Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the Valais resort is enjoying a new lease of life, and has established itself as a dream destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts, summer and winter alike. The bonus: breathtaking panoramic views.
A city in the mountains? The term is sometimes bandied about by a few grumpy souls, considering the metamorphosis that – at the turn of the 20th century – transformed a few hectares of cow pasture into a dynamic, flourishing city. In fact, today’s figures speak for themselves: 15,000 permanent residents, 60,000 in high season; this is the largest town in the Valais, with its 12,000 second homes, chalets and apartments. By 2027, the number of hotels will have risen to 39, including eight five-star hotels, offering almost 3,000 beds. These include the exclusive Six Senses collection, which recently opened its Alpine cocoon here. The authorities have embraced this development, which now includes the digital economy and high technology. They see it as a precious guarantee of survival in the context of climate change, so detrimental to mid-altitude sites.
Cures
Before becoming a tourist magnet, the destination was first paramedical, thanks to the construction (in 1893) of the Grand Hôtel du Parc. Attracted by this unspoilt region, where people rode mules, tubercular patients came to breathe the pure mountain air. One hundred and thirty years later, the hygienic circle has come full circle with the opening of the Thermes du Haut-Plateau, an ambitious project open to all types of customers, from families to holidaymakers, in search of fitness and zenitude.
In the meantime, the resort has been able to capitalize on its precious summer assets: 200 kilometers of marked trails winding through Alpine landscapes of great beauty, mountain lakes inviting you to swim and relax, and a wide choice of fun activities, such as Parcaventure and mini-golf. Parents can leave their children in the care of an age-appropriate club to relax in total serenity. In addition to vacations, Crans-Montana has also built up a solid reputation in the field of education, with its private schools.
Sunny winter
As soon as the first snow falls, the resort attracts skiers and snowboarders alike. With over 140 km of runs for all levels, it offers the ideal playground for all snow sports enthusiasts. The snowpark and half-pipe are a delight for freestylers, while the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails offer an idyllic backdrop. In the evenings, you can enjoy a lively nightlife.
Remember that it was here, in 1911, that the first race in the history of skiing was organized by a subject of Her Gracious Majesty? Did Sir Arnold Lunn inspire Elizabeth II to stop off at Crans-Montana on her honeymoon? Did the sovereign take the funicular railway linking the town to the plain? Freshly renovated, the red carriages now make the journey in 12 minutes, making it possible to do without a car. The Funitel, meanwhile, climbs to the station’s highest point, at 2,927 metres.
Glamour
The crowned heads are not the only ones to have fallen in love with Crans-Montana, which boasts an enviable track record: George Clooney, Roger Moore, Alain Delon, Gina Lollobrigida, Charles Aznavour, Jackie Kennedy, Michèle Morgan and Lionel Messi. Above all, there are the anonymous regulars who return every year for sporting or cultural events, such as concerts, painting and photo exhibitions. Who hasn’t heard of the Caprices Festival, founded in 2004, with its 60,000 festival-goers; the Vision Art Festival, the world’s only urban art event exhibiting at altitudes of between 1,500 and 3,000 m; Swiss Made Culture; the Opale Foundation, Europe’s only center devoted to contemporary Aboriginal art; or the hamlet of Colombire, an eco-museum located at an altitude of 2,000 m?
The UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2025 and – in 2027 – the FIS Alpine Skiing World Championships are also in the sights.
