Are you looking for a ski destination that offers more than just snow and slopes? Do you want to experience the beauty, culture, and luxury of Switzerland in one place? If so, then you should consider Crans-Montana, a stunning resort in the heart of the Valais Alps. Crans-Montana is not just a ski resort, it is a year-round destination that caters to all kinds of travellers, from families to solo adventurers, from couples to groups.
Whether you are into skiing, hiking, golfing, or relaxing, Crans-Montana has something for you. In this article, we will show you how to plan a ski vacation in Crans-Montana, what to do in winter and summer, and where to stay and eat. Read on and discover why Crans-Montana is the ultimate ski resort in Switzerland.
How to Plan a Ski Vacation in Crans-Montana
Planning a ski vacation in Crans-Montana is easy and convenient, thanks to its location, accessibility, and affordability. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:
The best time to visit Crans-Montana depends on your preference and budget. If you want to enjoy the peak of the ski season, then you should go between December and March, when the snow is abundant and the slopes are lively. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, then you should go between April and June, when the weather is still pleasant and the prices are lower. You can also visit Crans-Montana in summer, when the resort transforms into a green paradise with plenty of activities and events.
Getting to Crans-Montana is easy, whether you are travelling by plane, train, bus, or car. If you are flying, the nearest airport is Geneva, which is about 180 km away. From there, you can take a train to Sierre, which is about 15 km away from Crans-Montana, and then take a bus or a taxi to the resort. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Crans-Montana, which takes about two hours. You can also take a train from Zurich, Basel, or Bern to Sierre, and then take a bus or a taxi to the resort.
Skiing in Crans-Montana is affordable and flexible, thanks to the variety of ski passes and packages available. You can choose from the Magic Pass, which gives you access to 30 ski resorts in Switzerland, including Crans-Montana, for a whole season. You can also opt for the Snow’n’Rail, which combines a train ticket and a ski pass for a discounted price. You can also book a Ski & Stay package, which includes accommodation and ski pass for a fixed duration.
What to Do in Crans-Montana in Winter
Crans-Montana is a winter wonderland, with over 140 km of ski slopes, 35 km of cross-country ski trails, and 15 km of winter hiking paths. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find a slope that suits your level and style. You can ski on the Plaine Morte glacier, which offers a panoramic view of the Alps and a snow guarantee. You can also ski on the Crans-Montana-Aminona ski area, which has a variety of slopes, from gentle to steep, from sunny to shady. You can also enjoy other winter activities, such as ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding, and curling. Crans-Montana is also home to some of the most exciting events and attractions in winter, such as:
The Caprices Festival, a music festival that features some of the world’s best DJs and artists, such as Carl Cox, Ricardo Villalobos, and Sven Väth. The festival takes place in March, and attracts thousands of music lovers and partygoers.
The Winter Golf Cup, a golf tournament that takes place on a frozen lake, with snow-covered fairways and greens. The tournament takes place in January, and attracts some of the world’s best golfers and celebrities, such as Roger Federer, Hugh Grant, and Michael Douglas.
The Cry d’Er Club d’Altitude, a restaurant and club that is located at 2,200 meters above sea level, with a breathtaking view of the mountains and the valley. The club offers a fine dining experience, with local and international cuisine, as well as a lively nightlife, with live music and DJs.
What to Do in Crans-Montana in Summer
Crans-Montana is not only a winter destination, it is also a summer paradise, with over 200 km of hiking trails, 177 km of cycling routes, and 15 km of swimming pools and lakes. Whether you are into hiking, cycling, swimming, or golfing, you will find an activity that suits your taste and fitness level. You can hike on the trails of the Valais Alps, which offer a stunning view of the glaciers, the forests, and the meadows. You can also cycle on the Crans-Montana Bike Park, which has a variety of tracks, from easy to difficult, from downhill to cross-country. You can also swim in the lakes and pools of Crans-Montana, which are clean, clear, and refreshing. Crans-Montana is also home to some of the most prestigious events and attractions in summer, such as:
The Omega European Masters, a golf tournament that is part of the European Tour, and one of the oldest and most prestigious golf events in Europe. The tournament takes place in September, and attracts some of the world’s best golfers, such as Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, and Lee Westwood.
The Grand Raid, a mountain bike race that is considered one of the toughest and most spectacular in the world. The race takes place in August, and covers a distance of 125 km, with a total elevation of 5,025 meters. The race attracts some of the world’s best mountain bikers, as well as amateurs and enthusiasts.
The Crans-Montana Classics, a classical music festival that features some of the world’s best orchestras, conductors, and soloists, such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Zubin Mehta, and Lang Lang. The festival takes place in July, and offers a unique musical experience, with concerts in the open air, in the churches, and in the hotels.
Where to Stay in Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, to suit every traveller’s needs and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Crans-Montana:
The Sport Club Residences, a collection of modern and cozy apartments that are located in the center of the resort, close to the ski lifts, the shops, and the restaurants. The apartments are fully equipped, with kitchen, living room, bathroom, and balcony. The residences also offer a spa, a fitness center, and a kids’ club.
The Crans Ambassador, a five-star hotel that is located on the edge of the forest, with a stunning view of the Alps and the valley. The hotel offers a luxurious and elegant experience, with spacious and stylish rooms, a gourmet restaurant, a bar, and a cigar lounge. The hotel also offers a spa, a pool, a gym, and a ski shop.
The Ultima Crans Montana, a collection of exclusive and extravagant chalets that are located in a private and secluded area, with a panoramic view of the mountains and the lake. The chalets are fully furnished, with kitchen, living room, fireplace, sauna, and jacuzzi. The chalets also offer a concierge, a chef, a butler, and a driver.
Where to Eat in Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana offers a wide range of dining options, from casual to fine, to suit every traveller’s taste and budget. Here are some of the best places to eat in Crans-Montana:
- Le Farinet, a cozy and friendly restaurant that serves traditional and authentic Swiss cuisine, such as cheese fondue, raclette, and rosti. The restaurant also offers a selection of local and international wines, beers, and spirits.
- Le Mont Blanc, a sophisticated and elegant restaurant that serves contemporary and creative French cuisine, such as foie gras, lobster, and truffle. The restaurant also offers a selection of fine and rare wines, champagnes, and cognacs.
- L’Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours, a refined and romantic restaurant that serves exquisite and refined Mediterranean cuisine, such as scallops, lamb, and chocolate. The restaurant also offers a selection of organic and biodynamic wines, teas, and coffees.
Crans-Montana is a ski resort that offers more than just snow and slopes. It is a year-round destination that offers a variety of activities, events, and attractions, for all kinds of travellers. Whether you are looking for a winter wonderland, a summer paradise, or a luxury getaway, Crans-Montana has something for you.
Don’t wait any longer, book your ski vacation in Crans-Montana today, and discover why it is the ultimate ski resort in Switzerland.
