Crans Montana

Find Chalets Resort Guide to Crans Montana

The two neighbouring resorts of Crans and Montana are situated at an altitude of 1500m on a sun-drenched plateau high above the Rhone Valley.

Together Crans Montana forms one of the biggest holiday destinations in the Valais.

These twin towns have so much to offer, including an impressive view of the chain of mountain peaks from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc and a particularly wide programme of activities all year round.

Idyllic mountain village or alpine town?

Crans-Montana has a bit of both. It combines all the comforts of a modern holiday resort with an expansive natural landscape and beautiful panoramic views of the Valais Alps.

Whereby the modern side of Crans-Montana provides the best alpine shopping for miles around.

Crans Montana also boasts a renowned cultural and congress centre; and a wide range of accommodation.

As a venue for major sporting events, and with a reputation as a golfing Mecca, Crans-Montana draws visitors from all over the world.

Get back to nature in this family-friendly resort, where you can enjoy five swimming lakes; walks through aromatic mountain forests along an extensive network of footpaths; and cosy fondue evenings in rustic inns.

Skiing in Crans Montana

The ski slopes stretch from the high plateau up to the Plaine Morte Glacier at 3000m.

Directly beyond the edge of the forest the pistes are broad and open, ideal for beginners and deep-snow skiers.

Advanced skiers will head via chairlift to La Toula to find a really challenging descent.

Particularly popular are the broad carving pistes and the valley descent down the Piste Nationale which, at 12 km, is the longest in the region.

In Winter the golf courses become a paradise for cross-country skiers and hikers. In addition to classic cross-country ski trails, there is also an extra piste especially for skaters.

Summer in Crans Montana

In addition to hiking, tennis and squash, Crans-Montana has facilities for canyoning, mountain climbing, water skiing and paragliding.

The attractive skiing areas of the Plaine Morte glacier plateau are also ideal for summer hiking.

Particular summer favourites are the five swimming lakes right next to the village.

Crans-Montana has a long golfing tradition.

The 18-hole Severiano Ballesteros Golf Course with its breath-taking views is situated on the high plateau of Crans. The international elite meet here every year for golfing tournaments.

Highlights of Crans Montana

  • Golf: the 18-hole Severiano Ballesteros and 9-hole Jack Nicklaus golf courses offer panoramic views from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc.

  • Shopping: Crans and Montana comprise the most extensive alpine shoppers’ paradise for miles around.

  • Plaine Morte: this huge glacier stretching for 10 square kilometres at an altitude of 3000 m is also a major attraction in summer.

  • Sierra: the town with the most hours of sunshine in Switzerland is a popular nearby excursion with its beautiful old quarter and museums. A funicular railway links Montana with Sierre.

  • Grottensee near St-Léonard: there are boat trips across this underground lake between Sion and Sierre from March to November.

Top Events in Crans Montana

  • Ochsner Sport Terrific, Crans-Montana: relay races from Crans-Montana to the Plaine Morte Glacier (June).

  • Omega European Masters: the international golfing elite compete in the second biggest tournament in Europe (September).

  • International hot air balloon meeting: this competition provides a colourful spectacle and passenger flights in a fettered balloon (September).

Crans Montana

Beginner 
Intermediate 
Advanced 
Offpiste 
Snowboarding 
Apresski 

Snow Reports

Crans Montana Snow Report

Last 48 hours : 2cm

Packed Powder | Snow Base : 420cm

 
 

Resort Facts

Resort altitude : 1500m

Highest Ski Lift : 3000m

Longest Run : 12km

Piste Size in kms : 160km

Total Runs : 50

Beginner Runs : 40%

Intermediate Runs : 56%

Advanced Runs : 4%

Total lifts : 34

Night Skiing : No

Snowboard park : 1

Season Starts : December

Season Ends : April

Departure Airports :
Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow

Nearest Airport :
Geneva

Transfer Time : 2 hrs 15 mins

Activities :
Bowling Alley, Sports Centre, Swimming Pool, Ice Rink, Paragliding, Hang Gliding, Walking Trails