Winter in Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana sits on a sunny south-facing plateau at 1,500m with panoramic views over the Rhone Valley.

There are eighteen 4,000m peaks in view.

More than just a resort, it is a lively area with 15,000 year-round residents, international schools, clinics, shops and an active cultural life.

Crans-Montana is a resort of contrasts that reflects a diverse identity:

• Sunshine and spectacular views
• High-level sport
• Family activities
• Cosmopolitan atmosphere
• Luxury and relaxation

Constantly evolving, the destination continues to innovate in order to offer ever more unique experiences.

Preparations for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships which will be held in 2027, as well as the arrival of Vail Resorts at the helm of the ski lifts, means there are prospects for the years ahead.

PlanetSKI visited last December, see here for our posts from the time:

• PlanetSKI reports from Crans-Montana

The destination is renowned for its festive and friendly atmosphere: lots of après-ski venues, lively bars and a varied nightlife complement daytime on the slopes.

The snow-covered landscape of Crans-Montana, its frozen lakes, pedestrian streets, shops and restaurants allow visitors to enjoy the mountains to the full and escape the daily grind of city life.

Crans-Montana in Numbers:

• 24 ski lifts
• 21 wine cellars
• 300 days of sunshine per year
• 15,000 year-round residents
• 84 km of cross-country skiing trails
• 113 km of winter hiking trails
• 35 hotels (including 8 luxury establishments)
• 130 restaurants and bars
• 190 outlets for shopping

In Crans-Montana the skiing experience comes in all forms.

The Alpine resort appeals as much for the variety of its slopes as for its spectacular views.

The slopes are long and wide with open views of the surrounding peaks and the valley.

From beginner slopes to the two slopes used for World Cup events, the ski area offers slopes for skiers of all levels.

It goes from 1,500m to 3,000m with over 20 accessible restaurants and mountain huts.

There is a ski touring training ground, the Ski Rando Parc.

Four convenient departure points from the resort provide direct access to trails ranging from the most accessible to the most demanding, including routes suitable for beginners.

Developed in collaboration with Séverine Pont Combe, ski mountaineering champion, this network attracts both the curious and athletes preparing for the renowned Patrouille des Glaciers.

Nordic skiing enthusiasts appreciate the diversity of the trails, from circuits in the resort and exceptional routes on the Plaine Morte glacier at 3,000m.

A day lift pass costs between CHF 69 and CHF 89 due to a dynamic pricing system, available only online.

The earlier you book and the more consecutive days you book, the greater the discount.

With facilities for beginners in the resort or in the ski area and, above all, free skiing for children under- 9, Crans-Montana is a particularly attractive destination for families.

Senior citizens also benefit from special rates.

In low season, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, people aged 65 and over can enjoy a day’s skiing for CHF 44, including a pasta dish at the Cry d’Er or Les Violettes restaurants.

This offer makes the resort more accessible to everyone.

For added convenience, the Fastlane option gives priority access to the ski lifts for skiers who want to avoid the queues.

The purchase of the lift system and its associated businesses by Vail Resorts in 2023 has enabled Crans-Montana to join the network of Epic Pass member destinations.

• Vail Resorts completes purchase of Crans-Montana lift company

Starting at $1,051 (CHF 832) for an adult ($537 (CHF 425) for a child).

The Epic Pass offers 42 resorts worldwide with unlimited access, including two in Switzerland: Crans-Montana and Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis.

In addition, it offers 5 to 7 free days at partner destinations, including several resorts in the Canadian Rockies and Japan, as well as 32 European resorts, including Skirama Dolomiti in Italy, Les 3 Vallées in France, several resorts in Austria and Verbier 4 Vallées in Switzerland.

This integration into the Epic Pass opens up particularly interesting prospects for Crans-Montana and will undoubtedly accelerate its development in the American market.

During winter, the two golf courses are transformed into a leisure centre combining sport, relaxation and conviviality in the heart of the resort, while preserving the natural alpine setting for which Crans-Montana is renowned.

There is walking or snowshoeing, lots of different activities for families and even cross-country skiing (16 km directly on the golf course, for both skating and classic skiing).

With over 20 km of cross-country ski trails, including 16 km directly on the golf course for both skating and classic skiing, long winter walks are accessible to everyone.

Add to this activities specially designed for children, and everyone can easily enjoy the mountains and their panoramic views.

At nightfall, the Jack Nicklaus golf course is transformed into a magical walk thanks to the famous Lantern Path.

One of the highlights of this site is Snow Island which offers a wide range of activities for the whole family.

Children can learn to ski on specially adapted slopes, whizz down the slopes on sledges or snowtubing, or race each other on electric snowmobiles.

The more daring can try out the airbag or bungee trampoline and learn boardercross.

Getting back up is made easier with lifts using conveyor belts and ski lifts.

Bibi’s House, located in the heart of Snow Island, completes the offer with activities supervised by Crans-Montana Tourism & Congress staff.

Children can meet Bibi, the Crans-Montana mascot, take part in craft workshops, play different games or enjoy a quiet moment in the library corner.

This friendly place provides a space for creativity and discovery that is perfect for younger children.

The site has refreshment bars and restaurants offering panoramic views of the mountains, so you can warm up after your activities.

Away from the winter hustle and bustle, Crans-Montana is also a haven of tranquillity where you can enjoy a gentle winter.

With around ten spas, wellness-oriented hotels offering treatments and massages, as well as activities such as yoga, meditation and retreats that invite you to reconnect with your inner self, the destination attracts guests seeking wellbeing and rejuvenation.

Walks between lakes and surrounding forests invite relaxation and contemplation, and health tourism completes the range of winter activities on offer.

In winter, Crans-Montana offers a packed cultural programme.

The Opale Foundation, Europe’s largest centre for Aboriginal art, regularly hosts new exhibitions.

The Colombire Hamlet, the Swiss Model Train Foundation, the Grand Lens Museum and many different galleries will delight lovers of art and heritage.

Music also plays a central role, with flagship events such as the series of concerts  organised by Crans-Montana Classics.

Crans-Montana has established itself as a gastronomic destination with over 130 restaurants offering a wide range of experiences, from cosy bistros to Michelin-star establishments.

International cuisine – Italian, Japanese, Argentinean and more – sits alongside local gastronomy, and over 25 establishments have (re)opened since 2020, demonstrating the dynamism of the sector in Crans-Montana.

The destination has a total of 142 points in the Gault&Millau guide and two restaurants with 1 MICHELIN star, thus combining diversity and excellence.

For an immersion in Valais traditions, mountain huts and restaurants offer typical mountain dishes, including raclette prepared with local cheese from dairies and mountain pastures recognised by the Interprofession Raclette du Valais AOP.

Crans-Montana also appeals to wine lovers, with its 320 hectares of vineyards, 30 grape varieties and 21 winegrowers.

Winter Highlights

Audi FIS Men’s & Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup

On 30 and 31 January and 1 February 2026, Crans-Montana will host a weekend of major speed competitions, bringing together the best skiers on the international circuit.

A real preview of the 2027 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships, this event will put the two competition slopes to the test: the legendary Mont Lachaux for the women’s downhill and super-G, and the Nationale slope for a thrilling men’s downhill.

The Migros Grand Prix

Between 26 and 29 March 2026, Crans-Montana will have the honour of hosting the Migros Grand Prix final.

Over four days, 1,250 young people between the ages of 8 and 16, from all over Switzerland, will bring the season to a spectacular close.

Created in 1972, the Migros Grand Prix has seen all the greatest Swiss ski champions compete, and is considered the biggest ski race for children in the world.

The final will be held on the Nationale Slope, the very same place where, a year later, the world’s best skiers will compete for medals at the World Championships.

With this event, Crans-Montana reaffirms its role as a major destination for major sporting events and for promoting young skiing talent.

Nordic skiing events will also be on the programme, allowing young people to compete in an exceptional environment: the Plaine Morte glacier at an altitude of 3,000m.

The Lantern Path

An Crans-Montana, the Lantern Path transforms the mountain into a veritable showcase of light.

Open for around 90 days each year, this night-time walk welcomes tens of thousands of visitors (90,000 in 2024/2025).

In addition to the 180 lanterns, the trail features magical light installations, concerts, entertainment and interactive experiences, as well as local food and drink, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the magic of winter with family or friends.

Nocturne du Loup and the Défi des Faverges

The ski touring event season in Crans-Montana kicks off on 10 January 2026 with the Nocturne du Loup, a friendly event to get you warmed up.

On 14 March 2026, the Défi des Faverges will serve as the last real training race ahead of the Patrouille des Glaciers.

These two races position Crans-Montana as an ideal destination for ski touring, offering varied and secure routes suitable for all levels, thanks to the Ski Rando Parc.

Crans-Montana is constantly evolving, and places sustainability and innovation at the heart of its development.

See here for more information on Crans-Montana.

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