Stage 9 of the Walker's Haute Route covers 16.9 km from Zinal to Gruben, with 1,290 m of ascent and 1,133 m of descent. The highest point is 2,854 m. Allow about 7.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Old stone-built hotel, the only one in the hamlet of Gruben (Turtmanntal). Basic rooms with washbasins; showers and toilets on the corridor. Summer only.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "listed by the tourist office" are on an official tourism or directory listing but could not be confirmed on their own website. Most huts are staffed from mid or late June to mid or late September and fill up in July and August: book ahead, some only online. Prices in Switzerland are in Swiss francs (CHF).
Emergency: call 112 (France and Switzerland) or 144 in Valais. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.