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If sunshine, epic views and a lively village scene are all priorities for your ski vacation, then a trip to Crans Montana should be high on your list of options for your next trip to the Alps. Located on a plateau about 5,000 feet above sea level, this delightful resort looks out over the scenic Rhone Valley in southern Valais, the third largest canton (Swiss state) in southern Switzerland. With a reputation as the sunniest resort in Switzerland, boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, sun worshipers will enjoy basking in Crans Montana's enviable climate, where snow meets the sun. Crans Montana is comprised of two neighboring villages that sit next to five small lakes and are connected via a mile-long boulevard, the Rue du Prado, brimming with chic boutiques, restaurants, hotels and bars.
Skiing atop the resort offers skiers and boarders unbeatable views of Switzerland’s most iconic and tallest peaks, including Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Plus, just in case great skiing is not enough to keep you busy, Crans Montana has extensive cross-country trails, ice skating and tobogganing for more outdoor activities. Aside from winter sports, the resort also offers an equestrian school, tennis and squash centers and some terrific nightlife, including the Circus Casino of Crans Montana. The resort’s reputation extends beyond the winter season, as it transforms into a summer paradise for hikers, cyclists, and golfers. Additionally, the Caprices Festival, a unique mountain pop-rock event held in winter, injects a lively cultural vibe into the serene Alpine setting.
A perk of visiting this area in the summer or fall is the Explorer card and its benefits offered. With this card, all guests who are paying a visitor tax receive benefits they can use throughout their trip. These include things like free minigolf and indoor ice-skating access, as well as discounted fares on tickets for the cable car. Whether you're carving through pristine snow, indulging in gourmet cuisine, or simply soaking in the stunning views, Crans-Montana offers an unforgettable Alpine experience that sets it apart from other ski destinations around the world.
300 days of sunshine
Panoramic views
Gourmet dining
Year-round skiing
Wellness retreats and boutique shopping
Overall, Aspen provides a range of lodging from the ultra-luxurious to more reasonably priced properties in nearby Snowmass, ensuring every traveler can find the perfect stay to complement their Aspen ski vacation.
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Beginner Skiing in Crans Montana, Switzerland Beginners will love learning on Crans Montana’s sunny, warm “learn to ski” slopes, located at the base of the resort. The Cry D’Er area also offers more seasoned beginners even more options, including convenient access to the on-mountain restaurants and great views of the terrain parks. The Cry D’Er area provides the perfect stepping-stones for beginner skiers to become intermediate skiers. Expert Skiing in Crans Montana, Switzerland There’s a lot to do, including some notably long runs. The 7.46-mi. run from Plaine Morte to Les Barzettes starts with top-of-the-world views and powder and finishes among pretty woods. The Piste Nationale downhill course is a good fast cruise. Aside from the excellent off-piste skiing, the Crans Montana expert skiing may be found lacking. To learn more about this incredible, off-the-beaten path resort or book lodging, heli-trips or cat-skiing tours or make travel arrangements, call or chat with one of Ski.com’s knowledgeable Mountain Travel Experts. Ski Schools & Tours At Crans-Montana you can expect eight avant-garde ski schools that cater to all ages and skill levels. The Swiss ski school in Crans-Montana, a highlight of the resort, provides comprehensive lessons in multiple languages, ensuring every visitor can learn and improve their skills with ease. Their programs include the Swiss Snow Kids Village and Swiss Snow League, which offer engaging lessons for children, combining fun with skill development on the snow. For more advanced skiers, private lessons and guided tours, such as the Ski Safari, allow for a tailored experience that takes in the best of the resort’s breathtaking pistes and panoramic views. In addition to traditional skiing and snowboarding lessons, Crans-Montana’s ski schools also offer specialized instruction in off-piste skiing, ski touring, and freestyle, catering to those looking to push their limits. The schools are known for their professional, passionate instructors who provide personalized guidance to maximize each skier’s potential. With an extensive range of programs and a commitment to quality instruction, Crans-Montana’s ski schools are designed to ensure that every guest enjoys a safe, fun, and enriching experience on the mountain.
The sprawling city of Crans Montana presents some challenges for families, however the friendly-family terrain does not. In fact the Crans Montana family skiing is one of its biggest draws. The Cry D’Er zone, accessed from the tram, offers families the perfect Launchpad to pass all their on-mountain experiences out of. Here, beginners will find an ideal “slow skiing” zone perfect for learning some new skills. Cry D’Er also provides aspiring jibbers and freestyle skiers with a 107,600-plus-square-foot terrain park, with features for every level. This area also offers a convenient on-mountain restaurant. The resort’s ample southern sun makes skiing enjoyable for little ones who easily get cold. You’ll have a hard time dragging them off the mountain at the end of the day. The Crans Montana family lodging offerings aren’t quite as ideal, but Ski.com’s tracked a top-of-mind choice that provides families will some fun après-ski amenities. Families will most appreciate four-star Hotel Helvetia Intergolf’s superb, meal-inclusive rates and amenities. The kids will enjoy swimming in the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, while parents relax in the nearby indoor hot tub. Ski storage facilities also eliminate the stress of schlepping the whole family’s gear around the hotel.
Ski destination