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Natural attractions

Crans-Montana

4.5 · 2,682 reviews
Sophisticated alpine resort with a focus on active luxury.
Crans-Montana, Rte de la Moubra 55, 3963 Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Interesting facts
1

The Crans-sur-Sierre golf course is one of the oldest in Switzerland, dating back to 1906.

2

The resort offers panoramic views of the Valais Alps, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.

3

Crans-Montana is part of the Valais cycling network, offering over 200 kilometers of marked trails.

4

The resort sits on a sunny terrace 1,000 meters above the Rhône Valley floor.

5

The Plaine Morte Glacier provides a high-altitude plateau reachable by cable car from the resort center.

Overview

Crans-Montana is an alpine plateau resort located in the Valais canton of Switzerland at an elevation of 1,500 meters. The destination is formed by the fusion of the Crans and Montana villages, overlooking the Rhône Valley. It functions as a year-round hub for outdoor sports, including a significant network of downhill ski runs and multiple professional-grade golf courses. The resort is renowned for hosting the Omega European Masters, a professional golf tournament held at the Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre. During the warmer months, the area converts into a mountain biking and road cycling destination with marked trails traversing alpine pastures. The resort provides access to the Plaine Morte Glacier, allowing for high-altitude skiing and summer snow activities. Beyond sports, it features a concentration of luxury retail, upscale dining, and wellness facilities. The plateau orientation provides a south-facing aspect that ensures high levels of solar exposure throughout the year.

Photo spot

The Cry d'Er summit station for 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks.

Insider tips

Purchase the Crans-Montana 'My Explorer' card if staying overnight for discounted access to local mountain lifts and activities.

Prioritize visiting the Etang Long or Etang Grenon lakes during the summer for swimming and paddleboarding.

Use the funicular from Sierre to reach the resort if traveling without a car to enjoy scenic valley views during the ascent.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to hike high-alpine trails without checking local weather forecasts, as conditions can change rapidly regardless of the season.

Good to know

Ski lift operations are seasonal, typically ceasing in mid-April and resuming for the winter season in late November; some high-altitude trails close during spring melt.

Etiquette

Dress codes are informal for outdoor activities but shift to smart-casual in evening dining establishments; respect local environmental preservation signs on hiking trails.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-5 days
Best time to visit
December to March for skiing; July to September for golf and cycling.
Address
Crans-Montana, Rte de la Moubra 55, 3963 Crans-Montana, Switzerland
46.313, 7.481
Get directions
Details
Golf CoursesCrans-sur-Sierre (18-hole Jack Nicklaus course)
Skiing Terrain140 km of marked pistes reaching up to 3,000 meters

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-5 days to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is December to March for skiing; July to September for golf and cycling..

The Cry d'Er summit station for 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks.

Close by you'll find Fondation Suisse des Trains Miniatures, Etang Grenon, Church of Montana-Station.