Best Things to Do in Crans-Montana
Discover One of Switzerland's Most Beautiful Year-Round Mountain Resorts
Best Things to Do in Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana is one of Switzerland's most versatile Alpine destinations. Perched on a sunny plateau in the heart of Valais, it combines spectacular mountain scenery with outdoor adventure, fine dining, luxury shopping and a relaxed village atmosphere.
Whether you're visiting for a winter ski holiday, a summer hiking escape or a weekend in the mountains, there's something here for every traveller.
Here are our favourite things to do in Crans-Montana.
1. Ski the Slopes of Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana is one of Switzerland's premier ski resorts, offering more than 140 km of pistes suitable for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers.
Ride modern gondolas to the Plaine Morte Glacier, enjoy breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, and spend the day exploring wide, sunny slopes before relaxing with a traditional mountain lunch.
2. Hike Through the Swiss Alps
When the snow melts, Crans-Montana transforms into a paradise for hikers.
Popular trails include:
Panorama walks
Mountain lakes
Forest trails
Alpine meadows
Historic bisse walks
There are routes suitable for everyone, from gentle family walks to full-day mountain adventures.
3. Visit the Plaine Morte Glacier
One of the highlights of the region is the spectacular Plaine Morte Glacier.
Take the cable car to nearly 3,000 metres and enjoy panoramic views stretching across the Alps.
On clear days you can admire famous peaks including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
4. Play Golf
Crans-Montana is internationally recognised for golf.
The resort hosts the prestigious Omega European Masters each year and features beautifully maintained courses surrounded by mountain scenery.
Even if you don't play, the views alone are worth visiting.
5. Enjoy the Mountain Lakes
Several beautiful lakes are located within walking distance of the village.
Spend an afternoon walking around Lake Grenon or Étang Long, relax beside the water or enjoy a picnic with mountain views.
The lakes are especially beautiful during summer and autumn.
6. Explore the Village
One of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon is simply wandering through Crans-Montana.
Browse boutiques, enjoy a coffee on a sunny terrace, visit artisan shops and discover the welcoming atmosphere that makes the resort so enjoyable throughout the year.
7. Discover Valais Cuisine
Food is one of the highlights of every visit.
Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes including:
Cheese fondue
Raclette
Rösti
Local cheeses
Valais wines
Crans-Montana also offers Michelin-starred restaurants alongside cosy mountain chalets and family-run cafés.
8. Visit Fondation Opale
Art lovers should not miss Fondation Opale, one of Switzerland's leading museums dedicated to contemporary Aboriginal Australian art.
Its exhibitions, architecture and mountain setting make it a unique cultural experience.
9. Adventure Activities
If you're looking for something more adventurous, Crans-Montana offers:
Mountain biking
Paragliding
Wakeboarding
Adventure parks
Trail running
The resort is designed for active travellers in every season.
10. Explore Valais on a Day Trip
Crans-Montana is perfectly located for exploring the rest of Valais.
Popular day trips include:
Zermatt and the Matterhorn
Leukerbad Thermal Spa
Sion
Grimentz
Saint-Léonard Underground Lake
Montreux and Lake Geneva
Each destination is easily reached, making Crans-Montana an excellent base for discovering southwestern Switzerland.
Why We Love Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana offers something that few Alpine resorts can match.
You can spend the morning skiing or hiking, enjoy lunch overlooking the Alps, browse boutiques in the afternoon and finish the day with an exceptional dinner—all without feeling rushed.
Its combination of sunshine, outdoor activities and relaxed atmosphere is what keeps us coming back year after year.
Stay at Cove Crans-Montana
Cove Crans-Montana is our personally owned Alpine home, perfectly positioned for exploring everything the region has to offer.
With spacious accommodation, a large terrace and easy access to the village, ski lifts, restaurants and hiking trails, it is an ideal base for families, couples and groups of friends looking to experience the best of the Swiss Alps.
Continue Exploring
Continue planning your holiday with our other guides:
Where to Stay in Crans Montana?
Prime Location · Panoramic Views · Modern Alpine Design
Experience the charm of Crans-Montana from this newly renovated 3-bedroom apartment on Route du Téléphérique — only 100 m from the Cry d’Er gondola.
Enjoy the ultimate convenience with Coop supermarket just 50 m away, and the Crans-Montana Golf Course only a 7-minute walk.
