The Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland is a favorite destination for active people and athletes. The unique feature of these places is that they welcome guests at any time of the year-this is favored by weather and climatic conditions. And the impressive height at which the town is located (1400 meters above sea level) only attracts tourists.
Crans-Montana has ideal mountain slopes, a dry, healthy climate, clean air and sunny weather. And if Crans-Montana initially gained fame as the best place for golf (tournaments are held here in the summer all year round), then over time it became a full-fledged ski resort in Switzerland.
Features of the resort
One of the most popular and prestigious resorts in Switzerland – Crans-Montana-is a whole area of three villages. They stretch out in a peculiar line extending more than 2 km on the very slope of the Bernese Alps. In the very center of the resort is the picturesque village of Montana (1400 meters above sea level), in the east is Aminona, and in the west – Crans-Sur-Sieur.
The population here mostly speaks French. However, there will be no difficulties with translation – all the staff knows English, and there are more visitors here than native residents. Experienced skiers and professional athletes love this place for its large number of sunny days and excellent windless weather. The secret is that the resort of Crans-Montana is protected from the chilly wind by high mountains (up to 3,400 meters high) on the one hand, and the Rhone Valley adjoins it on the other.
All visitors note that it is not cheap to relax at the resort, since the whole of Crans-Montana consists of fashionable hotels, respectable restaurants and a ski area called Plaine-Mort, which is served almost all year round.
Interesting fact! Crans-Montana regularly hosts international competitions in winter sports and golf tournaments in summer.
Equipment rental
When you go skiing in Crans-Montana, you should not carry any equipment with you. Everything you need can be found here – at local rental points. Here you can find exceptional products-equipment from the world’s best manufacturers. The cost of a standard suit reaches 200 francs for 6 days, and a ski suit is already 320 francs for the same time.
Caring for children
The kids will not be left out either, and there will also be something to do for them. They can enjoy socializing with each other at the BIBI club (3-4 years old) or at the Snowli club (4-6 years old).
On a note! If you are planning a cultural program in addition to skiing, take a trip to the city of Montreux on Lake Geneva.
Ski lifts and trails
Zone Selection
The resort in Switzerland is visited by both beginners and professionals, as well as athletes. In the mountains, everyone can choose for themselves steep and relief, long and short, gentle and non-dangerous routes. Some of them are chosen by snowboarders, and dedicated and well-marked freeride zones expand the possibilities of “board” lovers. They are located along the roadsides of red highways.
For skiing, the ski resort offers three zones at once, which it is recommended to choose taking into account your skills and capabilities:
- Medium height Bella Lui-located above the village of Montana, the height exceeds 2500 m.
- Medium height Petit Bonvin-located above Aminona, height – 2400 m.
- High-altitude Plaine Morte – in the north of the resort, the height here reaches already 2927 meters.
Do not forget about the resort of Crans-Montana and freestyle skiing, for which there is a separate area. Children will also be invited to conquer the Kri-Der.
On a note! Find out how good the ski resort of St. Moritz is in the Alps, and what to do there in winter and summer on this page.
Ski slopes
Crans-Montana is an ideal ski resort in Switzerland for those who are used to paying for pleasure. Comfortable conditions for skiing holidays are created here. For pros and beginners, there are a total of about 140 tracks laid out here, which are divided according to the level of danger:
- 15-black;
- 55 – blue;
- 70-red.
Interesting to know! There is also a supergiant here – an equipped long descent with a length of about 8 km! This is the place chosen by the organizers to host the annual Alpine Skiing World Cup.
Ski lifts
This ski resort in Switzerland has 28 lifts: 10 cable cars, 7 chairlifts and 11 cableways with cabins. From time to time, some lifts are turned off due to weather conditions, and sometimes for unknown reasons, then the queue to work looks like in the photo.
Here you can buy seasonal or annual tickets, as well as half-day ones. When paying on the site, they are cheaper than at Yandex. Checkout. Also, a pre-purchase for several months provides a solid discount (up to 66%).
Standard price (in Swiss francs) for skiing:
- For an adult – 89/day, 703/10 days.
- For children from 7 to 16 years 50/day, 395/10 days.
Where to stay?
The Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland offers quite a lot of accommodation options. More than two hundred hotel complexes and apartments of different levels are waiting for their guests. Three-star hotels are very popular, where the vast majority of voyageurs are located. Those who decide to go to the Crans-Montana ski area should note that hotel rooms should be booked in advance. Only in this case, you can expect that the cost of living will be acceptable, and the rooms you like will remain free.
The minimum cost of staying in a three-star hotel in the resort of Crans-Montana (Switzerland) is about 140 CHF. The average check for two people per night staying in a level 4* hotel-it already reaches 170-200 CHF. However, rather high prices do not deter guests – they are ready to pay for the beauty and the opportunity to ride down the mountainside with a breeze.Which hotel to choose in Crans-Montana?
Tourists are welcomed by favorable weather in Crans-Montana all year round, and therefore seasoned travelers are advised to choose a suitable place to stay at least 3-5 weeks before the trip. In this case, you can reserve hotels that guests have the most favorable opinion of.
Hôtel de charme la Poste
This small complex is located just 1 km from Crans-Montana in Switzerland. The cable car can be easily reached on foot from here, enjoying the local beauty and scenic views. The hotel has two restaurants that will never leave vacationers hungry. For a double room, you need to pay from 140 CHF. An extra bed can be placed in the room (at the request of customers), but for an additional fee.
Central Hotel
Among the three-star hotels in Crans-Montana in Switzerland, the Central Hotel also stands out. This is one of the best options for accommodation, which automatically affects the price of accommodation-190-200 CHF per night for two people (in summer — from 180). Guests pay for a beautiful view from the window, proximity to the Crans-Montana ski resort-only 200 meters, and excellent service. Each room is equipped with a mini-bar and iPad docking stations, a TV and a private bathroom.
Hotel La Prairie
The number of excellent hotels in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, never ceases to please. Another representative is the La Prairie Hotel. It has a fairly high price for accommodation – from 220 CHF per night for two people (in summer — from 140), and is located just 500 m from the center of the Crans-Montana ski resort. The hotel administration did not forget about the children who travel with their parents to Switzerland and then to the Crans-Montana ski resort. Younger guests are invited to the children’s playground for games.
Weather
Despite the fact that Crans-Montana is a ski resort, tourists come to the place all year round. This is favored by the weather, and there is plenty of entertainment for vacationers at the resort. However, the largest influx of tourists falls on several months – from December to March. It is at this time that the weather pleases with the optimal temperature for skiing and snowball fights.
During the high ski season, the average temperature is set at +2 to -5 degrees. In April, the weather is also pleasant, but with a warm, gentle sun, and the air warms up to +10 degrees.
The ideal time for walking and active summer holidays is from May to September. During this period, the weather in Crans-Montana allows you to warm up, but not get sunstroke, because the thermometer does not rise above +22 degrees.
The Crans-Montana ski resort has not become the true “heart of the Alps”in vain. Golf lovers did not stop coming here, but many people liked the resort for its beauty and steep ski slopes, shady paths for walking and picturesque views.
