| Ski Run Info | |
|---|---|
| Total Runs (km) | 160km |
| Longest Run | 12km |
| Number of Runs | 53 |
| Beginner | 20 |
| Intermediate | 28 |
| Advanced | 5 |
| Lifts | |
|---|---|
| Gondalas | 6 |
| Chair Lifts | 7 |
| Other Lifts | 21 |
| Total Lifts | 35 |
| Other | |
|---|---|
| Cross Country | 40km |
| Snow Cannons | 162 |
| Uphill Capacity | 38600 |
| Social | |
|---|---|
| Clubs | 4 |
| Bars | 18 |
| Restaurants | 76 |
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Crans-Montana the resort
Crans-Montana are two amalgamated towns situated high above the Rhone valley in Wallis canton of Switzerland. The area around Crans-Montana is also known as 'Montana'. The resort has being hosting skiers since 1893 and offers fantastic views from Matterhorn to Mont Blanc on clear days. Crans-Montana has a good reputation for sun, though this can adversely affect the skiing conditions later on in the season as the slopes become very warm. Crans-Montana is popular throughout the year, and there is plenty to do off the slopes, including snow golf (presumably with non-white balls) and horse riding though the forests surrounding the resort.
The town is quite large, has over 80 restaurants and plenty of shops and boutiques to browse through. At night there are also a number of clubs and a casino. The size of the town means that door to slope skiing is limited, though bus access to the pites is good.
Skiing at Crans-Montana
The 160km of piste at Crans-Montana is spread over three areas: Amiona, Cry d'Err, and Violettes. The lift system is efficient, keeping the queues short. Most of the slopes face south and are below 2,300m. This can cause problems later on in the season as they are exposed to the sun, but Crans-Montana has over 160 snow canons installed to help keep the pistes open.
This is an ideal resort for beginner and intermediate skiers. There are plenty of wide and long blue and red runs, but limited balck runs without heading for the Plaine Morte glacier. Crans Montana also offers plenty of off piste skiing which attracts a fair number of snow boarding. In fact, snowboarders are well provided for, with 2 snow parks at Pas du Loup and near the Plumachit ski lift
For advanced skiers, the World Cup pistes are challenging and the off piste skiing extensive. However, the ski pass only covers the 160km of pistes in the resort and you will have to pay more to access the Plaine Morte glacier. For those that want more variety, Zermatt, Saas Fee and Verbier are all located nearby and can be accessed by either road or rail.
For cross country skiing there are 40 km of cross country ski trails and 60 km of groomed winter hiking paths offer adventure in a snowy landscape.
| Resort Information | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1550m |
| Top Elevation | 3000m |
| Nearest Airport | Sion |
| Transfer Time | 1h |
| Other Airport | Geneva |
| Transfer Time | 2h |
| Web: www.crans-montana.ch/hiver | |
| Email: information@crans-montana.ch | |