Crans Montana is formed of two towns - Crans-sur-Sierre and Montana - which were merged in the 60s to form the ski resort we know today. Crans is the more fashionable, with shops like Cartier and Gucci lining the streets while with a more down-to-earth vibe, Montana has livelier après ski and cheaper places to eat.
The resort itself is less Swiss chocolate box and more a mix of different architecture but once you’re out on the mountain you’ll enjoy some incredible scenery: high up on a sun-drenched plateau...
The four main lifts that take you up to the different parts of the mountain are accessible via the local ski bus.
Children and complete novices will learn the basics in the ‘Snow Island’ area – which serves as the golf course in the summer months and has some lovely gentle nursery slopes. The magic carpet here is perfect for little children, and much easier to use than a drag lift if you are a total novice. The Discovery area has a beginners only ‘Secure’ run near the Verdets lift, and there’s also a fu...
The après is laid back and quiet but with over 130 restaurants and bars and 3 nightclubs, there’s still lots to do.
Zerodix (at the end of the blue Crans piste by the Cry D’Er lift station) is a hotspot for lively après ski drinks and snacks. New additions include 180 degrees at the Crans Ambassador Hotel (you can ski to it) and the Memphis Bar and Lounge in Crans.
For a bit of insider knowledge about the local tipples, visit Ratatouille for wine tastings and Brasserie La Marmotte to sample the local b...