Crans Montana

Crans Montana ski resort consists of three sectors, Crans, Montana and Aminona. It is one of the largest resorts in Switzerland and one of the best in terms of ski lifts. The resort hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships in 1987. The location is also exceptional, overlooking the Rhone valley and with the most extensive and wonderful panoramic views of the Alps.

Crans Montana ski resort

The two villages of Crans and Montana form at an altitude of 1500 metres an important tourist centre in the Valais, one of the sunniest and most charming places in Switzerland. The ski area reaches up to the Plaine Morte glacier at an altitude of 3,000 meters.

Crans Montana, located in the heart of the Alps in the canton of Valais, is divided into 3 different areas which are fully connected. The largest is Cry d’Er above Montana and is accessible by gondola lifts from Montana itself and also from Crans. The second zone is Les Violettes, practically served by a single ultra-modern and fast gondola lift that starts in Les Barzettes and ends in Plaine Morte. Finally, the third area is Petit Bonvin, the mountain above Aminona with very long descents of medium/low difficulty.

The ski slopes

The ski area is compact, with a great difference in altitude, excellent lifts and accessible by cable cars from the three villages that make up the resort. Moreover, it is one of the few ski areas that can boast of offering skiing on all the slopes without the use of chairlifts, using only cable cars and gondolas, providing an exquisite level of quality with its modern, state-of-the-art lifts.

The resort has a ski area of 140 km, ranging in altitude from 1,500 metres to 3,000 metres on the Plaine Morte glacier. The ski area has slopes for all levels: 17 blue runs (55 km), 20 red runs (70 km) and 4 black runs (15 km). In addition, you can enjoy one of the most famous downhill runs in the Alps, the Piste Nationale, which at 12 km is the longest in the region.

Ski resort activities

In Crans Montana, there are a thousand and one ways to enjoy the winter and the snow. The Aminona region, a paradise for wildlife, will make you experience snowshoeing with a breathtaking view of the mythical alpine peaks. If you’re a thrill-seeker, the resort offers toboggan runs, dog sledding and tubing with a kind of airbag at the end of the track for carefree high-speed sliding. You can also enjoy the skating rink or learn to ride electric snowmobiles and discover the landscapes of the Alps.

Sustainable development of the Crans Montana ski resort

The Crans Montana ski resort is committed to sustainable development and, in this context, to supporting projects that move in the direction of sustainability. These projects are part of the local implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the Swiss Confederation and the 2030 Agenda of the Canton of Valais.

“Crans-Montana s’engage” is one of the projects it is working on with the aim of maintaining and increasing biodiversity on its territory.

By relying on an exceptional environment, the Council of State wishes, through its commitment, to position Valais as a leading centre for sustainable development in the Alpine Arc.

The vision of sustainable Valais is as follows: it offers a healthy environment to its population and its guests. It has greatly reduced its impact on the environment and takes into account the limited capacities of the planet. It pays particular attention to its role as a reservoir of alpine biodiversity. As the hydraulic heart of the Alps, the Canton is making the most of its extraordinary heritage. It is moving towards energy and food independence and adapting to climate change.

Unforgettable experiences in Crans Montana

At the ski resort, adrenaline junkies can enjoy a variety of activities. Paragliding or aerial flights, to admire the Alpine landscapes in an original way, the Mont Blanc or the Rhône valley and to breathe one of the purest airs of Switzerland. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience and take to the skies!

Also don’t miss events such as the “Night of Snows”, which are not only a glamorous event but also organised for charitable purposes, or the hot air balloon rallies.

Crans Montana mountain resort in summer

The Crans Montana resort offers an unlimited playground and a wide range of possibilities for every cyclist. Cross-country, enduro and mountain bike trails —what do all these trails have in common? Impeccable markings, varied natural landscapes and a breathtaking panoramic view! There is also a paintball park and a golf course.

On the other hand, for water and beach lovers, you can play beach volleyball, there is a swimming pool with water slides and mats for the little ones to have fun. They even have a Wake Park, where you can discover new sports and develop new skills. You can also go canyoning and rafting on the waves of the Rhone.

Hotels in Crans Montana

LeCrans Hôtel & Spa *****

The hotel is situated above the Crans Montana ski resort and offers breathtaking views of the Alps and Mont Blanc. The rooms and suites are luxuriously furnished and the restaurant is excellent and serves traditional Swiss cuisine. In addition, the hotel also has a nightclub for a night out. There is also a wellness centre. It offers treatments, massages, hammam, sauna and hot tub. The spacious balconies, terraces, heated outdoor pool and brasserie offer unparalleled views of Europe’s highest mountains.

Hotel Guarda Golf & Residences *****

The hotel is close to the centre of the ski resort, directly on the fairway of a 9-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Crans Montana is only 800 metres away. The rooms and suites are equipped and most of them offer views of the Alps. Guests can enjoy traditional Levantine and southern Italian cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant. The spa area features an indoor pool, a hot tub, Finnish sauna and a traditional hammam. Guests benefit from a free shuttle service to the ski lifts.

Hotel Crans Ambassador *****

Located in Crans-Montana, Crans Ambassador features a restaurant, a terrace and a spa area with an indoor swimming pool and panoramic views. It is located at the foot of the Crans Montana ski resort. The luxurious rooms feature a terrace with views of the Alps. The restaurant serves regional and healthy specialities. There is a large indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment and a sauna. There is ski storage and a sports shop with skiing, golf and mountain biking equipment.

Skiing at Crans Montana: the resort’s main strengths

 The ski resort has state-of-the-art ski lifts which avoid long waits.

 It also offers a multitude of family-friendly services and events at all times of the year.

 It also has a wide range of high quality accommodation available at the foot of the slopes.

 Buses run between the resort and the centre of Crans Montana, so you don’t have to take your own car.