Crans-Montana
More than a century ofpioneering Alpine life.
Where Alpine traditions keep evolving
From golf and skiing to life today.
Crans-Montana’s story began in 1893 on a sun-facing plateau high above the Rhône Valley, framed by an exceptional Alpine panorama. Clean mountain air first attracted visitors, followed by golf from 1906 and pioneering ski competition in 1911. Today, that heritage is still very much alive: championship golf course, international ski racing, unlimited array of outdoor experiences and contemporary Alpine hospitality all share the same remarkable setting.
Milestones that shaped Crans-Montana
A pioneering story since 1893.
From a single hotel to an Alpine World Ski Championships host, Crans-Montana has grown through golf and skiing, always facing the sun, the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
- 1,500 m / 4,900 feet
- Altitude of the resort plateau
- 1893
- Opening of the first hotel, Le Parc
- 1906
- Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club is founded
- 1911
- Funicular built and first downhill ski race
- 1939
- First Swiss Open golf, now Omega European Masters
- 1987 & 2027
- FIS Alpine World Ski Championships
- 3,000 m / 9,700 feet
- Plaine Morte, highest point of the ski area
- 18 peaks
- Above 4,000 m in view, from Matterhorn to Mont Blanc
From valley to glacier
Landscape shaped by elevation
From vineyards and villages to alpine pastures and the glacier, Crans-Montana offers countless ways to enjoy the mountains against a spectacular Alpine panorama. Across seasons and elevations, winter sports, hiking, biking, golf, lakes and major events shape every stay.
A legendary coursewhere champions still compete.
Home of the Omega European Masters
Set on the sun-drenched plateau, the Severiano Ballesteros course combines sporting heritage with exceptional Alpine views. Each year, the golfers return for the Omega European Masters, continuing a story that began here in 1939. The same 18-hole course can be played by visiting golfers, offering the rare chance to follow in the footsteps of champions.
© Golf Omega European Masters - Deprez Photo
A ski terrainshaped by ski racing legends.
Ski with a view
Crans-Montana’s ski story began in 1911 with one of the first downhill races in the Alps. Since then, the destination has hosted the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1987, welcomes World Cup racing each winter, and will host the World Championships again in 2027. Beyond the race courses, skiers enjoy a varied high-altitude ski area with spectacular views across the Alps.
© FIS Alpin Ski World Cup - 360 DMS
One destination, many experiences
Nature, sport, culture and Alpine lifestyle
Getting toCrans-Montana
Reach Crans-Montana by air, then by train, funicular or bus, from Geneva, Zurich, Sion, Basel or Milan.
Airports
- Geneva Airport
- 2h30
- Zurich Airport
- 2h50
- Sion Airport
- 40min
- Basel EuroAirport
- 3h30
- Milan Malpensa
- 4h
Train Station
- Sierre (funicular)
- 13min
- Sierre (bus)
- 40min
- Sion (bus)
- 45min
Frequently Asked Questions
Crans-Montana is easily reached by Swiss train to Sierre, followed by a 13-minute funicular ride to the resort. Geneva Airport is around 2h30 away by public transport, Zurich train station around 2h50, with reliable rail connections and convenient luggage transfer services available. By car or private limousine, allow approximately 2h30 from Geneva Airport and 4h from Zurich Airport.
Every season offers a different experience. Winter is all about skiing and snow activities, while from spring to autumn, hiking, biking, golf and days by the lakes take centre stage. From the valley to the glacier, changing elevations reveal nature at its best throughout the year, complemented by culture, gastronomy, wellness and events.
Perched on a sunny, south-facing plateau, Crans-Montana opens onto an almost limitless Alpine panorama, with 18 peaks above 4,000 metres in view. From vineyards and villages to lakes, waterfalls, forests, alpine pastures and the glacier, its exceptional range of elevations reveals a generous and remarkably diverse natural landscape, bathed in sunshine from morning to evening.
Play golf on the Severiano Ballesteros course, home of the Omega European Masters, hike along historic bisses or bike from glacier to valley on one of the Alps’ longest enduro descents. Relax by alpine lakes, discover the Plaine Morte Glacier, and savour Valais specialities, from raclette and cured meats to Petite Arvine and Cornalin wines, alongside culture and events.
Ski and Snow
Experience the essence of Alpine winter through world-class skiing, exceptional snow conditions, and unforgettable mountain moments.
Outdoor Adventure
From scenic trails to high-altitude challenges, discover unforgettable outdoor adventures in the breathtaking mountains of our destinations.
Water and Lakeside Experiences
Experience the beauty of alpine waters, where sparkling lakes, rivers and natural surroundings create unforgettable moments in Best of the Alps destinations.
Photo credits
Alexis Feuillet / Patrick Guller / Golf Omega European Masters – Deprez Photo / Marco Schnyder / Funicular – Benjamin Weissen Levin Studio