The views at Crans-Montana are spectacular. Especially from the highest points where it’s possible to see all the way from Mont Blanc in the west, through to the Matterhorn to the east. During the winter, the skiing is ideal for intermediates, with a wide range of blue and red runs, but there are also fantastic beginners’ zones and some challenging slopes for experts, including off-piste and ski touring terrain in places like the Rando Parc - Europe’s largest marked ski touring park with 50km of trails.
Originally founded in 1893, the skiing area opened in 1911, when famous British skier Sir Arnold Lunn visited the resort and launched one of the world’s first downhill ski races, the Roberts of Kandahar Cup. The name Kandahar is still used today in professional ski racing and one of the longest ski runs in Crans-Montana is named the Kandahar, after this famous race.
With everything from scenic cable car rides up the Plaine Morte Glacier to 3,000m, to visiting the Alaïa Chalet, an indoor action sports centre which is one of the top facilities of its kind in Europe and great for learning and perfecting your tricks, every type of mountain lover will be at home here.
Around two hours by train from Geneva Airport, Crans-Montana is a well-established year-round resort, with strong British links in its history. Accommodation in Crans-Montana is of a high standard but very varied, with a strong luxury element including several 5* hotels and a spread of 3* and 4* options as well as self-catering apartments, B&B’s and budget options including a youth hostel.
Unmissable winter events this season
Bella Lui Family Festival
Dec 2, 2021 - Jan 9, 2022
Running up to Christmas and into the New Year, the Bella Lui festival is a major attraction for families. With a large Ferris wheel and a special path lit with lanterns, Crans-Montana is transformed into a true winter wonderland, showing off local produce from the resort’s exceptional chefs, bakers, cheesemakers and winemakers.
Knight Frank City Ski Championships
Feb 3-6, 2022
The annual get together for ski enthusiasts working in the City of London returns to Crans-Montana in 2022 and will see skiers of all ability levels from beginners to former Olympic racers, compete alongside each other on the Piste National.
Women’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup
Feb 26-27, 2022
The blue ribbon event on the women’s World Cup downhill ski racing circuit, once again Crans-Montana will host the best racers in the world on the challenging Mont Lachaux piste. When the race is over, testing your own ski legs on this demanding piste is a must.
Snowcamp Charity Marathon
Feb 3-6, 2022
A parallel event to the Knight Frank City Ski Championships sees teams of skiers taking on challenges to raise money for snowsports charity, Snowcamp, that helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds get into skiing and snowboarding.
Caprices Music Festival
April 8-10 and 15-17, 2022
A double weekend of electronic music from the world’s best DJs at 2,200m in the heart of the ski area. Caprices Festival has been voted the best international electro festival in the world and is a must-attend event for any electronic music lovers.
Crans-Montana by Numbers
1,500m to 3,000m of vertical
140km of ski runs
24 ski lifts
15 marked ski touring trails
25km cross country slopes
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