Crans-Montana Switzerland is located in a wooded, south-facing site on a high plateau above the small town of Sierre in the Valais Canton. The Crans-Montana ski resort was actually formed by three old mountain villages, Crans-sur-Sierre, Montana and Aminona in the 1960s. At 1,500 m above sea level (4,921 ft) it is even more spoiled with sunshine than St Moritz and is renowned for its stunning views.

Yet, Crans-Montana Switzerland is modern and glamorous, many Swiss people would even say that it is too modern. In comparison to a resort like Saas Fee, it has lost nearly all trace of its 19th-century origins. Huge modern chalets and only 33 hotels were built, most of them A-frames of four, five or six stories high but with no particular architecture.

The ice skating rink in Crans-Montana SwitzerlandUnfortunately, despite being one of the top destinations in Switzerland, the resort is also going through a crisis. Crans-Montana Switzerland is lagging behind many Swiss resorts and abroad. However, profound changes are made regarding their approach to the future, which requires a more general awareness. They started to stage more Alpine ski races, including the world cup. Now, they are looking again to hold the World Alpine Ski Championships, which were already held once in 1987.

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The Matterhorn in Zermatt, Valais

Basically, Crans-Montana Switzerland is seeking back the golden 80’s and early 90’s when they were at their peak and became a famous resort. To me personally, it is a beautiful resort in a nice location and on its way to make it big again. If you put it into perspective, what would the resort of Zermatt Switzerland be without the Matterhorn?

The many wealthy Russians and private bankers are actually not the only ones that prefer Crans-Montana Switzerland to any other Swiss ski resort. Probably one of the best known celebrities in Switzerland who lives in Crans-Montana with his Swedish wife Kristina, is former James Bond star Roger Moore. After more than 15 years in Gstaad, he lives now with Kristina in a chalet in Crans-Montana during the winter.

The beautiful ski resort of Crans-Montana Switzerland 

What this village lacks in luxury hotels, it makes up for in plenty of modern style chalets, some without much of an Alpine look. However, just look deep enough and you will notice that there are indeed small and larger beautiful Alpine chalets.

Some of the advantages of this resort are that the lift system is well designed and modern.

The resort is in a splendid wooded setting and has a large slope area which is suitable for all. The pistes are in very sunny areas and the golf course ski area is excellent and just perfect for beginners.

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Bettmeralp in the summer and winter season

Besides, there are also excellent cross-country ski trails on the golf course. You have a choice of 17km of easy track around the golf course and 17km of track for more advanced or high level cross-country skiers with breathtaking scenery. I go quite often cross-country skiing over the golf course since I live only a half hour away. Later, I have coffee together with my wife in the center of the village overlooking the ice skating rink.

Many argue that there are not any challenging slopes. Well, I guess they haven’t tried the slopes where the World Cup Downhill and Slalom races take place every year. It is also an ideal resort for intermediates, with plenty of wide and long runs.

You see, Crans-Montana Switzerland is truly a high-end resort, especially when skiing is not your prime motivator. Additionally, you will find plenty of activities such as curling, skating, hiking in the snow, ballooning, bridge, tobogganing that should interest you almost as much as skiing. Or do it like the many high-end guests, who simply want to relax in their luxury hotels or chalets and enjoy the fresh mountain air on the balconies.

If you are at the resort in the summer or fall, golfing is a relaxing way to spend a vacation in one of the most panoramic golf courses in the world. For families, try a round of minigolf, a trip in a rowing boat or in a pedalo, or just walk around Lake Moubra and enjoy the mountain nature.

How to get to Crans-Montana Switzerland

It is quite simple to reach Crans-Montana from Geneva-Cointrin Airport (2 hours) and Zurich-Kloten Airport (3 hours 15 minutes).

By Train

From Geneva you can take the train that runs directly to the town of Sierre. From Sierre, take the bus or the funicular if you prefer to get up to the resort in 30 minutes. From Zurich, trains run over Bern, the capital of Switzerland and Lausanne Switzerland to Sierre in about 4 hours.

By Car

From Geneva Switzerland take the A9 highway to Sierre and follow the signs to Crans-Montana. From Zurich take the highway to Bern, then Lausanne and on to Sierre.

By Air

There are connecting flights from the international airports of Geneva-Cointrin and Zurich-Kloten or Basel-Mulhouse and Bern to Sion regional airport. Charter flights, private and business jets can fly directly to Sion regional airport. Buses run from Sion (25 km) or Sierre (15 km) to the resort which takes about 30 minutes. To get up the mountain in style it is best to be picked up by limousine or even better by Air Glaciers helicopter transfer.