Crans Montana

Crans Montana was before the early 1960's 2 separate villages, namely Crans and Montana. Today, it is a 6 km long vibrant and energetic village with glorious views of the Alps stretching from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. This is why Crans Montana ski holidays are so popular. There is an abundant supply of south facing slopes with a ski range from 1,476 metres to 3,000 metres which lends itself to some of the best resort-level snow cover. The slopes themselves are suitable for all levels of skier from beginners through to experts with sufficient challenges to test even the most proficient of skiers. There are 17 blue runs, 20 red and 4 black.

The resort's skiing is divided into 3 main sections, linked together by lifts, as well as by 5 gondola lifts from different areas of the resort. There are 34 lifts in total, capable of transporting 36,520 skiers per hour, and visitors will be pleased that thanks to the introduction of high speed lifts, there are rarely any queues. In addition there are many off piste territories to explore with a guide. The resort opens in the latter part of November and closes on the 1st May, although these dates are subect to snow conditions.

About the village

There are a wide variety of restaurants and bars with Le Pub Georges and Dragon in Crans and Amadeus Bar in Montana being amongst the most popular drinking venues. Youngsters may prefer the New Pub which has a giant TV screen and pinball machines or the Constellation bar which offers a wide choice of electronic games. In addition there is also Zapata, a Mexican restaurant/bar which serves wonderful cocktails, the Punch Bar, a Cuban restaurant with a huge choice of cigars and the Postillion offering a wide range of red and white wines. Night time revellers have a choice of 7 night spots open until 4 am as well as an open air disco at the ice rink "Patinoire d'Ycoor" which takes place every Friday night. If this isn't enough there is also a cinema which often shows English films, 10 pin bowling and a Casino. Crans is a designer shopper's paradise with names like Chanel, Hermes, Prada and Bulgari.

Accommodation in Crans Montana is plentiful and there is a wide choice of self catering chalets or apartments. If you want to indulge yourself with a top notch hotel, Crans Montana offers the newly refurbished Crans Ambassador, just 600 metres away from the centre, which is a luxurious spa resort offering a wealth of treatments and facilities.