Cabane de Moiry to Zinal via Col de Sorebois

Distance: 7.5 - 9.9 miles (one way)

Valais, near Zinal in The Valais

Close-up of the Zinalrothorn

Close-up of the Zinalrothorn

 

This hike, part of the Haute Route, also makes for a great point to point day hike with lovely views of the Zinal and Moiry Valleys along with dramatic up-close views of the Moiry Glacier. The hike can be walked in either direction.
See Trail Detail/Full Description

  • Distance: 7.5 miles (one way) to Sorebois
  • Elevation: 9,268-ft. at Trailhead
    9,374-ft. at Sorebois
  • Elevation Gain: 1,574-ft. to Sorebois
  • Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
  • More Hikes in:
    Zinal / The Valais

Why Hike Cabane de Moiry to Zinal via Col de Sorebois

This pleasant hike, part of the Walker's Haute Route, descends from the Cabane de Moiry and then travels along a high route above the Lac de Moiry with fine views of the Moiry Valley. As you near the dam at the foot of the lake the trail climbs steep switchbacks to the Col de Sorebois, a scenic crossing on the ridge separating the Val de Moiry from the Val de Zinal.

The pass enjoys stunning views of the glacier-clad Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Besso and Ober Gabelhorn soaring above the east side of Zinal. To west/southwest the high peaks towering above Grimentz and the Moiry Valley form the backdrop for distance views of the summits rising in the Arolla and Herens valleys including, Bouquetins, Aiguille de la Tsa, Dents de Veisivi, Pigne d'Arolla, Mont Blanc de Cheillon, Grand Combin and Aiguilles Rouges d'Arolla.

Descend from the Col to the ski area at Sorebois where a gondola and trails descend to Zinal. Several escape routes permit hikers to take a bus to either Grimentz or Zinal if the weather takes a turn for the worse, making travel over the Col problematic.

This walk is part of the Walker's Haute Route. It also makes a great day hike, which can be walked in either direction. Total mileage for the day hike is 9.7 miles, which includes the round-trip hike to the Cabane de Moiry.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile for the hiking trail from the Cabane de Moiry to Zinal via Col de Sorebois

Best Hiking in Switzerland in the Valais, Bernese Alps, the Engadine and Davos

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Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:
Zinal

Region Information:
The Valais

Other Hiking Regions in:
Switzerland