Crans-Montana

Adventures in Travel & Dining

Crans-Montana

Switzerland’s Ultimate Luxury Winter Escape

ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELAINE & SCOTT HARRIS

As famed skier Alberto Tomba once said, “Skiing is an art, and the mountain is my canvas.” In Crans-Montana, that canvas is nothing short of spectacular.

Having visited Switzerland many times, we find the winter months magically magnetic, drawing thousands to some of the world’s best ski regions. As we settled into our comfortable first-class train seats, we passed snow-covered, chalet-lined villages straight out of a storybook—our destination: Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Historic Charm and Contemporary Allure in the Swiss Alps

Designed for discerning travelers seeking comfort, exclusivity, personalized service and outdoor adventure, Crans-Montana embodies the charm, sophistication and natural beauty of the Swiss Alps. The area blends world-class ski slopes, luxury accommodations and gourmet cuisine to captivate even the most refined traveler.

Before exploring modern-day Crans-Montana, it’s worth considering the region’s rich and layered past. Archaeological discoveries—including tools and burial sites—suggest that the plateau and surrounding Valais region have been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of early Celtic settlements. During the Roman era, the area lay near the empire’s frontier, and remnants of trade routes and small settlements highlight its strategic importance in alpine transit and administration.

After the fall of Rome, the region came under the control of feudal lords and monastic authorities. For centuries, alpine agriculture, livestock farming and seasonal grazing sustained the local economy. Life on the plateau remained largely rural and isolated well into the 17th and 18th centuries.

That began to change in the late 19th century with the rise of health tourism and the expansion of railway networks, which opened access to the high plateau and attracted visitors seeking fresh mountain air and restorative landscapes.

By the early 20th century, the neighboring villages of Crans and Montana were developing side by side as resort destinations, and the name “Crans-Montana” became widely adopted to describe the growing alpine retreat. In 2017, four surrounding communes—Mollens, Randogne, Montana and Chermignon—merged to form the official municipality of Crans-Montana.

Today, the area is a world-renowned luxury destination and alpine sports hub, hosting prestigious events such as the Omega European Masters golf tournament, the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, the Audi FIS Ski World Cup and cultural highlights like the Caprices Festival, which features leading electronic music artists.

From Slope-Side Suites to Starred Swiss Cuisine

Crans-Montana offers exclusive experiences that make it an ideal winter escape, with a wide array of luxury hotels and resorts to indulge in.

Our winter base was Hotel Valaisia Crans-Montana, a Faern Collection Resort. Walking into the lobby, we immediately felt the warm, welcoming atmosphere suited to both relaxation and adventure. The family-run establishment is renowned for its personalized service, offering comfort and convenience that make it ideal for families, couples and solo travelers. Our standard room was cozy and comfortable, featuring down-filled duvets, modern furnishings and a private patio that opened onto a winter wonderland. For families, the suites are much larger, with separate living areas perfect for longer stays any time of year.

The social lounge is ideal for unwinding after a long day on the slopes—and you may even meet fellow travelers from around the world. Spoil and pamper yourself with Alpine views from the sauna and steam room, or relax in the professional indoor swimming and workout facility. A massage is well deserved after a day on the mountain.

Hotel Valaisia Crans-Montana is a year-round destination. Winter guests can walk to many of the 140 kilometers of ski slopes accessible from the hotel, while in summer, hiking, mountain biking, golf and lakeside activities are just minutes away.

Even non-skiers can enjoy a gondola ride up to Merbé, famous for panoramic views and traditional Alpine fare. Fondue, raclette and sausages headline the menu, followed by apple strudel and Swiss chocolate fondue for dessert. Pair your meal with local wines for an authentic taste.

Crans-Montana is a gastronomic haven. Le Chalet de Flore features gourmet regional cuisine in an intimate mountain setting, while The Capra’s restaurant blends Swiss tradition with inventive techniques. For a Michelin-starred evening, LeMontBlanc—led by Chef Yannick Crepaux, who trained with French chefs Guy Martin and Christian Constant—delivers a culinary tour de force. Our five-hour experience included brioche French toast with shaved truffles, steak frites, raclette and a finale of crème brûlée and Swiss chocolate fondue. A sommelier-guided wine tasting further elevated the meal.

Trail to Table: An Alpine Snowshoeing Adventure

The Swiss love the outdoors, no matter the season. When it comes to winter activities, many are practically born into it—starting as young children on skis, skates and snowshoes, continuing into their 70s and beyond.

When offered the opportunity to snowshoe for lunch, we eagerly accepted the chance to experience this popular Alpine tradition under the guidance of a wilderness expert. To reach our dining destination high in the Alps, we were told we’d need to embark on a 2.5-hour uphill trek through stunning mountain terrain.

Our journey, completely uphill at altitude, was physically demanding but visually rewarding, offering breathtaking views. “Just a little further, and lunch will be brilliant,” our guide promised in a thick French accent.

Out of breath and hungry, we finally reached Colombire, a historic Alpine village featuring a shared mayen, a traditional mountain lodge offering rustic cabin-style comfort. In winter, the only way to get there is by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Grateful to have arrived, we were ready to satisfy our worked-up appetites. The lodge’s interior artfully blended modern mountain chic with cozy elements: wooden beams, warm lighting and contemporary furniture. The atmosphere buzzed with stylish locals, their skis neatly stacked outside. In good weather, the outdoor terrace is a highlight, offering the grandeur that is ubiquitous at high altitudes.

The menu delivered a creative take on traditional mountain cuisine. We dove into raclette and fondue to warm up, followed by tapas-style sharing plates, a gourmet burger and a fresh salad. To drink: a curated list of local wines, craft beers, inventive cocktails and Alpine-inspired beverages.

As our meal wound down, we hesitantly asked, “How do we get back down?”

“We sled, of course! We’ll be back in no time,” our guide said with a grin. Minutes later, we were zipping downhill with childlike glee, riding sleds small enough for kids but sturdy enough to get us to the bottom safely.

Exploring Local Life and Legendary Hospitality

During our stay, we also enjoyed a relaxing swim at the hotel pool, then strolled through the quaint streets of Crans-Montana to meet Bruno Huggler, director of Crans-Montana Tourism & Congress, for dinner at the acclaimed Gueuleton. Centrally located near the lifts, hotels and shops, the restaurant was the perfect setting to learn about Chemin des Lanternes, a holiday event that transforms a nearby forest into a whimsical trail of light and art.

The cozy chalet-style décor featured warm wooden accents and soft lighting, setting the mood for a refined yet relaxed evening. Our dinner began with regional charcuterie and foie gras terrine, followed by a perfectly grilled, hand-cut steak. The convivial ambiance and friendly locals added to the charm.

The next morning, we explored Crans-Montana on foot. A stop at David L’Instant Chocolat introduced us to an artisan chocolatier who crafts elegant, vibrantly colored confections using ethically sourced Peruvian cocoa. At the tourism office, we gathered details on private art gallery tours, curated museum visits and cultural events.

On our final night, we dined at CaSy, a centrally located gem ideal for a post-shopping or post-skating meal. The cozy mountain lodge ambience—complete with rustic wood décor and a lively crowd—set the tone as we savored Swiss-style grilled sausages paired with several glasses of Valais-region Cabernet Franc. The menu also features grilled chicken, pork, pasta and vegetarian options.

It was the perfect way to cap off one last taste of Crans-Montana’s warm hospitality and authentic Alpine spirit.