Crans Montana

CRANS MONTANA

Crans Montana is actually two towns, Crans and Montana, but the town centres are only about a mile away from each other. However, whilst the outskirts of the towns overlap somewhat, there is a free bus service to help get between the two towns and to access the ski lifts. Crans is seen as slightly more upmarket with several designer shops in a more pedestrian-friendly centre, but Montana is seen as the quieter alternative that is more family-friendly, but both have an equally calm ambience about them. Located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Crans Montana actually finds itself in the Heart of Switzerland’s largest winemaking region, Valais. So if you were looking for an excuse to try some of the Vino whilst out on the slopes or in the evening, you are in luck!

There is plenty to do in both of the towns including shopping and potentially a little trip to the Casino if you are feeling lucky. If you fancy a more traditional activity, we suggest taking a walk around the park and frozen lake to really help the beautiful setting of Crans Montana sink in. Alternatively, you can head up on one of the mountain trails and soak up the sun on the mountain instead.

This area is superb for group ski holidays or couple’s ski holidays, but be sure to be on the lookout for the brand spanking new Folie Douce opening in Les Violettes for 2017 if it is the après you seek! This, coupled with the current après areas at the bottom of the gondolas in Crans and Barzettes, means you will have your après ski well and truly covered on your Crans Montana ski weekend away!

SKI AREA OVERVIEW

Crans Montana has a lot to offer beginner and intermediate skiers, such as glacier skiing which is a real treat with stunning surrounding views of both the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc in the distance. The resort itself is at an altitude of 1500m but you can hop on one of Crans Montana’s 28 quick and efficient lifts where you will be able to ski up to 2925m. With 140km of runs, there is a lot of variety to suit both first-time skiers and even the most experienced rider!

Most of the challenges for an advanced skier or snowboarder can be found off-piste, where guides can lead you to the best spots to get the adrenaline coursing through your veins! The resort is a mixture of woodland areas and vast open runs above the treeline. Also, with runs that cut through the boulders, there are plenty of different environments to test yourself in.

The runs in Crans Montana ski resort tend to get a lot of sun, but the pisteurs keep all the runs in great condition throughout the season to ensure everyone gets chance to cruise around the resort all season long. Crans Montana has one of the best lift systems in the Alps, meaning you have less time sitting on lifts and more time on the snow, which is always a big positive in our books on a short ski break! What with gondola stations coming out of each of the smaller resorts, it couldn’t be easier to get up the mountain too.