Crans Montana Attractions and Activities
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Crans-Montana is best known as a Paradise for skier's during winter months, and a mekka for golfer during the summer. However, the resort with its perennially snow-bound mountains offers many more winter sports activities and during summer, there are plenty of sports and tour options. Below just some ideas....
Excursions: >> Mountain ExcursionsCity Excursionsother Excursions
Mountain Excursions:
Plaine Morte (2,927 m / 9,600 ft):
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 90 minutes by gondolas from Crans-Montana to the top). The Plaine Morte Glacier covers 10 square kilometers (3.9 sq mi) and is located in the Bernese Alps, below the Wildstrubel mountain. The Plaine Morte is easily accessible from Crans-Montana, and the summit, the "Pointe de la Plaine Morte", offers impressive views of the Valais Alps and the Rhone Valley. Since the glacier is relatively flat, it not only attracts skiers during winter months, but especially cross-country skiers and hikers all year round.
In addition to the Plaine Morte, several mountains above Crans-Montana are easily accessible by gondolas or other mountain rides such as the "Petit Bonvin", the "Cry d'Err" or "Les Violettes". At an altitude of 2,150 - 2,400 m (7,050 - 7,870 ft) you get great views of the Rhone Valley, including the villages and towns, and you can see several higher peaks of the Valais Alps. These Crans-Montana mountains offer great runs for winter sports, as well as numerous hiking paths during the summer months.
Zermatt: incl. Gornergrat (3,089 m / 10,132 ft) or Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m / 12,736 ft):
Full-day excursion (approx. 2 hours by train from Crans-Montana to Zermatt railway station). The journey takes you through the Rhone Valley and then, on the Glacier Express route climbing through rugged valley landscape, to Zermatt. Then continue this popular excursion either by cogwheel railway to the Gornergrat (approx. 40 minutes) or by gondola to the Klein Matterhorn (approx. 45 minutes) to enjoy great views of the world famous Matterhorn.
City Excursions:
With its location in the Rhone Valley and the Alps, Crans-Montana is not exactly the ideal place from where to make city excursions to the larger Swiss Cities.... Easily feasible are visits of smaller cities located in the Rhone Valley, and also possible, but somewhat stressful are the excursions to the Lake Geneva Region and to the Bernese cities Thun and Bern.....
Sierre (Siders) - 20 minutes by funicular from Crans-Montana:
The area around Sierre is one of Switzerland's most important wine-growing regions - take the Vineyard Trail to find out more about the region's fine wines. Visit the Rainer Maria Rilke Museum – in the Maison de Courten (the famous German writer spent the last years of his life in the medieval stone tower called the Château de Muzot in Veyras), or enjoy a day at the "Happyland" - Switzerland's biggest theme park.
Sion (Sitten) - 35 minutes by funicular & train from Crans-Montana:
Sion, the capital of the Canton of Valais, is known as the most sun-blessed town of Switzerland. Sion is one of Switzerland’s oldest cities boasting a 7,000-year history, particularly charming are the many historical monuments in the Old Town with its shops, as are the city's landmarks, the high towers of the Tourbillon Castle and the Castle of Valeria, which can be recognized from afar.
Martigny - 50 minutes by funicular & train from Crans-Montana:
Martigny, the small town located on the Rhone elbow, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, is famous for its gastronomy. Martigny's history stretches back two thousand years and today, a restored amphitheatre, Roman thermal baths, temples and living quarters can be admired. Visit the Pierre Gianadda Foundation, the most important cultural attraction in Martigny, the Gallo-Roman Museum which also houses a car museum, or the St. Bernard Dog Museum - breed and history of the dog but also of the Great St. Bernard Hospice.
Brig - one hour by funicular & train from Crans-Montana:
Brig is a town with a rich history - the Celts were here, the Romans passed by and the Alemanni settled here. The mighty Stockalper – the tycoon of the Alps – built palaces, monasteries and churches. And Napoleon built the route over the Simplon. Brig is a bustling town, and in the cafés, squares and restaurants a southern ambiance is palpable. Visit the impressive Stockalper Palace and the fragrant rose gardens, or relax at the Thermal Baths.
Montreux - City of the Swiss Riviera:
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 80 minutes by train from Crans-Montana). This attractive excursion takes you to the shores of Lake Geneva. Enjoy the mild climate and the beautiful terraced vineyards of Lavaux that are part of the UNESCO world heritage. While in Montreux, you want to consider visiting one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland, the Chateau de Chillon: in the 13th century this castle was built in a unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, and today also serves as a typical postcard souvenir from Switzerland.
Lausanne - Olympic Capital:
Full-day excursion (approx. 100 minutes by train from Crans-Montana). Lausanne is one of Switzerland's secret destinations, renowned for its elegance, the historic Old Town with the well preserved Gothic Cathedral and the Olympic Committee headquarters. Lausanne is a city waiting to be discovered at every turn: monuments, architecture, flower-bedecked quays, parks and gardens. The city hosts two dozen museums of note - remarkable certainly the Collection de l'Art Brut and the Olympic Museum.
Thun - Gateway to the Bernese Alps:
Half- or Full-day excursion (approx. 90 minutes by train from Crans-Montana). Thun (pronounced "Toon") is one of the most original towns in Switzerland. It occupies an admirable site with magnificent views of the Bernese Alps and is much overlooked by visitors pressing on to Interlaken. With its picturesque castle, the quaint medieval Old Town, and Lake Thun, one of the loveliest and largest lakes in Switzerland, Thun is well worth a visit.
Bern - Switzerland's captivating Capital:
Full-day excursion (approx. 2 hours by train from Crans-Montana). Founded in 1191, this is a city of medieval magic, listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. Attractions of Bern include several historic sites such as the famous Clock Tower, the bearpits (home to the city's heraldic animals), the House of Parliament, the Paul Klee Center, the Swiss Alpine Museum, and excellent shopping arcades.
other Excursions / Sights:
Fun Parc Bibi & Snow Island:
All kinds of fun in the snow on the golf course... : snow tube run, children’s sledge run, toboggan, kiddie rides, swings, drawing competitions, activities with Bibi the marmot and entertainment program for children - sometimes also in the evening. The Bibi Fun Park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM from beginning of December until end of March (snow conditions and weather permitting).
Fun Forest:
Experience adventure at the Fun Forest Adventure Park, located very close to Lake Moubra. There are five routes available, suitable for all ages and all levels: Bibi, Junior, Discovery, Fun and Diabolo. With a forest jump and a 9.5 meter climbing wall for the bravest !
Happyland, Sierre: (open April through October)
The biggest amusement park in Switzerland covers an area of 25,000 m2 (269,100 sq ft) ! Among the 13 attractions, several new features have recently been installed, such as Splash River, a breathtaking descent in a raging torrent and the Tropical Track roller coaster. An unmissable stop for children (and also a lot of fun for adults...).
Husky drawn Sledge Ride:
Excursions, trekking, day and evening introductions on request.
Hot Air Ballooning:
In a hot air balloon, you’ll experience a unique sensation in absolute silence – with just a blast of hot air now and again, and your pilot’s explanations. Enjoy incredible views of the Valais Alps, typical local villages and the River Rhone.
Sports: >> Summer SportsWinter Sports
Summer Sports:
Biking:
With 177 km (110 miles) of marked trails, Crans-Montana has an extraordinary wealth of mountain biking options - including acrobatic bridges and a Kona Bikepark. There are numerous bike excursions in the hills and mountains above the resort, but also below in the Rhone Valley. Guided excursions for families and introductory excursions for beginners are available. Finally, adrenaline junkies will find two challenging downhill mountain bike tracks.
Hiking:
The pleasure of hiking can be experienced on over 280 km (175 miles) of sign-posted routes; thus, Crans-Montana offers plenty of options of any level and age. Enjoy the popular walk on the Plaine Morte Glacier, or hikes and walks through aromatic mountain forests along this extensive network of footpaths; and cozy fondue evenings in rustic inns.
Golf:
It was right back at the beginning of the 20th century that Crans-Montana opened its golf course – the "highest golf course in the world" ! Since then, the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf-Club has become famous on greens all over the world, thanks notably to the Omega European Masters, which brings world golf stars to the Haut-Plateau region. The popular Crans-Montana Golf Courses with their breathtaking Alpine views have been designed by Severiano Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus. In addition, there are several other 9 and 18 hole courses in the region.
other Summer Sports:
include Watersports like boating, sailing, fising and swimming on and in the lakes (five lakes !) swimming in pools (various hotels open their pools to the public); Ballsports like beach volley ball, minigolf, bowling, football, tennis (indoor and outdoor) and squash; and Outdoor Activities like Nordic walking, horse back riding, climbing or paragliding.
Winter Sports:
Skiing / Snowboarding:
Crans-Montana offers long and wide pistes starting at 3,000 m (ft) down to the resort at 1,500 m (4,922 ft). On a network of 140 km (8 miles) of well marked and well prepared pistes, there’s something for all tastes and all levels, and adrenaline junkies can get their kicks in the snowpark, also heilskiing is available. Finally, on some pistes, you can also ski at night ! More detailed information about skiing & snowboarding in the Crans-Montana region...
Cross-Country Skiing:
Crans-Montana is situated on a plateau that is relatively flat… therefore, ideal for cross-country skiing. There are a total of 19.5 km (12 miles) of "classic" and "skating" trails; with 7 km (4.4 miles) the longest, the "Golf" - skiing on the greens that turned white....
Sledding:
Crans Montana offers one of the longest and most beautiful sled runs in all of Switzerland - a 6 km (3.7 miles) ride from the Petit Mt. Bonvin (2,400 m / 7,874 ft asl) down to Aminona (1,500 m / 4,922 ft asl). Sleds can be rented at the gondola ticket counter.
Ice Rinks:
For Ice Skating / Figure Skating, Ice Hockey and Curling, two ice rinks await you in Crans-Montana: the "Sporting" in Crans and the "Ycoor" in Montana.
Snowshoeing:
There’s nothing like a walk in the mountains to enhance your vacation in the Valais Alps. Crans-Montana offers 5 well prepaired and clearly signed trails totaling 15 km (9.5 miles). Two itineraries of snowshoe tours are appropriate for people of all skill levels: one trail is located at the Plaine Morte Glacier and the other one on Mt. Petit Bonvin.
Other Winter Sports:
include winter hiking (65 km / 40 miles of marked trails), air boarding (a 100% Swiss invention; it’s a sort of modern inflatable sledge, made of synthetic fabric; you go down slopes on it, sitting, on your knees, or on your stomach), snowtubing, snowbiking, snowskating, snowscooting, snowkiting, ice climbing, and paragliding.
Go Out: (Dining / Entertainment / Nightlife)
In Crans-Montana, you can eat raclette and fondue, of course. And air-dried meat or polenta, which are also local specialities. A meal in the resort or in a mountain hut is a great opportunity to sample local Valaisan produce, notably the high quality wine produced on the Valais hillsides. With a choice of over 90 restaurants, it is also possible to go way beyond typical mountain fare. Enjoy a gastronomic meal, for example or a little culinary tour of the world: perhaps Japanese, Thai, Lebanese, Chinese or maybe Argentinean, French or Italian...
Nightlife in Crans-Montana often starts with an Apero on the slopes.... or at one of the numerous Apero-Bars in the resort. The night has different faces in Crans-Montana: after a good meal in one of the many restaurants, everything is open! The jazzy ambiance of a piano-bar, the atmosphere of a cabaret, or dancing until the early hours for hardcore clubbers.
Casino:
The Crans-Montana Casino in the resort center has 3 English Roulette tables, 3 Blackjack tables, 1 Stud Poker table and 140 Slot Machines. You’ll also find a restaurant, a bar area and rooms to rent for congress and receptions.
Cinema:
In Crans-Montana, you can spend holidays without losing touch with the latest film releases. The programme at Cinécran 3D matches that on offer in big cities, so you won’t miss the release of the latest blockbuster that you – or your children – are dying to see!
Library:
No need to bring your books along and make your suitcase heavier than necessary ! The Crans-Montana public library is free and open to all, offering free loans or consultation of over 30,000 books for children, young people, teenagers and adults: novels, documents, comics (also titles in English, Italian and German), documentaries, comic books. There are also over 3,000 CDs, 1,500 DVDs, a hundred or so games, magazines, daily papers, dictionaries and kamishibaï.
Shopping:
Crans-Montana is a destination where pedestrians prevail: traffic is limited to 30 km/hour. Over 180 boutiques and shops, all the big names in fashion, watches and jewellery have established themselves in Crans-Montana; luxury shops, sport shops, but also interior design shops, galleries, antique shops, craft shops and local produce outlets….have a stroll around, do some window shopping, or hunt for antiques and at the same time, enjoy the most beautiful views that the Alps have to offer.
Events:
Omega European Masters: (one week in September)
The Omega European Masters is one of the most prestigious golf competitions played on European soil. Located at Crans-Montana in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club is indisputably the most spectacular course on the European Tour schedule. This internationally-renowned golf competition has seen players such as Spain's Severiano Ballesteros, José Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia, Scotland's Colin Montgomerie, South Africa's Ernie Els and Britain's Lee Westwood win the coveted trophy.
Crans-Montana Classics: (several days in July / August)
Crans-Montana provides an entirely appropriate setting for the promotion of classical music. In fact the Association Crans-Montana Classics has hewn a multi-faceted jewel for its residents, guests and music lovers from the all over the world. It is presenting Classical Music to music enthusiasts in two different formats: Top concerts by world-renowned artists and orchestras who know exactly how to satisfy and enchant a demanding public; and Master Classes that offer a unique opportunity for talented young violinists to benefit from the teachings of the greatest professors in the world.
Caprices Festival: (nine days in March)
Breaking with the usual mundane tradition of summer festivals, Caprices is offering you a unique musical program amongst a white landscape in the heart of winter. Wishing to bring back to the resort of Crans-Montana the glamorous reputation it once held, the Festival Caprices is based on a concept which is to renovate it drastically to make it into a more modern and young resort. Following the usual structure of music festivals, it will be divided into two distinct but complementary panels: the Festival IN (paying, and welcoming international stars) and the Festival OFF (free, and more informal).
Museums:
Colombire Alpine Museum:
This museum tries to revive life of the Colombire Alp during the 1930s. Colombire Hamlet Association is committed to preserving the location’s cultural heritage. To this end, Colombire’s Alpine farming museum has been extended and transformed into an ecomuseum to showcase traditional cattle farming. Visitors are given an informative and visually appealing explanation of the “vertical” farming method that was traditionally necessary to meet the needs of cattle and crops (cattle driving from village to village, living in high-altitude chalets and managing the land). Every Tuesday, the Crans-Montana Tourist office organizes a night snowshoe walk to the Colombire Alpine Museum (including guided visit of the museum, a drink and sledging down to the car park and a light meal). Contact the Crans-Montana Tourist office for more information regarding this excursion.
Valais Museum of Wine and Winegrowing, Sierre:
For everything you ever wanted to know about wine and winegrowing in the Valais region, visit historic Château de Villa in Sierre and the Zumofen House in Salgesch. The two are connected by a sunny educational theme path leading through glorious vineyards.
St. Bernard Dog Museum, Martigny:
The museum is home to an array of artefacts that tell the story of the Great St. Bernard Hospice and Pass, and the legendary St. Bernard dogs form an integral part of the museum. Using state-of-the-art museography, the exhibition is dedicated to highlighting this legacy and promoting the famous St. Bernard dog as a universal icon.
Art Galleries:
Crans-Montana offers an extraordinary density of art galleries for a mountain resort: a dozen places are dedicated to art fans and collectors, places where everyone can admire internationally renowned artists as well as new talent, either from the region or elsewhere: e.g. Tornabuoni Arte / Gallery Caroline Dechamby / Art Gallery Crans-Montana / The Vintage Gallery
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