Crans-Montana: 140km of slopes and a glacier accessible at 2927m in Valais

140km of slopes up to nearly 3000m

The domain encompasses 140km of slopes.

The Pointe de la Plaine Morte at 2927m marks the highest point, accessible by funitel from Les Violettes. It is the starting point of the longest descent in the domain, from the glacier down to the resort.

Plaine Morte glacier: skiing at nearly 3000m

Plaine Morte is one of the largest plateau glaciers in the Alps (just over 7km²).

For skiers, the glacier offers:

Alpine skiing on wide, easy slopes, with views across the Valais Alps.

Snowshoe excursions and fat-biking in season.

The glacier is, however, fragile, with its retreat documented year on year. Summer skiing has been abandoned by the lift operators, a sign of local warming.

A sun-drenched plateau

Crans-Montana claims exceptional sunshine. The geography of the plateau, facing due south, sheltered from the north by the mountain range, explains this climate characteristic.

Practical consequence: for skiing, the south-facing slopes (Cry-d’Er, Violettes) transform the snow quickly in the afternoon.

Who it suits

Crans-Montana attracts:

International clientele (Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Russia, United States), with a more cosmopolitan positioning than neighbouring French resorts.

Intermediate to advanced skiers, who appreciate the variety of the domain without the extreme difficulty of Zermatt or Verbier.

Upmarket couples and families, drawn by the resort-village format and premium hotel offering.

The resort is also renowned for its golf tournaments in summer (Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre, one of the most prestigious in Europe), which establishes Crans as a four-season destination.

Lift pass and access

The lift pass is priced in Swiss francs, with rates substantially higher than in French resorts.

Access is via:

Car, from the A9 motorway (Sierre exit).

Train and funicular: CFF train to Sierre, then funicular to the plateau.

When to visit

Ski season: early December to mid-April. Peak season runs from January to mid-March.

For spring skiing, Plaine Morte retains its snow late (until May in certain years), which is an advantage of the domain.

For the golf season, June to September, with the Omega European Masters in late August or early September.

Planning a stay in Crans-Montana

AEC Collection selects and represents premium chalets and apartments in Crans-Montana and Valais. The lift pass can be purchased at the resort or online via the official CMA (Crans-Montana-Aminona) website.