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

Hotel Faërn Crans-Montana Valaisia ****

The Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia hotel is a four-star establishment. Located on a sunny plateau, it offers direct access to 140 km of ski slopes, snowshoe trails, as well as cross-country skiing and cycling trails, just 150 meters from the ski lifts. This proximity allows guests to quickly reach the slopes, optimizing their time on the resort’s ski slopes. In addition, the hotel has a ski room equipped with boot warmers, ensuring comfort and convenience after a day of skiing.

Hotel Faern Crans-Montana Valais. ®ILoveSki

The hotel offers elegant, spacious, and comfortable rooms (we tried room 315!), with tasteful decor and breathtaking views of the mountains or the surrounding forest. Special mention goes to the recently renovated wellness and spa area, which will immerse you in a moment of absolute well-being.

The panoramic restaurant, where breakfast and dinner are served, offers refined cuisine. We particularly liked the warm welcome from the staff, the impeccable cleanliness of the place, and the quality of the half-board.

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 in Crans-Montana: the resort’s highlights

Crans-Montana, in the heart of Valais, is one of Switzerland’s most elegant and comprehensive resorts. Located on a sunny plateau at an altitude of 1,500 meters, it combines the sporting spirit of skiing with a sophisticated lifestyle, where luxury, gastronomy, and well-being coexist with spectacular landscapes. From its slopes, you can enjoy one of the most expansive views of the Alps, stretching from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.

It also has a wide range of high quality accommodation available at the foot of the slopes. Remember, if you want to eat well, here are the restaurants we liked best in Crans Montana.

A large and varied ski area

The Crans-Montana ski area offers 140 km of slopes between 1,500 and 3,000 meters above sea level, with guaranteed snow throughout the season. The resort has modern ski lifts, wide red and blue slopes, and technical areas for advanced skiers.

The Nationale piste, one of the most iconic, hosts international competitions such as the Women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup.

The Plaine Morte glacier, located at 3,000 meters, offers high-quality snow and an unparalleled panorama of the Valais Alps. In addition, the Alaïa snowpark, one of the most modern in Switzerland, attracts riders from all over the world.

Sunshine, space, and unparalleled views

Crans-Montana stands out for its southern exposure and exceptionally sunny climate, allowing for bright days of skiing with spectacular views.

The ski area is divided into several interconnected sectors, allowing for long, open, and flowing runs. From Bella Lui or Cry d’Er, the descents offer a feeling of space and freedom that is hard to match.

A balance between sport and lifestyle

Beyond skiing, Crans-Montana is a destination that embodies alpine elegance. Exclusive shops, gourmet restaurants, and five-star hotels coexist with traditional refuges and lively mountain bars.

The resort is also known for its cultural and sporting calendar, hosting golf tournaments, trail running events, and international competitions throughout the year. It combines the dynamism of an alpine town with the tranquility of a mountain destination.

High-altitude gastronomy

Crans-Montana has one of the most outstanding gastronomic offerings in the Swiss Alps. High-altitude restaurants, such as Chetzeron and Cabane des Violettes, offer culinary experiences with panoramic views.

In the center of the resort, Michelin-starred chefs such as Franck Reynaud (Le MontBlanc) fuse Valais products with contemporary techniques. The local cuisine, based on cheeses, high-altitude wines, and artisanal products, is an essential part of the resort’s lifestyle.

Nature, well-being, and sustainability

Nature takes center stage in Crans-Montana. The resort is part of the “Destination Nature” network and promotes sustainable tourism through its Swisstainable certification.

The resort is committed to public transport, energy efficiency, and the protection of alpine landscapes.

Visitors can enjoy snowshoe trails, scenic footpaths, and wellness centers overlooking the Rhone Valley.

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in Crans-Montana

• Ski down the Nationale slope: It is one of the most iconic slopes in Switzerland and a regular venue for the World Cup.
• Enjoy the Plaine Morte glacier: Perfect for those looking for guaranteed snow and endless panoramic views.
• Take advantage of the midday sun: Its southern orientation makes skiing a bright and comfortable experience.
• Sample haute cuisine: From panoramic mountain huts to gourmet restaurants, Crans-Montana is a culinary paradise.
• Relax at sunset: Its terraces, spas, and cafes offer one of the best sunsets in the Alps.