Crans Montana Ski Resort

Being located in the middle of the French speaking part of Kantos Wallis Crans Montana is among Switzerland´s largest ski resorts. It offers skiers more than 140 kilometers (87 miles) of groomed and ungroomed trails. Its vast terrain seems to be endless as it stretches over the valleys Montana, Crans, Aminona and Barzettes. Four gondolas bring you from Crans, Montana and Barzettes right into the ski resort.

You have four different areas in Crans Montana: Adrenaline, relaxation, discovery and 100% winter sport. Off the lift Montana gondola you´ll find the discovery area for beginners. Your kids can get comfortable on practice slopes in the kids park that also includes a magic carpet and an obstacle course. Once they´ve reached a certain level of confidence there´s the possibility of going up Cry d´Er where more beginner trails and a small fun park await the little explorers.

The ski resort is especially good for intermediates with its countless red and black trails. The toughest ski terrain on the mountain is located right off the lift Les Violettes that gives you a ride up to Plaine Morte glacier with an elevation of 2927 meters (9603 ft). From here you can hit the longest trail of the ski resort. The red No. 19 provides a length of 10 kilometers (6 miles) full of powdery snow, even during the winter season. Also check out the Weltcup Nationale to Barzettes and don´t miss out on Bellalui slope. Enjoy the amazing view from Bellalui summit (2543 m= 8343 ft ) where you can actually look onto Rhone valley and the surrounding Valais mountains. If the weather is good the view can reach the Matterhorn and even Mont Blanc.

As a freestyler you will prefer spending time in the Adrenaline area. Find excellent features like the halfpipe that give you an adrenaline rush in the terrain park. To access the park, just grab Crans gondola and head back down towards the terrain park that counts amongst the largest in Switzerland. It covers an area of 10 ha and guarantees fun for all abilities.

The relaxation area includes all the mountain hats in the ski resort. For example the mid-mountain restaurant Petit-Mont-Bovin in Aminona. You´ll find mainly traditional food like fondue or meat platters on the menu. Restaurant Plaine-Morte, located at a height of 3000 meters (9842 ft), gives guests culinary highlights. Even if you´re not a skier or rider, just ride up the mountain with the gondola and enjoy the mountain hat. The sun deck offers a great view over the mountain peaks of Valais mountains. The self-service cafeteria caters to every skiers appetite. In addition to traditional mountain fare you can find salads and pizza. Located at the base of Nationale slope, look for Bar 7 for great drinks and sandwiches if the small hunger just creeps up on you.

At Plaine Morte glacier you can expect 10 kilometer (6 miles) of pure action taking the longest slope of the ski resort.

Non-skiing activities are also part of the relaxation area. Tobogganing the 6 km (3,7 miles) long run to Aminona promises a blast for the entire family. Of course you can rent the toboggans here and even night-tobogganing is possible if the weather plays along. Snowshoe hiking is a great alternative to skiing and the trail is easy accessible by the lift. Use your lift ticket and if you don´t already own one just get a single ride here. The pedestrian ticket includes a gift card worth 10 CHF (8 Euros) at restaurant Petit Mont Bovin. There are two snowshoe hiking trails. Find the first one at Plaine Morte glacier and the second at Petit Mont Bovin. Look for signs at the exit of the tram to find the slopes entrances. Night owls can hit the hiking trails starting in Aminona every Wednesday night.

You´ll be surprised how lively the nightlife in Crans Montana presents itself. The valleys of Crans Montana have a number of bars that are perfect for dancing through the night. Party people love the Absolut Club where alternating Djs make it worth it to stay up late after a long ski day. Try Amadeus bar, there´s never a shortage of live music. Expect to hear mostly house music at Leos bar, so you have to be really into that. Those who want to press their luck, there´s a casino in Crans Montana as well.

Crans Montana is the place to be for all gourmets. Outstanding restaurants offer local and international specialties. Restaurant gastronomique L´Ours even has a Michelin star and you will always notice the Provencal origin of chef de cuisine Franck Reynaud. Most of the time he spoils his guests with seasonal dishes though. There are several touqets restaurants to choose from. The Le Crans combines tradition and avant-garde to create continuously new culinary delights. Restaurant Giardiono serves Mediterranean cuisine using only local ingredients. This restaurant takes pride in its wine list and you´ll find close to 100 wines on the menu from all over the world.

By car
Coming from North drive on A12 and then take A9 (Autoroute du Rhone) to get right into the area of Valais. Crans Montana has its own exit.

By Public Transportation
Take the train to either Sion-Sitten or Sierre-Siders. The bus or a cab will bring you right into the ski resort. From Sierre-Siders you could also grab the big tram into the ski resort.