Crans montana

CRANS MONTANA AT A GLANCE

WHY WE LOVE CRANS MONTANA?

• Picturesque ski resort and alpine destination located in the Valais region of Switzerland.
• Known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding.
• Crans-Montana offers a variety of green and blue slopes designed specifically for those just starting out.
  

Beginners

Skiing in Crans-Montana, a renowned ski resort in the Swiss Alps, is an excellent choice for beginners due to its stunning scenery, beginner-friendly slopes, and world-class facilities. Here’s what you can expect as a beginner:

Gentle Slopes

Crans-Montana offers a variety of green and blue slopes designed specifically for those just starting out. The Cry d’Er area is especially beginner-friendly, with wide and gently sloping pistes where new skiers can practice in a safe and relaxed environment.

Ski Schools

Several ski schools in Crans-Montana, like the Swiss Ski School or ESKIMOS, provide lessons tailored for beginners. These schools have experienced instructors who focus on building confidence, teaching the basics of skiing, and ensuring safety on the slopes.

Beginner Areas

Dedicated beginner zones, such as the one at Arnouva, feature magic carpets (conveyor lifts) and gentle gradients ideal for practising turns and stopping. These areas are designed to help novices get comfortable before progressing to more challenging runs.

Equipment Rentals

The resort is well-equipped with rental shops where you can easily find high-quality beginner-friendly ski gear, including softer-flex skis that are easier to control.

Scenic and Relaxed Atmosphere

As you learn, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Alps. Crans-Montana is known for its sunny slopes, which make the experience even more enjoyable. Additionally, the resort’s welcoming atmosphere is perfect for easing into the sport.

Après-Ski for Beginners

After skiing, unwind at one of the cozy mountain restaurants or cafés offering Swiss specialties. Relaxation areas in the village are perfect for families or those new to the skiing lifestyle.

Tips for Beginners

1. Take Lessons: Professional guidance is invaluable for learning proper techniques.
2. Start Slow: Stick to green and blue slopes as you build confidence.
3. Dress Warmly: Layers are key in the chilly mountain climate.
4. Hydrate and Rest: Skiing can be physically demanding, so take breaks as needed.

Crans-Montana combines picturesque Alpine beauty with accessible slopes, making it a fantastic destination for beginner skiers to fall in love with the sport

Intermediates

Intermediate skiing in Crans-Montana, a premier Swiss ski destination, offers an exceptional blend of scenic runs, varied terrain, and well-groomed pistes perfect for those advancing their skills. Here's an overview of what intermediates can expect:

Terrain Overview

• Runs: Over 140 km of slopes, with a large portion classified as blue and red runs, ideal for intermediates. These slopes provide challenges without being overly daunting, helping skiers build confidence.
• Key Areas:
• Cry d’ Er and Bella Lui offer wide, sunny pistes with moderate difficulty and great views of the Rhone Valley.
• Les Violettes to Plaine Morte includes longer runs, perfect for those wanting to test endurance and technique.
• Aminona side is quieter, offering intermediate-friendly slopes with fewer crowds.

Specific Highlights for Intermediates

• World Cup Piste: The Nationale, a red run that hosts World Cup races, is a thrilling experience for confident intermediates looking for a taste of competitive skiing.
• Glacier Skiing: The Plaine Morte Glacier offers a mix of reds and blues, with stunning alpine views, giving a high-altitude skiing experience.
• Tree-lined Runs: Lower slopes feature picturesque tree-lined pistes, such as those leading towards Barzettes and Aminona.

Facilities & Support

• Lifts: The modern lift system, including gondolas and chairlifts, ensures quick access to all areas without long waits.
• Ski Schools: Numerous ski schools cater to intermediates, offering group and private lessons to refine carving, turning, and tackling steeper terrain.
• Snow Conditions: Excellent snow grooming on most runs, coupled with snowmaking facilities on key slopes, ensures consistent skiing conditions.

Additional Tips

• Progression: Start on the gentler blue runs in areas like Cry d’ Er before moving to the slightly steeper reds at Les Violettes.
• Timing: Early mornings offer freshly groomed slopes, ideal for practising technique, while afternoons can be great for relaxed cruising.
• Après-ski: Reward yourself with après-ski at Cry d’Er Club d’Altitude, where panoramic views accompany your well-deserved rest.

Crans-Montana provides a perfect environment for intermediates, blending challenging yet approachable terrain with stunning alpine landscapes.

Advanced

Crans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps, is a premier destination for advanced skiers. Its diverse terrain, excellent snow conditions, and panoramic views make it particularly appealing to those seeking a challenge. Here's an overview of the advanced skiing opportunities:

1. Extensive Terrain for Experts

• Pistes for Advanced Skiers:
• The ski area spans over 140 km of slopes, with a good mix of challenging black runs and unmarked itinerary routes. These runs often feature steep gradients, moguls, and varied terrain.
• Notable pistes include:
• La Nationale: A thrilling black run known for its steep and sustained gradient.
• Les Violettes to Plaine Morte: A high-altitude area offering long, challenging descents with breathtaking views.
• Off-Piste Opportunities:
• Crans-Montana is renowned for its off-piste skiing. Popular routes include descents from the Plaine Morte Glacier and itineraries down to the valley. These require expertise in avalanche safety and navigation.

2. The Plaine Morte Glacier

• Skiing at altitudes over 3,000 meters offers advanced skiers a mix of groomed and ungroomed conditions.
• This area is ideal for those who enjoy wide-open glacier terrain with a mix of steep and flat sections, often accompanied by stunning views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.

3. Freeride Skiing

• Crans-Montana is a hotspot for free riders, with plenty of accessible backcountry terrain.
• The Chetzeron area and descents near the glacier are particularly popular.
• Skiers can also access deep snow routes and technical couloirs, perfect for advanced-level adventurers.

4. Snow Parks

• For advanced freestylers, the Alaïa Snowpark is a must-visit. It's one of the largest in Europe, featuring an array of large jumps, rails, and creative features.
• There's a specific area for expert riders who want to push their skills to the limit.

5. Race and Speed Skiing

• The resort has a strong tradition of ski racing, hosting World Cup events and offering slopes designed for speed enthusiasts.
• Advanced skiers can try their skills on the Mont Lachaux World Cup track, a high-speed descent requiring precise control.

6. Guided Adventures

• Hiring a guide is recommended for exploring off-piste and itinerary routes safely.
• Guides can also introduce skiers to less-travelled areas like the secluded Vallon de Réchy or hidden powder stashes.

7. Modern Infrastructure

• High-speed lifts and gondolas ensure minimal wait times, even during peak season.
• The advanced snow-making system guarantees excellent conditions throughout the season.

8. Après-Ski for Advanced Skiers

• After a day of challenging runs, the après-ski scene offers a mix of relaxation and celebration, with luxury spas, lively bars, and gourmet dining.

Crans-Montana's combination of high-altitude skiing, diverse advanced-level terrain, and world-class facilities make it an outstanding choice for experienced skiers looking for a blend of thrills and scenic beauty.

If you'd like to discuss a holiday to Crans Montana , get in touch via the online chat, send us an email or give us a call on 01248 712567.