Crans-Montana, an iconic Swiss ski resort and internationally renowned golf destination, is also a charming mountain town. Its prime location offers exceptional sunshine and breathtaking panoramic views! With its sweeping vistas over the Swiss Alps—from the Mont Blanc massif to the Matterhorn—its natural luxury, selection of exclusive experiences, and intimate hotels, Crans-Montana is a must-visit destination. Discover our guide to exploring Crans-Montana during your next tailor-made trip or corporate event in the Alps.

Crans-Montana, the Pearl of the Alps

Find key information about Crans-Montana, including its location, altitude, climate, how to get there, and why it’s worth the trip.

Where is Crans-Montana?

Crans-Montana is located in Switzerland, in the canton of Valais. This mountain resort lies 100 km (1h40) from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and 120 km (1h45) from Évian-les-Bains in France, 80 km (1h15) from Verbier, 180 km from Geneva, and 70 km (1h20) from Zermatt.

What is the altitude of Crans-Montana?

Crans-Montana sits at an altitude of 1,500 meters, overlooking the Rhône Valley and facing the Swiss Alps. Its panoramic views stretch from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, passing by the Weisshorn—and far beyond.

The nearest airports to Crans-Montana and transfer options

The two closest airports to Crans-Montana are Sion (30 km) and Geneva (180 km).

Planning a custom tour through the French and Swiss Alps? Our team handles all your private transfers to and from airports, train stations, or any Alpine destination. Contact us for a quote or more information!

When to visit Crans-Montana (climate, weather & temperatures)

The best time to visit Crans-Montana depends on the activities you’re planning to enjoy.

If you’re coming to explore the resort’s 140 km of ski slopes, the heart of winter is ideal. Thanks to its mountain climate and high altitude, Crans-Montana enjoys excellent snow coverage, with the ski area open from early December to mid-April. The glacier, perched at 3,000 meters, offers fantastic skiing conditions through April—along with a breathtaking 360° panoramic view.

In summer, Crans-Montana transforms into a paradise for hiking, mountain biking, and, of course, golf. Expect sunny days and pleasant temperatures around 25°C (77°F).

That said, Crans-Montana is a year-round destination. With its vibrant cultural scene and refined gastronomy, it’s a place to enjoy in every season—where you can truly breathe in the pure mountain air. Its privileged location also means nearly 300 days of sunshine per year!

For more tips, check out our guide on what to pack before heading to the Alps.

Is Crans Montana worth visiting?

Is Crans Montana worth visiting?

Crans-Montana is a welcoming, year-round destination offering an exceptional variety of activities. This charming mountain town, inhabited throughout the year, lies just steps from the majestic Swiss wilderness, providing a magical setting for a tailor-made Alpine escape. It offers an intimate experience with its 4- and 5-star hotels blending picturesque charm with modern elegance, alongside prestigious luxury boutiques.

Crans-Montana and its golf course are also renowned for hosting the Omega European Masters, a DP World Tour event and one of the most prestigious tournaments for professional golfers. The ski area, meanwhile, is among the most celebrated in Switzerland. Whether you're teeing off or skiing down the slopes, the views in every direction are simply breathtaking.

And don’t miss the chance to step into one of the region’s traditional wine cellars. Crans-Montana is a proud ambassador of Valais wine culture, with 320 hectares of vineyards and 30 grape varieties—including the famed Petite Arvine—showcasing the region’s rich winemaking heritage and diversity.

What to do in Crans-Montana? Activities and tailor-made stays

Whether in winter or summer, a visit to Crans-Montana offers unique charms and hidden treasures in every season!

Crans Montana winter activities

Crans Montana winter activities

Of course, it’s hard to talk about Crans-Montana in winter without mentioning its fantastic ski area! But Crans-Montana is so much more than that. It also offers magical landscapes to explore with a guide—on snowshoes, across nearly 100 km of marked trails, or through ski touring and cross-country skiing.

Indoors, don’t miss the chance to try something new, like curling, climbing, or even paddleboarding—yes, anything is possible in Crans-Montana! After a full day of adventure, follow the Lantern Trail to discover the heart of the village in a truly enchanting way. Then treat yourself to one of the region’s iconic dishes, such as Swiss fondue, raclette, or one of the many specialties made with Valais apricots or air-dried meats.

The Crans-Montana ski area

Crans-Montana’s ski area, one of the largest in Switzerland, stretches from 1,500 meters (the village level) to 3,000 meters (at the Plaine Morte Glacier). From its highest point, enjoy an unrivaled 360° panoramic view of the Swiss Alps. With 140 km of slopes, the resort caters to all levels of skiers—from beginners to seasoned experts—and even thrill-seekers, thanks to its Snowpark. Its unique location ensures exceptional sunshine throughout the season, making every skiing experience truly special. The ski area is typically open from early December to mid-April.

Crans-Montana is also part of the Vail Resorts group, offering a range of economic benefits to pass holders.

Looking to experience a selection of the most iconic Alpine resorts on your next ski holiday? Be inspired by our Luxury Alpine Tour, which takes you through Zermatt, Crans-Montana, Megève, and Courchevel—designed to create the tailor-made journey of your dreams. We also offer an exclusive itinerary around Crans-Montana and Verbier, featuring unforgettable experiences such as heliskiing and wine tours in the Valais region!

Crans Montana summer activities

Crans Montana summer activities

Crans-Montana offers an outstanding playground for hiking and cycling. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without trying one of these must-do activities!

Stroll along the bisses—the local irrigation channels—that lead you to breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way, fall under the charm of traditional wooden mountain huts (mayens), where you can enjoy immersive experiences close to alpine life. We highly recommend setting out early with one of our guides to catch a memorable sunrise over the mountain range, topped off with an exceptional breakfast! For cyclists, miles of trails await—whether you’re into mountain biking, enduro, or road cycling, there’s something for every rider looking for an active adventure.

If you’re looking for a refreshing break, head to one of Crans-Montana’s nine lakes, each surrounded by activities catering to all tastes.

Summer or winter, dive into Valais gastronomy by visiting local winemakers on a vineyard tour, as well as producers of cheese, apricots, and air-dried meats.

And of course, don’t leave Crans-Montana without swinging your club on one of the Alps’ most renowned golf courses!

Crans-Montana: A premier golf destination in Switzerland

Crans-Montana: A premier golf destination in Switzerland

Crans-Montana is just as renowned for its ski area as it is for its golf courses. The resort boasts three courses—one 18-hole and two 9-hole layouts. The 18-hole course hosts the annual Omega European Masters, a flagship event on the DP World Tour and the second-largest sporting event in Switzerland. Will you be tempted to try a beginner’s lesson or perfect your expert swing?

Are you passionate golfers? Take inspiration from our golf itinerary between Évian-les-Bains and Crans-Montana, among the most beautiful in the Alps!

Your tailor-made stay in Crans-Montana

Considering a visit to Crans-Montana for your next bespoke trip to the Alps? Whether you want to explore the resort and its many activities over a few days or make it your main base, our team is here to craft an itinerary tailored to your desires. We handle everything—from booking accommodations, restaurants, and private transfers to organizing unique, exclusive experiences.

Don’t hesitate—contact us for more information or to request a personalized quote.

Your corporate and team building events in Crans-Montana

Easily accessible via major roadways and boasting exceptional accommodation capacity, Crans-Montana is the ideal destination for corporate events in the Alps. From 3- to 5-star hotels—modern, luxurious, or traditional—to conference center meeting rooms, a wide variety of dining options and festive evenings, plus a diverse range of venues for your activities, Crans-Montana has everything to delight groups from 10 to 2,000 people!

For your team-building sessions, take on multi-activity challenges such as golf or curling initiation, treetop adventure courses, or orienteering. Or choose from our original events like Pionnier of the Peaks, Mission Ascension, or Olympiads—perfect for fostering team spirit! In winter, even the snow-covered golf course becomes your playground for team challenges!

For incentive days designed to create lasting memories, indulge in a Valais wine tasting, hike through breathtaking landscapes, or enjoy an extraordinary mountain biking excursion.

You’ll see—the playground is simply spectacular!


 

Our teams are at your disposal to answer all your questions about visiting Crans-Montana, as well as for all your transfers, tailor-made stays, and corporate events in the resort. Don’t hesitate to contact us! To learn more, discover all the services offered by 1786.

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