UKC

I was looking for a base for a first alpine trip. Previously I have spent a week climbing peaks in Saas-Fee but this year I am taking a friend who has never been alpine climbing before.

Zinal has been recommend both by a friend and articles online because there are no cable cars and the valley is less busy, but I can't seem to find many beginner friendly routes. 

Apart from Bishorn which comes in a F, the rest of the routes in the area seem quite hard and long and start at AD minimum.

Is there something I am missing or is Zinal quite a tough place to start? Should I be looking at routes lower than 4000m around Zinal? Could you recommend somewhere else?

No, this absolutely correct. Try Arolla next door for easier stuff,

CB

The Moiry hut is accessed from just down the Zinal valley and has many easier warm up routes, maybe start there,.....

Another recommendation for Arolla, it’s a beautiful valley with multiple 3500+ peaks and F/PD routes. No uplift though and you need to factor in getting your provisions from the big Co-op in Evolene ( 20 mins away in the bus)