Crans Montana - Switzerland

10 reasons to visit Crans Montana ski resort

1. 140km of largely intermediate pistes
2. A great range from pretty wooded pistes up to the open glacial slopes
3. Largely south facing means the resort has more than its fair share of sun - bluebird skiing anyone?
4. A family focussed festival, Etoile Bella Lui runs from early december through to January each year - paths around town are illuminated by lanterns leading to the craft market and ferris wheel
5. Ice rink in the town centre
6. 5,000sqm Alaia Chalet indoor/outdoor action sports training complex in nearby Lens - perfect your tricks in the foam pits
7. Stunning views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, you'll struggle to find better
8. Great standard of hotels leans itself to indulgent holidays
9. Easy access from Geneva by train makes weekend skiing here very attractive
10. The resort has been awarded the 'Family Destination' label by the Swiss Tourism Federation for exceptional facilities

Resort overview

Crans Montana is technically two villages linked by a trickle of low-rise buildings, Crans and Montana. Crans is more upmarket with designer shops and plenty of glitz, whilst Montana has a younger atmosphere with some lively apres bars. Both have striking views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Crans claims the centre of the joined resort full of chic boutiques, jewellers and art galleries as well as a huge choice of bars and restaurants.

Easy access from Geneva airport makes the resort attractive for ski weekends as well as longer breaks. It's a 2 hour direct train from the airport to Sierre where you catch a funicular up to the resort.

Apres ski

Apres is split between the two village centres. Crans bars and clubs tend to be more upmarket and expensive attracting a typically older crowd, the Huge Pacha nightclub and Sky stay open until 4am. Over in Montana, the vibe is younger and also a more traditional apres scene with cheaper options available. However, there's plenty of overlap. Zero Dix is the slopeside spot that gets busy around 3pm on the terrace with live music and DJs or Apres-Ski Signal is another lively choice.