When looking into a luxury ski holiday in the Swiss Alps, people tend to think of the big name resorts of Verbier and Zermatt, however sometimes the more hidden corners of the Alps offer something a little different and equally special. Grimentz is one such resort; a chocolate box village surrounded by iconic peaks, and boasting a rich Swiss heritage. Situated in the Val d’Anniviers region of the Swiss Alps, Grimentz luxury ski holidays combine alpine authenticity with fantastic skiing for all abilities.
With its narrow streets and wooden mayens, Grimentz is one of the oldest and best-preserved of Switzerland’s traditional mountain villages. It’s almost frozen in time with typical chalet-style architecture, all covered with a blanket of snow.
Skiing in Grimentz: Discover the Grimentz-Zinal Ski Area
Grimentz luxury ski holidays are gaining a loyal following thanks to the resort’s exceptional skiing and small town charm. Situated at 1,570m, Grimentz shares its ski area with the neighbouring resort of Zinal, to form the Grimentz-Zinal ski area offering roughly 115km of pisted terrain spread as 29 blue, 34 red, and 12 black slopes. Peaking out at 3,000m, and with North and East facing slopes, the quality of the snow in Grimentz is one of it’s true strengths.
Skiing in Grimentz caters to all abilities. Beginners benefit from quiet pistes and reliable snow conditions. The jardin des neiges and short blue Marenda piste are perfect for gaining confidence. Intermediate skiers have the entire Grimentz-Zinal ski area to explore thanks to the 120 capacity Grimentz-Espace Weisshorn telecabine that links the two resorts. For the best views of the area, the blue Panorama piste from the top of the Orzival lift is a must-ski.
For advanced skiers luxury ski holidays to Grimentz are highly regarded. The off-piste opportunities are especially sublime, with several dedicated freeride areas and multiple touring routes. With 12 black pistes including the steep 4.3km Piste du Chamois, there are also a variety of challenging pistes to tackle. Families with children will love the children’s snowpark for budding freestyle skiers, a ski-cross track, speed check, and a timed slalom course in neighbouring Zinal. Choose to stay during the GiantXTour event in Grimentz when children have the opportunity to compete in skicross or freestyle events.
Open from November through to April, Grimentz luxury ski holidays enjoy one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps. The Grimentz-Zinal ski area is covered under a single ski pass covering the wider Val d’Anniviers region, meaning in addition to Grimentz, guests can also explore the slopes of nearby St Luc-Chandolin and Vercorin for about 220km of pistes in total.
Restaurants in Grimentz:
Grimentz offers a traditional Alpine dining scene, keeping to the rustic Valasian way in their cuisine. The village is well-equpped with a selection of family-run restaurants scattered around the resort adding a very charming touch both on and off the slopes. With a local focus, these restaurants highlight regional produce such as raclette, fondue, and Valais wines, celebrating Valasian traditions through cuisine.
1. Espace Weisshorn
Named “Espace Weisshorn” in reference to the highest visible peak you can see whilst dining at this mountain restaurant in Grimentz, diners are treated to an impeccable panoramic view at 2,700m elevation for an unforgettable mountain lunch. The menu favours regional produce and is plated with flair. Dishes include the likes of wild boar, spit-roasted meats, morel pasta, and for an informal mountain lunch, a range of pizzas. Espace Weisshorn exudes savoir-faire and is a wonderful Grimentz mountain restaurant.
2. La Table d’André
Simply stylish, La Table d’André at Flocons de Neige offers a refined dining experience for guests to savour. With an open kitchen, guests are able to see the chefs working their magic, creating the likes of confit duck with a beurre noisette, beef fillet with foie gras, and cod loin with a hay and kombu consommé. The sister restaurant, La Brasserie offers more “hearty and homemade” style cooking without compromising on quality.
3. Da Claudio
Blending Valais tradition with Spanish passion, Da Claudio combines a rugged menu showcasing exceptional steaks and the finest cuts, with a polished sense of style. It’s also a specialist wine bar and boutique, making Da Claudio a paradise for gourmands, and oenophiles alike. A warm and welcoming restaurant with a contemporary style, Da Claudio showcases modern alpine dining; hearty yet refined, local and international, cosy yet sharp.
Après-ski on Grimentz Luxury Ski Holidays
Generally, Grimentz luxury ski holidays offer a peaceful mountain charm rather than a high energy buzz. Unlike the larger nearby resorts of Zermatt and Verbier, the après ski scene here is typically lowkey. Nevertheless, après ski in Grimentz still hosts a decent selection of local bars and sun terraces for a post-ski drink or two.
1. Le Tsirouc
Resting at the bottom of the Grimentz ski area’s slopes, Le Tsirouc is the primary après bar in Grimentz. Bask on the sun terrace before a stunning mountain panorama, cosy up in the classic interior, and enjoy regular live music. There’s a great drinks selection alongside sharing platters and bar snacks.
3. OEnotheque Le Grenier
A charming wine bar and cafe, Le Grenier highlights local specialities with a selection of 180 Valais wines from 45 regional producers. Let their knowledgeable team guide you through the different grapes and bottles available, or simply settle down and enjoy discovering a new vintage or an old favourite. Wine tastings are available alongside small plates from the in-house delicatessen.
2. Country Pub
An informal offering, the Country Pub bar offers an extensive drink selection, plenty of games (from darts, to pool, to karaoke), live music on certain days, and friendly staff. It’s popular with locals and visitors alike.
Non-Skiing Activities in Grimentz and Val d’Anniviers
For travellers who prefer to enjoy activities other than the typical après ski, luxury ski holidays to Grimentz have plenty to entertain visitors of all ages and tastes. This peaceful village also has a selection of daytime activities for the non-skier. Grimentz has a natural ice rink, offering fantastic family fun both during the day and especially during the evening, when floodlights make the whole experience that much more magical.
Discover Grimentz in one of the most traditional ways, by snowshoe hiking. On a snowshoe hiking experience you will follow trails that will lead you to beautiful parts of the mountains surrounding Grimentz. Offering a sense of discovery, these trails also boast some of the most incredible views across the village and surrounding mountain peaks. There’s an 8.8km toboggan run in Grimentz; an exhilarating descent down from the top of the Grands Plan chair, towards the Bendolla lift hub and then onto Grimentz. Ride through fir trees and snow laden forests, and enjoy unforgettable moments with the whole family.
In Valais, rye has been made for centuries, and baking rye bread has become one of the most ancestral regional traditions. A local, Yanis Chauve, shares this tradition with guests by hosting a traditional rye bread baking experience using a communal oven. In passing, he may share a secret or two. Local wine galas give the opportunity to discover a new favourite bottle to take home, or simply enjoy being in the moment. For wine enthusiasts looking for something particularly special, the Vin du Glacier is a rare blend of vintages tracing all the way back to the year 1888. The wine is not available for sale, however it can be drawn directly from the barrel, and tasted in local cellars.
Guernerés Residence; Where to Stay on Grimentz Luxury Ski Holidays
Introducing Guernerés Residence, a refined collection of 63 luxury apartments and chalets overlooking the picturesque village of Grimentz. Designed to accommodate groups of varying sizes, the properties range from 28m² to 256m² and can host between 2 and 14 guests. Each residence offers spacious living areas, including private kitchens, dining spaces, and comfortable lounges, creating an ideal base for a luxury ski holiday in the Swiss Alps. Positioned close to the slopes, the residence combines contemporary alpine design with warm natural materials, while each apartment and chalet has a private balcony allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking mountain views of the peaks of the Imperial Crown.
Guests staying at Guernerés Residence benefit from access to an impressive range of shared facilities within the complex, including:
- Heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool
- Massage and treatment rooms
- Hammams
- Saunas
- Games room
- Gym
- Ski shop and ski lockers
- Restaurant and bar
The residence is also home to the elegant Nava Restaurant, for a refined dining experience inspired by the flavours of the Valais region. Local ingredients and alpine specialities are creatively presented in a stylish mountain setting, while the adjoining lounge bar offers the perfect spot for relaxed après-ski drinks. A spacious terrace provides the opportunity to dine outdoors on sunny days while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, making it a memorable gastronomic highlight of any luxury ski holiday in Grimentz.
Are you feeling inspired for your next luxury winter trip? If so, please do contact our team of experienced Ski Specialists for a personalised travel consultation. Send us an email or call us on +44 (0)1202 203650 to book your luxury ski holiday apartment. For more information about the experience of staying in a luxury ski residence, read our article looking into why mountain residences are growing in popularity across the Alps.
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