Zinal Glacier, Glacier in Valais, Switzerland.
The Zinal Glacier spans from 2,130 to 3,470 meters altitude, covering 13.46 square kilometers with a maximum length of 7 kilometers, formed by the convergence of three glaciers from Grand Cornier, Durand, and Mountet mountains.
Historical records from 1891 to 2020 document the glacier's retreat pattern, with its front position recorded at 2,130 meters altitude in 2019, reflecting the broader trend of Alpine glacier recession due to climate change.
Local communities regard the Zinal Glacier as a symbol of Alpine heritage, with traditional guides sharing stories about its formation and cultural significance in the Val d'Anniviers region for generations.
Winter visits require guided tours available Tuesdays and Thursdays from mid-December to mid-March, costing CHF 80 per person with minimum age 10 and group size of four participants.
The glacier features accessible ice caves carved by internal streams during winter months, extending up to 200 meters in length and offering visitors rare opportunities to explore the crystalline ice structure from within.
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