrounded by dramatic high-mountain scenery.
14.7 kmLearn more on
valdherens.ch
| 453 (27m) | |
| 451 (33m) | |
| IR95 (10m) | |
| 381 (47m) | |
| 381 (12m) | |
A compact area near the impressive Grande Dixence dam, one of the world's tallest gravity dams. The Val des Dix offers a rugged, isolated atmosphere with trails suited for shorter outings in a dramatic high-alpine reservoir landscape.
3.4 kmLearn more on
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| 453 (24m) | |
| 451 (33m) | |
| IR90 (10m) | |
| 372 (25m) | |
| 374 (39m) | |
The perfectly groomed cross-country ski trail meanders through snow-covered larch forests along the frozen Saaser Vispa and offers fantastic views of the Saas Valley’s mountains and glaciers.
12.8 kmTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| 453 (1h 7m) | |
| IR90 (15m) | |
| 511 (29m) | |
Cross-country skiing south of Lake Thun in the winter wonderland of the Suldtal valley, a nature reserve at the foot of the Morgenberghorn. Enjoy total tranquillity, broken only by the gurgling waters of the Suldbach stream or the wingbeat of a golden eagle.
18.4 kmTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Learn more on
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| 453 (27m) | |
| 451 (33m) | |
| IR95 (19m) | |
| IC8 (27m) | |
| 62 (10m) | |
