Anzère Vacances – Hotel Zodiaque
Anzère is an impressive Swiss Alps ski resort in the southwest of Valais – a beautiful valley loaded with ski resorts big and small. Anzère resort is a sizeable resort, not too big, but by no means small, and perfect for family skiing. Located on the north side of the Rhône River, Anzère has fun long scenic trails, and phenomenal views of most of the major Swiss Alps.
Staying at Hotel Zodiaque in Anzere, it’s a great location, right on the Place du Village pedestrian zone, by the ice rink, beginner slopes, and sledding run. From here you can walk to the few Anzere Village restaurants and shops. You walk up to the gondola (a 10-minute walk up hill) or grab the free shuttle bus. You can ski right back to the hotel on the Anzere village trail. More on skiing Anzere…
Hotel Zodiaque is a giant A-Frame/Chalet style hotel, with over 60 rooms, with definite 1970’s vibes. But the view from this large chalet style hotel is extraordinary from the balconies. From our room (#214), we could see 10 ski resorts around this stunning valley of grand Swiss peaks, and we could see the green valley below where the Rhone river flows and wine productions occurs.
Arriving at Hotel Zodiaque, you pull in the underground car-park (its an extra $15 Euro a day to park, but you can unload and drive 100 meters up the hill to a free outdoor parking.) The Zodiaque lobby is spacious with a scenic bar and lounge, its feels very 70’s and while it lacks the cozy alpine décor you imagine on a Swiss ski trip, the view is amazing. Ski locker and boot dryer are up a level – so you walk out with ski boots directly to the Village pedestrian zone in the morning, from here it’s a 10-minute walk up (mostly up) to the gondola each morning. The Zodiaque staff was friendly, however we had to ask questions, about ski lockers, parking, and the “sauna” which is no longer, but is still marked in the elevator.
Our room at Zodiaque was basic, but comfortable, a murphy bed double, a couch, small fridge and spacious bath. Our favorite part of our Double suite was the big balcony, and the view, where we could see most of the scenic Valias Wallis, towering Swiss Alps in every direction. At night, we could spot the twinkling headlights of snow groomers on at least 10 different ski areas from our perch. So be sure to ask for a south facing view and balcony, like 214. These units are privately owned, and rented by Anzere Vacances, so much of the closets and storage are locked for the homeowners use only. Our unit was neat, almost dormitory style, with little décor, not the fluffy fresh white linen duvets we’ve come to expect in the Alps. But after a big day skiing Anzere, we slept well, and enjoyed the stars and the dance of the groomers’ lights across the valley at neighboring ski resorts.
Breakfast was included in our Hotel Zodiaque package, we could take the elevator to the charming Au Chalet restaurant on the 3rd floor. Here you have a view of the Village Plaza from a pretty alpine wood interior with cozy tables. It’s a lovely traditional Swiss restaurant, also open for dinner to hotel guests and the public. Our breakfast was a buffet of yogurt, breads, cheese and meats, cereal, cook your own “6-minute” boiled eggs. We also dined here two nights and loved the classic Swiss cheese fondue, and the wood fired pizza another night, and there’s a nightly menu as well. Make a reservation for dinner.
Zodiaque’s lobby and bar were more recently renovated, with a great view of the surrounding mountains. A few guests and several locals hang out here for après ski. There’s a COOP market in town, you might enjoy drinks on your own balcony too. In the Village, après ski is popular overlooking the snowy pedestrian zone while kids play, skate and sled. Ice Cube is frequented by locals, as is the Creperie sun terrace by Anzere Spa and Wellness. Certain nights there’s snow volley ball, or a DJ, scavenger hunts or a torchlight walk in the Place du Village.
Other dining in Anzere Village, you can easily walk to: Jojo’s Thai is fabulous. Jojo is Thai and she creates wonderful rice and noodle bowls from her open kitchen – delicious and a nice change from Swiss heavy cuisine of cheese and potatoes. Raccard Creperie is also within the snowy courtyard village. See our review of Anzere skiing for the best on mountain lunch spots!
Don’t miss the Anzere Spa and Wellness some day after skiing. This modern setting has indoor and outdoor water features: pools, jacuzzi, sauna, damp sauna, plus massages and treatments a la carte. The view from the outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi of the mountains is inspiring. BYOT: bring your own towel, or there’s a surcharge. Swimsuits are required and the wellness and relaxation areas are for adults, quiet zones.
The Hotel Zodiaque is popular with groups, for its value, and number of rooms. Anzere doesn’t have a lot of luxury lodging properties, and they are independently owned, not managed by Anzere ski resort.
Anzere is a fun, family-friendly mid-sized Swiss ski resort, on the Magic Pass along with nearby Grimentz-Zinal , Lauchernalp and Leukerbad to the east, Ovronnaz to the west, even Télé Marécottes, Nax Mont Noble, Vercorin, St-Luc/Chandolin, so a Swiss ski tour in this Valais Wallis would be perfect.
Anzere Ski Stats:
Base Elevation: 1500 M (4,921′)
Summit Elevation: 2420 M (7,940′)
Vertical: 920 meters (3,018′)
Lifts: 13, inc 2 modern gondolas
Trails: 64 km of prepared pistes plus acres of Freeride terrain when the snow is right.
By road, Anzère is 16 kilometers (25 min) north of Sion (the gateway city and train connection to these Alps), 2 hours east of Geneva.
See more on Top Swiss Ski Resorts for Family Skiing and Top Swiss Ski Hotels
