Don’t know where to eat in Crans Montana? Beyond its renowned ski area, Crans-Montana is a land of flavours, where the Valais culinary tradition is expressed with character. Between products from the mountain pastures, cheeses matured with passion, artisanal charcuterie and comforting mountain dishes, the resort offers a unique gastronomic experience, to be savoured in settings as varied as they are exceptional.
To help you choose where to eat during your stay in Crans Montana, we have selected several addresses that have charmed us, both for the quality of their cuisine and the warm welcome of their hosts. From the refined restaurant to the high-altitude tree house, not forgetting the unmissable après-ski spots, this selection is a reflection of our experiences, shared with enthusiasm and objectivity.
Whether you are a gourmet, a mountaineering enthusiast or simply curious about new flavours, follow us on this culinary journey and enjoy eating well in Crans-Montana!
Alaïa Lodge and its Glareyarde fondue
Located in the centre of Crans-Montana, the Alaïa Lodge is an address not to be missed for eating in Crans Montana. Its restaurant, the VivaVoce, offers a unique culinary experience with the Glareyarde fondue. The Glareyarde fondue is a speciality originating from Sierre, developed in the 1980s by Robert Salamin and the Sierre restaurateur Marco Poss. It consists of pieces of beef marinated in mountain herbs, reminiscent of the flavours of dried meat. These pieces are then cooked in a flavourful broth made with vegetables, beef and wine, offering a culinary experience rich in aromas. At Alaïa Lodge, this fondue is served with a range of sauces and accompaniments such as homemade fries, a mixed salad and potato rösti, allowing diners to fully savour this Valais speciality in a warm and authentic setting.
VivaVoce is distinguished by its bright dining room, where large bay windows let in abundant natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The welcome is provided by a friendly Italian team, adding a Mediterranean touch to the experience. Decoration is tasteful and original, with cable car-shaped lamps reminiscent of the surrounding alpine setting. The dining areas are varied in this establishment in Crans Montana, with intimate tables for one-to-one dinners, as well as round tables favouring conviviality with friends or family.
Le Mayen Restaurant and its raclette tasting
Located in the heart of Crans-Montana, Le Mayen Restaurant is a must for raclette lovers. Run by Jean-Daniel Clivaz, who is also President of the Tourist Office, the restaurant offers an authentic Valais raclette experience.
Unlike the common practice in France, where the cheese is melted at the table using individual appliances, the raclette here is served according to Swiss tradition. The cheese is melted and then scraped directly onto the plate, offering a creamy texture and an incomparable flavour. The tasting is organised in a progressive manner, starting with the mildest cheeses and moving on to the strongest, thus allowing a nuanced discovery of the different local varieties.
During our visit to the Hôtel-Restaurant l’Olympique, we had the pleasure of tasting a refined selection of raclette cheeses (which we recommend without hesitation), each offering a unique range of flavours:
- Champsot: This cheese, which comes from the Champsot mountain pasture, is recognised for its exceptional quality. The Dubosson family, who have been managing this mountain pasture since 1987, are continuing a family tradition of cheese making. Their raclette has won several awards, including the gold star awarded by the interprofessional organisation Raclette du Valais AOP in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
- Dents du Midi 36: Produced in the Berroix mountain pasture, this cheese was awarded a silver star with a score of 19.10 in the awards of the Raclette du Valais AOP inter-professional organisation.
- Anniviers: Produced by the Anniviers cheese dairy, this cheese reflects the traditional know-how of the region.
- Corbyre: This cheese from the Corbyre mountain pasture has been awarded a gold star, attesting to its superior quality.
There are several options available to diners to accompany this dish. You can opt for a plate of local charcuterie, thus enriching the meal with additional flavours. The potatoes, traditionally served in their jackets, are presented in an original way in cloth bags, adding a rustic and authentic touch to the experience.
To enhance this tasting experience, the establishment offers a selection of regional wines, including Petite Arvine, a dry and fruity white wine originating from the sunny hillsides of Sierre. This wine goes perfectly with melted cheese, bringing a fresh and refined note that balances the richness of the raclette.
La Cabane des Taules: our favourite at the summit
Perched at an altitude of over 2,000 metres on the Toula piste, between the Violettes and Aminona sectors, the Cabane des Taules is a real gem perched at the summit, an unmissable stop for skiers and hikers in search of conviviality, local cuisine and breathtaking panoramas.
What makes the Cabane des Taules so charming is above all the warm welcome of Jérémi, the owner. Smiling and passionate about the mountains, he receives each visitor as a friend, creating a simple, authentic family atmosphere. There’s no fuss here: you come to eat well and enjoy the moment.
Specialities not to be missed include:
- Raclette, served in the traditional way with cheese melted directly onto the plate.
- Polenta, accompanied by cheese or tomato sauce for a rustic touch.
- Local sausages, including the famous Schüblig, a tasty pork and beef sausage, and veal sausages prepared according to traditional recipes.
- Goulash, a comforting dish ideal for warming up after a day in the mountains.
Up there, the breathtaking alpine panoramas allow visitors to recharge their batteries while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. Sitting on the sunny terrace, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the snow-capped peaks of Crans-Montana, savouring an authentic meal in a relaxed atmosphere. In winter, its snowy roof, barely visible under the thick layer of snow, blends completely into the alpine landscape. This detail, which makes the chalet so charming, did not escape the ski legend Candide Thovex, who used this cabin as a springboard for one of his spectacular jumps. Further proof that this is not just a place for fine dining, but also a legendary spot for freeride enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
If you are looking for a place to eat on the slopes of Crans-Montana, the Cabane des Taules is an unmissable stop. Whether for a gourmet break, a breath of fresh air or a moment of sharing, this chalet embodies the soul of the mountain. An address that won us over, a real favourite, not to be missed under any circumstances!
Eat in Crans Montana : Le ZeroDix, convivial dining at the foot of the Crans Montana slopes
Ideally located at the departure point of the Crans-Cry d’Er cable car, ZeroDix is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and international cuisine with a Swiss touch.
The interior of ZeroDix is appealing with its tasteful decoration, combining modernity and a mountain spirit. The spaces are decorated with soft cushions, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for relaxing after a day on the slopes.
Among the specialities on offer, croûtes (toasted sandwiches) occupy a special place. After a day’s skiing (or for a gourmet break), we have no hesitation in recommending these hearty dishes. They consist of bread au gratin with various ingredients such as cheese, mushrooms or ham, perfect for a gourmet break.
ZeroDix is also famous for its lively après-ski. As soon as the slopes close, the restaurant comes alive with lively music, DJ sets and a festive atmosphere that delights visitors. Whether for lunch, dinner or simply to enjoy the après-ski, ZeroDix offers a memorable experience at the foot of the slopes.
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This selection of places, which we have tried and approved, is just a sample of the gastronomic diversity that Crans-Montana has to offer. Each establishment reflects in its own way the authenticity and culinary expertise of the region, showcasing local produce and traditions.
With its unspoilt mountain pastures, exceptional cheeses, artisan charcuterie and hearty mountain dishes, Crans-Montana is a destination that will delight both foodies and lovers of magnificent landscapes. Whether in a mountain hut perched on the mountainside, at the foot of the bustling slopes, or in a refined restaurant, the resort offers a unique culinary experience, where each meal becomes a real moment of sharing and discovery.
Of course, there are many other places to eat well in Crans Montana, each with its own charm and specialities. Now it’s up to you to let yourself be tempted and find your gastronomic favourite!
