Crans-Montana is the panoramic balcony of the Alps, where you can see from the Simplon to the Mont Blanc. Located on a plateau in the heart of the Alps at 1500 metres above sea level, the area extends up to 3000 metres above sea level, at the foot of the eternal snows of the Plaine-Morte glacier.
Crans-Montana lies on a plateau, which is covered with small lakes and is situated at the foot of a ski area with 140km of slopes spread over three areas. The ski lift system is modern and well designed with virtually no queues. For advanced skiers, the World Cup pistes are challenging and the off-piste skiing extensive. This is an ideal resort for intermediates, with plenty of wide and long, red and blue runs. There are three nursery areas for beginners. Alternative slopes offering a greater percentage of expert runs are available at the often less-crowded nearby ski resort of Anzere. It is located on the sunniest side of the valley, where the Rhone begins its course.
"The largest alpine shopping facilities in the world", Crans-Montana over the last hundred years has prided itself in being a healthy, rich Alpine plateau with a plethora of top hotels, health clubs, cosmopolitan boutiques and gastronomic restaurants. Fashion, style and class are high on the agenda. In the resort there are 9 swimming pools, 4 health centres, 2 ice rinks, indoor squash and tennis courts, 4 bowling alleys and cinemas.
Apres Ski
There are many cafes and restaurants in Crans Montana. The resort is not the cheapest place to eat out but the quality of the food is superb. From traditional restaurants such as La Cave and Le Mayan to pizza parlours, there is food to suit every taste.
You will find lots going on in the evenings at the resort, with many lively bars, and even a casino for those who are feeling lucky!
Immediately after the slopes close, the only bars with a crowd are in Montana - the small La Grange and Bar Amadeus. The New Pub SA, with its electronic and lottery games, is also good for apres-ski and nightlife. If you have the urge to go out between 9 p.m. and midnight, try some of the normally quiet piano bars. A favourite is the Memphis Bar in Crans with its wood decor and raucous piano jazz. Leos Bar in Crans also features Cuban music until 2am.
Discos don't get going until midnight to 1am. If you're determined and well-heeled, head for Absolut and Le Barocke in Crans, but expect to pay a €13 - €15 cover charge, which includes a drink.
The majority of the good après-ski options and nightlife are based in Montana.
