Crans and Montana were originally two villages, sitting high above the Rhone valley. The resort is more than 100 years old, and offers exceptional panoramic views of the mountains, stretching from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. There are 160kms of pistes at Crans-Montana, spread over three areas. The ski lift system is modern and well designed with virtually no queues. For advanced skiers, the World Cup pistes are challenging and the off-piste skiing extensive. This is an ideal resort for intermediates, with plenty of wide and long, red and blue runs. There are three nursery areas for beginners. Alternative slopes offering a greater percentage of expert runs are available at the often less-crowded nearby ski resort of Anzere.
Situated on a sun-soaked high plateau, Crans-Montana offers its guests an impressive view of the majestic peaks from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. Crans-Montana is famous for its fresh mountain air, spectacular views and perfect weather. In fact, it has the most record days of sunshine in the whole of Switzerland.
"The largest alpine shopping facilities in the world", Crans-Montana over the last hundred years has prided itself in being a healthy, rich Alpine plateau with a plethora of top hotels, health clubs, cosmopolitan boutiques and gastronomic restaurants. Fashion, style and class are high on the agenda. In the resort there are 9 swimming pools, 4 health centres, 2 ice rinks, indoor squash and tennis courts, 4 bowling alleys and cinemas.
Apres-Ski:
There are many cafes and restaurants in Crans Montana. The resort is not the cheapest place to eat out but the quality of the food is superb. From traditional restaurants such as La Cave and Le Mayan to pizza parlours like Mamamias, there is food to suit every taste.
You will find lots going on in the evenings at the resort, with many lively bars, and even a casino for those who are feeling lucky!
Immediately after the slopes close, the only bars with a crowd are in Montana - the small La Grange and Bar Amadeus. The Pub George & Dragon in Crans is the top English-speaker après-ski spot with reasonably priced beer. The New Pub, with its electronic and lottery games, is also good for apres-ski and nightlife. If you have the urge to go out between 9 p.m. and midnight, try some of the normally quiet piano bars. A favourite is the Memphis Bar in Crans with its wood decor and raucous piano jazz. The Punch Bar in Crans also features Cuban music until 2am.
Discos don’t get going until midnight to 1am. If you’re determined and well-heeled, head for Absolut and Le Barocke in Crans, but expect to pay a €13 - €15 cover charge, which includes a drink. Constellation, which is only open until midnight is a bar packed with young snowboarders. Zapata and Number Two, which is popular for its karaoke, also have good recommendations.
The majority of the good après-ski options and nightlife is based in Montana, while the resort itself provides excellent childcare facilities such as a children’s ski school and kindergarten.
Other Activities
* Tobogganing * Ice skating * Hot Air Balloon festival * Parapenting * Turkish bath * Culture and shoping * Cinema * Casino * Snow-shoeing
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