Save this place and discover nearby attractions with NextOnTrip
In the app you can add it to your favorites, see what else is worth visiting nearby on the map, and earn a badge for your visit.
The app is available for iPhone and Android.
About this place
Crans-Montana is a Swiss ski resort and municipality in the canton of Valais, in the district of Sierre, set on a sunny terrace on the southern slopes of the Bernese Alps. The village sits at roughly 1,500 m above sea level and combines winter skiing with summer golf and mountain walks. It is one of the best-known resorts in the Swiss Alps, and French is the dominant language here.
Where is Crans-Montana and how did it form?
The resort grew from two centres, Crans and Montana, which merged into a single tourist area over time. The ski resort is spread across several municipalities: Crans-Montana, Icogne and Lens. The municipality itself is administratively young. It was created on 1 January 2017 by merging four former municipalities: Chermignon, Mollens, Montana and Randogne. That is why Randogne often appears as a locality tied to the place.
What is skiing like in Crans-Montana?
The ski area offers about 140 km of pistes and reaches the Plaine Morte Glacier. The top elevation is quoted differently depending on the source: the glacier is usually described as around 3,000 m, while the Plaine Morte summit point is listed at about 2,927 m. The number of lifts also varies in listings, from roughly 23 to 27, so check current figures with the resort before you travel. The longest run is the Piste Nationale at 12 km.
What can you do outside ski season?
The high plateau suits summer as well. The Golf Club de Crans-sur-Sierre, at about 1,500 m, has hosted the European Tour's Omega European Masters since 1939, held each September. Confirm the current edition and dates on the tournament's official site. The Plaine Morte Glacier and surrounding trails draw visitors who want sweeping alpine views.
Who is it for?
- Skiers and snowboarders looking for a wide area with glacier access and long descents.
- Golfers who want to play a course with international standing.
- Travellers who enjoy a sunny, south-facing setting with a mountain panorama.
- Anyone curious about French-speaking Valais.
Frequently asked questions
Which country is Crans-Montana in? Southern Switzerland, in the canton of Valais, district of Sierre.
When was the municipality formed? On 1 January 2017, from Chermignon, Mollens, Montana and Randogne.
How long is the Piste Nationale? 12 km, the longest run in the resort.
How many kilometres of pistes are there? About 140 km in total, including runs towards the Plaine Morte Glacier.
Can you play golf in Crans-Montana? Yes. The Golf Club de Crans-sur-Sierre has hosted the Omega European Masters since 1939.
What language is spoken? Mainly French, as the Sierre district is predominantly French-speaking.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.