Crans-Montana Gets Ready For Winter

Located at an altitude of 1,500 metres, Crans-Montana enjoys exceptional panoramic views over the Rhone Valley and 18 peaks over 4,000 metres high. More than just a resort, it is a lively area with 15,000 year-round residents, international schools, clinics, shops and an active cultural life. With 300 days of sunshine a year, Crans-Montana attracts winter sports enthusiasts, families, foodies and fans of culture. 

Crans-Montana is a resort of contrasts and complementarities that reflects a rich and diverse identity: sunshine and spectacular views, high-level sport and family activities, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, luxury and relaxation.

Constantly evolving, the destination continues to innovate in order to offer ever more unique experiences. Preparations for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships which will be held in 2027, as well as the arrival of Vail Resorts at the helm of the ski lifts, mean pros- pects are great for the years ahead.

In Crans-Montana, the skiing experience comes in all forms. The Alpine resort appeals as much for the variety of its slopes as for its spectacular views. The slopes are long and wide with open views of the surrounding peaks and the valley. From beginner slopes to the two slopes used for World Cup events, the ski area offers slopes for skiers of all levels. Spread out from 1,500 to 3,000 metres, with over 20 accessible restaurants and mountain huts, the Crans-Montana ski area is ideal for enjoying a full day on the slopes.

• On 30 and 31 January and 1 February 2026, Crans-Montana will host a weekend of major speed competitions, bringing together the best skiers on the international circuit. A real preview of the 2027 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships, this event will put the two competi- tion slopes to the test: the legendary Mont Lachaux for the women's downhill and super-G, and the Nationale slope for a thrilling men's downhill. This event promises to be an intense sporting spectacle, set against the backdrop of global preparations. 
• Between 26 and 29 March 2026, Crans-Montana will have the ho- nour of hosting the Migros Grand Prix final. Over four days, 1,250 young people between the ages of 8 and 16, from all over Switzer- land, will bring the season to a spectacular close. Created in 1972, the Migros Grand Prix has seen all the greatest Swiss ski cham- pions compete, and is considered the biggest ski race for children in the world. The fnal will be held on the Nationale Slope, the very same place where, a year later, the world's best skiers will compete for medals at the World Championships. With this event, Crans-Montana reaf- frms its role as a major destination for major sporting events and for promoting young skiing talent. Nordic skiing events will also be on the programme, allowing young people to compete in an exceptional environment: the Plaine Morte glacier at an altitude of 3,000 metres! 
• An Crans-Montana, the Lantern Path transforms the mountain into a veritable showcase of light. Open for around 90 days each year, this night-time walk welcomes tens of thousands of visitors (90,000 in 2024/2025). In addition to the 180 lanterns, the trail features magical light instal- lations, concerts, entertainment and interactive experiences, as well as local food and drink, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the magic of winter with family or friends.The next edition will take place between 5 December 2025 and 8 March 2026, on the theme of imagination and dreams. 
• The ski touring event season in Crans-Montana kicks off on 10 January 2026 with the Nocturne du Loup, a friendly event to get you warmed up. On 14 March 2026, the Déf des Faverges will serve as the last real training race ahead of the Patrouille des Glaciers. These two races position Crans-Montana as an ideal destination for ski touring, offering varied and secure routes suitable for all levels, thanks to the Ski Rando Parc. 

Away from the winter hustle and bustle, Crans-Montana is also a haven of tranquillity where you can enjoy a gentle winter. With around ten spas, wellness-oriented hotels offering treatments and massages, as well as activities such as yoga, meditation and retreats that invite you to reconnect with your inner self, the destina- tion attracts guests seeking wellbeing and rejuvenation. Walks between lakes and surrounding forests invite relaxation and contemplation, and health tourism completes the range of winter activities on offer. 

In winter, Crans-Montana offers a packed cultural programme, just as it does throughout the rest of the year. The Opale Foundation, Europe's largest centre for Aboriginal art, regularly hosts new exhibitions. The Colombire Hamlet, the Swiss Model Train Foundation, the Grand Lens Museum and many different galleries will delight lovers of art and heritage.

Music also plays a central role, with fagship events such as the series of concerts organised by Crans-Montana Classics, culminating in the New Year Gala Concert. Like Vienna’s New Year Concert, Crans-Montana celebrates the new year with panache and jubilation every year, with regulars the Cameristi della Scala accom- panying renowned soloists. Lots of conferences also take place here, and the cinema allows tourists to enjoy the latest film releases. 

Crans-Montana has established itself as a gastronomic destination with over 130 restaurants offering a wide range of experiences, from cosy bistros to Michelin-star establishments. International cuisine – Italian, Japanese, Argentinean and more – sits alongside local gastronomy, and over 25 establishments have (re)opened since 2020, demonstrating the dynamism of the sector in Crans-Montana.

The destination has a total of 142 points in the Gault&Millau guide and two restaurants with 1 MICHELIN star, thus combining diversity and excellence. For an immersion in Valais traditions, mountain huts and restaurants offer typical mountain dishes, including raclette prepared with local cheese from dairies and mountain pastures recognised by the Interprofession Raclette du Valais AOP.

Crans-Montana also appeals to wine lovers, with its 320 hectares of vineyards, 30 grape varieties and 21 winegrowers. You can taste regional grape varieties such as Humagne, Petite Arvine and Cor- nalin in the heart of spectacular alpine landscapes, completing the destination's culinary experience. 

Crans-Montana is constantly evolving, and places sustainability and innovation at the heart of its development. Investments by local authorities, partners and private owners are part of a long-term vision for the future.

Mobility, for example, is a key concern. With six free shuttle bus routes, a funicular railway connecting Sierre railway station to Crans-Montana and the gradual pedestrianisation of its town centres, Crans-Montana is working to promote soft mobility and encourage visitors to leave their cars behind.

Resource management is also a crucial issue. The completion of the Chermignon dam, which has been raised by 5.9 metres, now allows for the storage of over 300,000 m3 of water for snow production, irrigation and household consumption.

Crans-Montana is a chic and stylish all-year-round mountain resort located in the Valais canton of Switzerland (French speaking), around two hours by train from Geneva Airport.

The resort is part of the Best of the Alps group (bestofthealps.com)

Sitting on a high plateau above the Rhone Valley and facing south, the views from Crans-Montana are spectacular, especially from higher altitudes where it’s possible to see Mont Blanc in the west, through to the Matterhorn and way beyond to the east. During the winter, the skiing is well suited for intermediates, with a wide range of blue and red runs, but there’s excellent beginners areas as well as some more challenging slopes for experts, including some interesting off-piste and ski touring terrain. During summer, the resort is a haven for both road cyclists and mountain bikers as well as hikers and adventure seekers. Accommodation is varied, with a strong luxury element including several 5* hotels and a spread of 3* and 4* options as well as self-catering apartments and B&B’s.