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Great après-ski
Snow-sure resort
Off-slope activities
Foodie paradise
Stunning viewsGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseStunning viewsGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseStunning viewsGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseStunning viewsCrans-Montana is a Swiss Alps resort with a distinctly glamorous character, appealing equally to families seeking quality and sunshine and groups after a refined mountain escape. Perched high on a plateau overlooking the Rhône Valley, this twin-village destination combines sophisticated resort life with proper alpine terrain. South-facing slopes look across to a panorama of over 40 peaks, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc on clear days.
The resort's ski area spans 140km of pistes served by 27 lifts, including gondolas providing efficient access across the mountain. Terrain suits intermediates and confident beginners, with long, sweeping runs that make the most of the vertical drop, while advanced skiers will find challenging steeps and a growing off-piste reputation around the Plaine Morte glacier. The glacier also ensures snow security, with the season typically running from late November to April.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Crans-Montana has long been a destination in its own right. The resort is famous for hosting the European Masters golf tournament each summer, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere that carries through to winter. Boutique shopping, excellent restaurants, top-tier spa facilities, and a laid-back après-ski scene all give the resort a polished but unpretentious feel. The two villages of Crans and Montana are linked by a pleasant pedestrian promenade, lined with cafés and shops.
Check out Crans-Montana ski deals to start planning your trip.
Crans-Montana is a Swiss Alps resort with a distinctly glamorous character, appealing equally to families seeking quality and sunshine and groups after a refined mountain escape. Perched high on a plateau overlooking the Rhône Valley, this twin-village destination combines sophisticated resort life with proper alpine terrain. South-facing slopes look across to a panorama of over 40 peaks, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc on clear days.
The resort's ski area spans 140km of pistes served by 27 lifts, including gondolas providing efficient access across the mountain. Terrain suits intermediates and confident beginners, with long, sweeping runs that make the most of the vertical drop, while advanced skiers will find challenging steeps and a growing off-piste reputation around the Plaine Morte glacier. The glacier also ensures snow security, with the season typically running from late November to April.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Crans-Montana has long been a destination in its own right. The resort is famous for hosting the European Masters golf tournament each summer, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere that carries through to winter. Boutique shopping, excellent restaurants, top-tier spa facilities, and a laid-back après-ski scene all give the resort a polished but unpretentious feel. The two villages of Crans and Montana are linked by a pleasant pedestrian promenade, lined with cafés and shops.
Check out Crans-Montana ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding in Crans-Montana feels open and relaxed, with a combination of wide pistes, reliable snow, and that famous sunshine making it a particularly pleasant place to spend a ski holiday. The mountain has three main sectors: Cry d'Er above Montana, Violettes-Plaine Morte reaching the glacier, and the Aminona sector towards the east. Each has its own character, from gentle plateau skiing to steeper glacier runs.
The lift system is modern and efficient, with high-speed gondolas forming the backbone of mountain access. Queues are rarely an issue outside peak weeks, and the layout allows you to explore different sectors without constantly doubling back.
Crans-Montana is an encouraging place to learn. The south-facing aspect means you'll spend your first days learning in sunshine rather than icy shadows, and the plateau terrain above the villages provides wide, gentle slopes where you can find your feet.
Nursery areas at Golf and Cry d'Er are spacious and well-equipped, with magic carpet lifts to ease you in.
Once you've mastered the basics, plenty of easy blues let you progress without a sudden jump in difficulty. The run from Cry d'Er back towards town is a particular favourite: a long, gentle cruise with stunning views that makes even first-week skiers feel accomplished.
WeSki insider tip: Start your day at the Golf nursery area - it catches the morning sun first and stays quiet while more confident skiers head straight up the mountain.
Intermediate skiers will find Crans-Montana rewards them well. Blues and reds provide excellent variety, from motorway cruisers to runs with genuine pitch and challenge. The Plaine Morte glacier offers some of the best intermediate terrain, with long runs, reliable snow, and spectacular high-altitude views.
The run down from Bella Lui is a particular highlight, sweeping through varied terrain with views across to the Rhône Valley. The Aminona sector tends to be quieter than the main Cry d'Er area and has some lovely tree-lined runs for poor visibility days.
Confident intermediates can start exploring some of the easier blacks, which are well-groomed and less intimidating than they might sound. With 140km of pistes and minimal queues, you can cover serious kilometres here.
WeSki insider tip: Take the gondola to Plaine Morte and ski the long red descent towards Violettes early in the morning when the snow is still firm and the pistes freshly groomed.
Advanced skiers will find Crans-Montana's black runs satisfying, particularly Nationale and Piste de l'Ours, which are properly steep and challenging. Off-piste potential around Plaine Morte and Bella Lui has grown in reputation, with excellent powder fields accessible from the lifts.
For experts willing to hike or hire a guide, the glacier terrain opens up considerably. North-facing slopes above Aminona hold snow well and offer serious gradients. Freeride zones are marked and patrolled, making it easier to explore safely.
Crans-Montana won't satisfy those seeking endless extreme terrain, but there's plenty to discover for those who know where to look.
WeSki insider tip: Book a local guide for a half-day on the glacier - they'll show you powder stashes and itinerary routes that you'd never find on your own.
Crans-Montana works well for snowboarders, with wide pistes that suit carving and few flat sections to catch you out. The glacier terrain is excellent for freeriding, and the resort's terrain park at Cry d'Er provides jumps and features for all levels. The lift system is predominantly gondolas and chairlifts, so you won't be wrestling with drag lifts all day.
For a resort not primarily known for freeride, Crans-Montana has quietly built a solid reputation. The Plaine Morte glacier and surrounding terrain offer genuine off-piste potential, with marked freeride zones providing controlled access to ungroomed terrain. Guided options can take you into more remote powder fields, and north-facing couloirs above Aminona are particularly prized after fresh snowfall.
Several well-established ski schools operate in Crans-Montana, with the Swiss Ski School and private instructors offering lessons for all levels. English-speaking instruction is widely available. Group lessons, private tuition, and specialist courses for children are all on offer here.
Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Crans-Montana ski deals to get started.
The resort's terrain park at Cry d'Er caters to beginners through to experienced freestylers. Features include jumps of varying sizes, rails, boxes, and a boardercross course which are all well-maintained throughout the season by a dedicated shaping team. A dedicated beginner zone lets newcomers practice their first tricks in a lower-pressure environment.
Crans-Montana has the right ingredients for a successful family ski holiday. The wide, sunny slopes are forgiving for children learning to ski or snowboard, and the compact village layout means you're never far from a warm drink or a bathroom. Snow gardens and dedicated areas with gentle terrain and patient instructors make first experiences on snow genuinely fun.
Parents of young children benefit from ski schools or childcare facilities for non-skiing little ones, and older children and teenagers won't be bored either. The terrain park provides progression for young freestylers, while the variety of blue and red runs means the whole family can ski together without anyone feeling held back.
For parents, the relaxed atmosphere makes a pleasant change from more hectic resorts. Off the slopes, the Ycoor recreation centre has a swimming pool, ice rink, and bowling alley - perfect for rest days or post-ski entertainment. Restaurants are generally welcoming to families, and the promenade between Crans and Montana is pleasant for an evening stroll. The resort's spa facilities offer parents a chance to unwind while older children enjoy organised activities.
Crans-Montana rewards time spent off the slopes just as much as time on them. The resort's dual-village layout, sunny plateau setting, and long tradition as a year-round destination mean excellent infrastructure for non-skiers and rest days. From scenic walks and spa treatments to boutique shopping and cultural excursions, there's plenty to fill your time away from the pistes.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Crans-Montana delivers an excellent range of winter activities that make full use of its sunny plateau setting:
Combining excellent wellness facilities with boutique shopping and cultural experiences, Crans-Montana offers plenty to enjoy away from the slopes:
Crans-Montana's dining scene reflects its sophisticated character. You'll find everything from traditional Swiss mountain cooking to refined international cuisine, with several restaurants earning serious acclaim. Mountain restaurants are generally excellent, making lunch on the slopes a genuine pleasure rather than an afterthought.
WeSki insider tip: Try the assiette valaisanne - a platter of local cured meats, cheese, and gherkins - with a glass of Fendant, the crisp local white wine.
Après-ski in Crans-Montana is more of a champagne bar than beer keller. The scene is sophisticated and relatively relaxed compared to party resorts - think sunny terraces, good wine, and conversation rather than table-dancing and foam parties. That said, there are livelier spots if you know where to look, and the resort definitely comes alive after dark.
The main action centres around the promenade between Crans and Montana, where bars and lounges fill up as the lifts close. The atmosphere peaks around mid-week when the resort is buzzing, though it remains manageable rather than overwhelming. Several venues stay open late for those wanting to continue into the small hours.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Crans-Montana ranges from luxury five-star hotels to comfortable apartments and chalets. The resort is spread across the plateau, with Crans towards the west, Montana in the centre, and Aminona to the east. Crans has the more upmarket boutiques and a slightly more glamorous feel, while Montana is closer to the main ski lifts. Most properties are within walking distance of a lift, and a ski bus connects the more outlying areas.
Staying in the centre puts you close to restaurants, bars, and the promenade, though you'll sacrifice immediate slope access. Properties nearer the Cry d'Er or Violettes gondolas trade village buzz for ski convenience. Aminona is quieter and more family-oriented, with direct access to its own sector of slopes.
The Crans-Montana ski pass covers all 27 lifts and 140km of pistes across the resort, including access to the Plaine Morte glacier. Multi-day passes offer better value for week-long stays. The pass also includes the ski bus network connecting the villages.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Crans-Montana ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Equipment shops are found throughout both Crans and Montana, with several located conveniently near the main gondola stations. You'll find everything from basic beginner packages to high-performance demo skis. Booking in advance, especially during peak weeks, ensures you get your preferred equipment and avoids queues on your first morning. Most shops offer boot fitting and equipment adjustments throughout your stay.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Crans-Montana, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Crans-Montana ski deals to build your perfect trip.
A ski bus connects the main areas of Crans, Montana, and Aminona, running regularly throughout the day and into the evening. The promenade linking Crans to Montana is pleasant for walking in good weather, taking around 15 minutes. Taxis are available but the efficient bus service means you'll rarely need one. Most restaurants and bars are accessible on foot from central accommodation, though those staying in Aminona may rely more on the bus for evening activities.
Geneva Airport is the most convenient arrival point for UK travellers, sitting approximately 170km from Crans-Montana. The resort is also accessible by train to Sierre in the Rhône Valley, followed by a funicular and bus or taxi for the final ascent. Driving from Geneva takes around 2.5 hours via the Simplon motorway.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Crans-Montana. Add them to your Crans-Montana ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Yes, Crans-Montana is excellent for beginners. The wide, sunny plateau terrain provides gentle slopes ideal for learning, with dedicated nursery areas at Golf and Cry d'Er. The progression to easy blue runs is gradual, and the south-facing aspect means you'll be learning in sunshine rather than shade. Ski schools offer quality instruction with English-speaking teachers widely available.
While both are upmarket Swiss resorts, they suit different skiers. Verbier is renowned for challenging terrain, serious off-piste, and a livelier party scene. Crans-Montana offers a more relaxed atmosphere, better beginner and intermediate terrain, and a gentler overall vibe. Families and mixed-ability groups often find Crans-Montana more accommodating, while expert skiers seeking extreme terrain may prefer Verbier.
The Plaine Morte glacier at 3,000m provides good snow security, with skiing possible even when lower resorts struggle. The south-facing orientation means lower slopes can become slushy in warm spells, but the altitude and glacier access generally ensure reliable conditions from late November to early April. The resort's 1,500m vertical drop allows you to chase the best snow conditions.
As a Swiss resort, Crans-Montana sits at the higher end of European ski holiday costs. Accommodation, dining, and lift passes reflect Swiss pricing. However, the resort offers excellent quality - good lift infrastructure, well-maintained slopes, and refined restaurants. Self-catering apartments provide a more budget-friendly option, and booking a Crans-Montana ski holiday package through WeSki helps manage overall costs.
The ski area covers 140km of pistes across three main sectors: Cry d'Er, Violettes-Plaine Morte, and Aminona. Terrain favours intermediates, with excellent long cruising runs and reliable grooming. The glacier adds high-altitude skiing with spectacular views. While not the largest Swiss ski area, it's big enough for a week's exploration without repetition, and the efficient lift system keeps you moving.
Crans-Montana is one of the better Swiss resorts for non-skiers. The sunny plateau setting, scenic walking paths, boutique shopping, and excellent spa facilities provide plenty to enjoy. Non-skiers can ride gondolas to mountain restaurants for lunch with views. The resort's history as a year-round destination means infrastructure is geared towards more than just skiing.
Zermatt - Verbier - St. Moritz - Grindelwald - Davos - Saas Fee - Nendaz - Engelberg - Arosa - Laax - Gstaad - Villars - Champéry - Klosters - Thyon - Lenzerheide - Zinal
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