CRANS-MONTANA - ABOVE THE HAUT PLATEAU
THE RESORT
Nicknamed the ‘Mediterranean ski resort’, Crans Montana is one of the sunniest ski resorts in Europe with refreshing mountain air beneath sky-blue heavens and radiant sunshine.
It is perched on a plateau at 1500 m and remains a favourite destination for golf and ski amateurs worldwide. With nearly a 270 degree views on the surrounding alps, the village offers the typical Swiss atmosphere with a splash of luxury.
The resort offers 140km of perfectly groomed slopes and appealing back country opportunities accessible from the highest point skirting the Plaine Morte Glacier at 3,000m. However, Advanced skiers are equally challenged with hidden bowls and pistes designed for World Cup events.
With three golf courses and two frozen lakes it becomes a paradise for ski touring as well.
THE SKIING
The enthusiasm for international competitions enabled the development of infrastructures worthy of the reputation of this luxury resort.
Basic Skiing
The mountain is primarily intermediate and south facing for soft conditions, perfect for honing technique. Beginners, have a variety of possibilities, from a village centre ski garden (complements of Europe’s highest golf course) to a new mid mountain learning base. The most accessible slopes are based around Cry d’Er, boasting a completely new top-of-mountain installation and lifts. From there an ideal gentle slope, with views from Mt. Blanc to the Matterhorn, leading directly to the Mountain Hotel Chetzeron, home to a world-famous view and dining terrace.
Exploring at your own pace
Despite its ‘slopes in the sun’ reputation, CMA offers a discrete diversity. Aminona, the third of three combined ski areas making up the resort, is ideal for ambitious carving with a 2.5km piste, the width of three football pitches, all at a constant intermediate grade. Plaine Morte Glacier, capping the resort, offers 360 degree views of the Valais and Bernese Alps, with an 8km ski touring circuit, becoming the newest playground for limitless kite skiing. From the glacier down to a selection of tree hidden farms turned epicurean wonders is a 12km groomer. And for endorphins in all of us, discover one of Switzerlands largest Snow Parks, over 100,000m2 of challenge. Celebrate in Le Crans & Spa, the resorts most luxurious hotel.
And those who do not mind a more festive atmosphere can ski all the way down to the bar and restaurant Zerodix for some well-deserved drinks!
Steep or Deep
The resort is not without its back bowls and valley walls with the ability to leave kilometers of tracks yet the convenience of ending back on a central piste. Col du Pocket leads you around the backside to some of the deepest and quietest troves, or be guided down Les Faverges, a several hour free ride in its own valley bringing back to the resort via La Cure, a remote mountain restaurant. A good adrenalin rush is to follow the tracks of world cup racers La Piste des Dames or National, both slopes of the world ski championships.
