Crans-Montana

Our Take

Crans-Montana sits on a high plateau at 1,500 meters in the Valais, facing south across the Rhône Valley with exceptional sun exposure and panoramic views that include the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Grand Combin on clear days. The resort has hosted the Women's Alpine Skiing World Cup annually and has the Plaine Morte glacier at 2,927 meters providing altitude certainty and extended season skiing. The 140km of pistes cater primarily to intermediate skiers who want mileage in good conditions. The two resort centers -- Crans and Montana -- sit 3km apart on the plateau and are connected by bus and trail. The town infrastructure is more urban than typical ski resort villages: actual shops, restaurants that serve people year-round, and a golf course that operates when the snow leaves. The sun exposure means spring skiing conditions arrive early and the resort has a different quality of light than north-facing Alpine alternatives. The World Cup race in March brings international attention to the Coupe du Monde course, one of the more technically demanding on the women's circuit.

Nerd Stats

Fun Facts

• Crans-Montana faces south at 1,500 meters with over 300 days of sun per year -- among the sunniest positions in the Swiss Alps.
• The Plaine Morte glacier at 2,927 meters is one of the largest plateau glaciers in the Alps -- it's visible from the resort and accessible by gondola.
• The Lauberhorn and Hahnenkamm are traditionally male-dominated World Cup classics -- Crans-Montana's race is the women's counterpart in terms of prestige.
• The golf course at Crans-Montana hosts the European Masters annually -- the same physical space that's ski slopes in winter.