Skiing in Crans-Montana in summer
The first hotel was built on Crans-Montana’s sunny plateau in 1893, thanks to its health-giving air. It soon became known as a snow-sure, sun-drenched ski resort. The breathtaking panoramic views of the four-thousanders are second to none, stretching from majestic Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.
Crans and Montana are actually neighboring villages in the French-speaking Swiss canton of Valais. They lie on a sunny plateau above the RhĂ´ne Valley, in the southern Bernese Alps. Crans-Montana exudes the charm of an idyllic mountain village, while also offering all the benefits of a modern Alpine town. The shopping is excellent, and cultural events and sporting competitions attract international visitors.
Skiing in Crans-Montana in summer
Date: 11/07/2007
Crans-Montana became well known for its alpine sporting events. In 1987, it hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships. Skiers of all abilities can enjoy the varied ski area.
The ski area’s three levels make it easy to find your way around. Easier runs are located on the gentle hillside terrace between the two villages. More advanced skiers will find more challenging runs on the higher level. Suitable pistes are located at Bella Lui, Chetseron, Les Violettes and Petit Bonvin. The highest and most challenging area is the Plaine Morte glacier ski area. Expert skiers love the La Touala mogul run. The Crans and Les Masolires practice lifts are perfect for beginners, and the blue runs at Les Verdets are also well suited to them.
Even in summer, the Plaine Morte Glacier plateau offers suitable ski runs. In addition to skiing, Crans-Montana offers a range of other sports: mountaineering, canyoning, curling, paragliding, tobogganing, squash, tennis, hiking and water skiing. The five nearby swimming lakes are very popular.
Crans-Montana is also a golfing paradise. The Severiano Ballesteros 18-hole golf course offers magnificent views and hosts an annual tournament attended by the international golfing elite.
In winter, the golf courses become a paradise for cross-country skiing and walking. A separate skating-ski trail also runs alongside the classic tracks.
