Crans Montana is a stunning resort boasting an unbeatable combination of incredible skiing, picturesque scenery and a lively atmosphere. Sitting at an elevation of 1,500m, the resort forms part of the expansive Crans Montana ski area, offering 140km of skiable terrain with a reputation for having some of the sunniest skiing in the Alps. Crans Montana also boasts the Plaine Morte Glacier, offering skiing throughout the year up to a height of 3,000m, with breathtaking views across the Rhone Valley.
Connected by an extensive lift system, there is a vast area to explore. Perfectly suited for skiers of all levels, Crans Montana provides a range of thrilling runs, off-piste opportunities and sufficient beginner-friendly zones. Read on for our comprehensive guide to skiing in Crans Montana.
Crans Montana Ski Area
Crans Montana ski area is divided into three main sectors; Cry d’Er, Les Violettes and Aminona. All three can be accessed directly from the town centre. The ski area in Crans Montana consists of 50 runs, of which 40% are blue, 50% are red and 10% are black.
Beginner Skiing in Crans Montana
Crans Montana is a suitable resort for beginners, providing various nursery slopes and wide, gentle runs. The excellent snow conditions are ideal for learners and there are dedicated beginner areas, such as Golf and Arnouva. Once you progress from the nursery slopes, there are designated beginner areas to explore, like the blue run Petit Bonvin. We advise taking the lifts back down if you’re still building confidence as the pistes become steeper as you ski back to the resort.
Intermediate Skiing in Crans Montana
Crans Montana is a fantastic resort for intermediate skiers looking to challenge themselves and improve their skills. With an abundance of blue and red runs to explore, intermediate skiers will be spoilt for choice. The Cry d’Er area is a great spot for lower-intermediate skiers, with several wide, rolling blues to cruise along. More advanced intermediate skiers should head to the Les Violettes area and ski down the red run Kandahar. There are plenty of challenging blues and reds to push yourself on in Crans Montana.
Advanced Skiing in Crans Montana
Crans Montana has a reputation as a prime resort for advanced skiers. With numerous black runs, there’s a wide array of challenging terrain to discover. The best-known run in Crans Montana is the black run Piste Nationale. It’s known as one of the longest downhill runs in the Alps. Another challenging run is the black run Tubang, offering steep inclines and breathtaking views over the Rhone valley.
Off-piste Skiing in Crans Montana
Crans Montana is a paradise for advanced skiers and offers some of the best lift-served off-piste skiing in Europe. One of the most popular off-piste areas for experienced skiers is the Bella Lui, offering a thrilling 1,000m vertical drop! When skiing off-piste, it is essential to book a local guide or instructor equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to keep you safe.
Snowparks in Crans Montana
Crans Montana is home to an exceptional snowpark called Adrenaline, designed for all levels of freestyle skiers and snowboarders. It consists of three zones: Easy Park for beginners, Central Park for intermediates and Big Air Bag for those wanting to practice jumps and tricks in a safe environment.
Conclusion
From the extensive ski area to the range of runs catering to all levels, Crans Montana is a ski resort that truly offers something for everyone. To make the most of your trip, consider booking an instructor who can help you discover the best runs for your skill level and enhance your experience on the slopes.