If there is one valley in Valais that has completely stolen my heart, it’s Zinal at the very end of the Val d’Anniviers. The hike up to Lac d’Arpitettaz is personally one of the most beautiful mountain adventures I’ve ever done!
Zinal is a dream, especially in June, when the off-season wraps the valley in a wonderful sense of peace. On top of that, I’ve found the village to be extremely dog-friendly: Our dogs were never turned away, whether in accommodations or local restaurants.
On the Way to Lac d’Arpitettaz: Pristine Nature in Early Summer
The ascent to the lake took us about 2 to 2.5 hours. That alone is the main reason why we would never attempt this route in the peak of summer—steep climbs in intense heat quickly become too demanding for dogs. Because of this, we always started very early, around 6:00 AM.
Setting off early pays off twice: You barely run into a soul and beat the midday heat. The ascent is varied and offers impressive scenery, taking you alongside streams and waterfalls, across alpine meadows, with views of moraine landscapes, and across a narrow ridge leading straight to the lake.
In addition to Lac d’Arpitettaz, we’ve explored several other routes around Zinal that I can just as highly recommend. If you’re looking for extra trails, you can find a complete overview of all hiking paths directly on the Val d’Anniviers Tourism website.
Zinal at a glance
| Category | Details & Info |
| Public Transport | PostBus to Zinal. Dogs require their own ticket on the PostBus (according to SBB rates). |
| Cable Cars | When operational (e.g., Zinal–Sorebois cable car): Dogs ride for free! Note that they are usually closed until mid-June. |
| Leash laws | Leashes are mandatory within the village. Outside, your dog must be under control at all times (watch for local signs). |
| Livestock protection | Livestock guardian dogs are actively working on pastures in the Arpitetta Valley and towards Cabane de Tracuit. |
| Cows & livestock | Grazing cows are present on various alpine sections in summer. Always cross pastures calmly and maintain distance. |
| Water & shade | Abundant streams in the valley and along watercourses; water sources higher up the mountain become scarcer in midsummer. |
| Waste disposal | Very few waste bins along hiking trails outside villages. Be prepared to pack out waste bags back to the village. |
| Dog-friendly restaurants | Exceptionally welcoming, no local restaurant has ever turned our dogs away. |
| Vet emergency | Central emergency veterinary line for Valais: +41 (0)900 502 502. |
| Official info & Live status | Live trail conditions available on the Val d’Anniviers Tourism website. Trails may be partially closed in the off-season. |
Detailed info from the municipality of Zinal for dog owners
1. Livestock guardian dogs & the route to Lac d’Arpitettaz
While the hike to the turquoise Lac d’Arpitettaz is a scenic highlight, there is currently an important safety note directly from the tourism office:
- Active Guard Dogs: Working livestock guardian dogs are deployed during summer on the alpine pastures surrounding Zinal (including the Arpitetta Valley and towards Cabane de Tracuit).
- Municipal Recommendation: Because livestock guardian dogs are stationed around Lac d’Arpitettaz, the local authorities currently recommend avoiding this specific area when hiking with dogs during the summer season.
- Interactive Map: Check active guard dog deployment areas and shepherd schedules before every trip at map.geo.admin.ch.
2. Leash rules & village etiquette
- In the Village: All dogs must be kept on a leash within settled village areas.
- On Hiking Trails: There are no unusual special restrictions outside villages, but your dog must be under control at all times. Always pay attention to posted signs along the paths.
3. Transport, cable cars & infrastructure
- Cable cars: When in service, dogs travel for free on cable cars in the Val d’Anniviers!
- PostBus: A regular ticket must be purchased for dogs traveling on PostBus routes.
- Off-season (June): Not all hiking trails are open during the early summer shoulder season. Check live trail updates on the Val d’Anniviers website before heading out.
- Waste disposal: Most hiking trails away from the village lack waste stations. Plan to carry waste bags back down to the village.
- Veterinary emergencies: For urgent veterinary care, the municipality points directly to the Valais emergency service hotline at 0900 502 502.
The municipality’s insider tip: Hike to Cabane du Petit Mountet
We asked the local authorities: If you had to recommend just one overlooked route to a guest with a dog, which one would it be?
Their answer: The hike from Zinal up to Cabane du Petit Mountet!
This route leads deep into the valley end of Zinal, passing impressive glacier tongues and moraine landscapes on the way up to a rustic mountain hut. We haven’t stayed at the hut ourselves yet, so it’s definitely on our list for next time!
Mountain Paw Tip:
- Start Early: For longer climbs (2+ hours) in summer, take advantage of the early morning hours starting at 6:00 AM to shield your dog from the heat.
- Mind Guard Dog Advice: Check the daily updated map on map.geo.admin.ch prior to your trip to verify active guard dog locations and switch to uncritical routes if necessary.
- Try the Alternative: If you’re looking for a breathtaking, guard-dog-free alternative, follow the local tip up to Cabane du Petit Mountet (Trail No. 5).
- June Off-Season: Beautifully quiet, but note that some cable cars and mountain huts may still be closed. Verify open routes online beforehand.
Our conclusion
Zinal in June is a true place of tranquility. Rushing streams, massive alpine peaks, and relaxed Valais hospitality make every hike unforgettable. As long as you respect local livestock protection guidelines and check open routes ahead of time, you and your dog are set for an incredible mountain experience!
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