Lac d'Arpitettaz

Lac d'Arpitettaz is a high-mountain lake in the municipality of Anniviers, in the Swiss canton of Valais, at the head of the Val d'Anniviers. It lies at roughly 2,230 m above sea level, above the village of Zinal, surrounded by glaciers and 4,000 m peaks. It is one of the more approachable day-hike goals in this corner of the Pennine Alps.

Where is the lake?

The lake sits in a side valley above Zinal, at about 46.105 N, 7.644 E. The Weisshorn rises over it, and higher up on that mountain's western flank stands the Cabane d'Arpitettaz (2,786 m), a Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hut. Meltwater from the Arpitettaz glacier and its neighbours feeds the streams running down toward Zinal.

How do you get there from Zinal?

Expect about two hours of walking each way. A full loop that includes the lake is around 11 km and takes roughly 4.5 hours. There are two main ways up:

• Along the left bank of the stream, heading toward the Cabane du Petit Mountet and then on to the lake. This is the calmer option and suits families with children.
• Along the right bank via the Pas du Chasseur, a shorter but harder route with a steep stretch secured by chains and ropes.

The continuation to the hut is rated T3 (mountain hiking) by the SAC, with about 4.5 hours of climbing and around 1,180 m of ascent.

What will you see?

Above the water you can see the glaciers of the surrounding massifs, including the Moming and Blanc de Moming glaciers beneath the Weisshorn. The shore is a good spot for a picnic before heading back. If you want a longer outing, you can add the Roc de la Vache waterfall or continue to the hut.

When should you go?

The trails are mostly snow-free from July to September. Early in the season and after fresh snowfall, snow can linger higher up. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions, and confirm the hut's opening dates if you plan to eat or stay there.

Anything else worth knowing?

Zinal is the main base: from here routes also lead toward the Zinal glacier, which extends from about 2,000 to 3,450 m. Sources give slightly different heights for the lake (about 2,229 to 2,288 m), so treat the figure as approximate.

Frequently asked questions

Is the walk to Lac d'Arpitettaz difficult? It is a mountain hike, but the left bank of the stream is easy and popular with families. The Pas du Chasseur variant is the harder one.

How long does the hike from Zinal take? About two hours to reach the lake, and around 4.5 hours for the whole loop.

Can you stay overnight nearby? Yes, at the Cabane d'Arpitettaz at 2,786 m, which sits higher than the lake itself.

When is the best time to visit? From July to September, when the trails are usually free of snow.