A little corner of paradise on earth… Shhh don’t tell anybody!

Perched high on a sun-drenched plateau in the Valais region of Switzerland, the linked villages of Crans and Montana enjoys some of the most spectacular views in Europe with an unsurpassed vista stretching from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc up the Rhône Valley.

Whilst not a traditional alpine Swiss Village it has a sophisticated charm, many chic boutiques line the streets of the town’s centre and it’s smart, international clientele can be found soaking up the sun in the many bars, restaurants and cafés.

Hospitality is a way of life not just a catch phrase in Crans Montana. There is a wide variety of hotels to choose from; from the traditional family run hotel that are renowned for their warm welcome and genuine hospitality. If your preference is for a more urbane, contemporary style hotel, Crans Montana has truly something to meet all tastes and budgets in this thriving cosmopolitan resort.

The Ski area of Crans Montana has been famous since it hosted the very first Alpine ski race, in winter sports history in 1911. The resort still hosts a number of important World Cup and Championship events and attracts skiers and boarders from across Europe eager to carve the same pistes.

The 140km networked ski area can easily satisfy all levels and disciplines of skiing.
Children and complete novices can enjoy lessons and instruction in the resort’s Snow Island with its nursery slopes.
Crans Montana is an intermediate skier’s paradise with a large majority of pistes being blues and reds which offer wide open cruisy runs. Uncrowded pistes means that skiers and snowboarders can safely use them side by side, while adrenaline junkies can get their kicks in the snowpark which is dedicated to those who enjoy jumps and tricks.

For the more experienced skier, the Plaine Morte glacier, at an altitude of 3,000 meters is not to be missed for some of the most challenging runs, and one of the longest at 12km, surrounded by some of the best panoramic views in the Alps.

During the day, discovering Crans Montana’s hidden gems means taking a gondola ride for non-skiers or building in a leisurely lunch for winter sports enthusiasts on a mountain resplendent with gastronomic eateries. It is not unusual for skiers and non-skiers alike to be found in the converted cable car station that is now the celebrated Chetzeron gourmet restaurant which has also added bedrooms for guests wanting to enjoy fresh tracks. The Chetzeron never fails to disappoint even the most discerning connoisseur of good food and wine. Located at a heady height of 2112 metres and well worthy of at least one visit, guests can delight in a menu of Valaisan produce and wine within the restaurant or on the terrace spanning three levels and enjoying unsurpassed mountain views.

Crans Montana après ski is laid back and quiet in comparison to many resorts but some of the best après-ski can be enjoyed at Zerodix next to the Cry D’Er gondola station and Senso in Montana. New additions to the après ski and bar scene include the Bar Lounge 180 degrees at the cosmopolitan Crans Ambassador Hotel (which you can ski to) and the Memphis Bar and Lounge in Crans. After the slopes close you will find lots going on in the evenings at the resort, with many lively bars, for night owls there are also three nightclubs that can be enjoyed into the early hours.

There is an abundance of non-ski activities to be enjoyed in resort; off mountain activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, paragliding, Nordic walking, sledging, ice skating.
Enjoy a traditional Swiss dinner on the mountain followed by a torch lit descent by sledge.

A must for chocoholics visit the world renowned chocolate shop of Swiss chocolate master David Pasquiet and see him create his fabulous chocolates.

(Image thanks to Crans Montana – Helico Olivier Maire)