Crans-Montana Vacation Rentals

Crans Montana is actually 2 towns that have, over the years, merged into 1. There are over 50 restaurants, many shops (everything from Caviar & fine fashions to local cheese and wine shops), a cinema, bowling alley, casino, wellness / spa centres, ice skating rink & swimming pools. During the winter there is plenty to do for both the skier and non skier. Throughout the summer months there are special events arranged each week. In September the world's top golfers come here to play in the Omega European Masters Tournament at one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Sion is a 30 minute drive away in the valley. It has a large shopping centre, castles, a Friday market, museums and restaurants. There is also the main line train station for connections to Geneva Airport, Milan Airport and the rest of the Swiss railway network. Unlike many ski resorts, Crans Montana and the surrounding area is an all-year-round resort. From mountain biking and walking on the high alpine passes through to more gentle walking, relaxing by the lakes or spas and exploring the many local vineyards, there is something for everyone. The spring weather in May & June is perfect for walking. July and August can be hot and there are plenty of lakes and pools to help you cool off. If you wish to walk above 3000 metres the top lifts are open in July and August. Lifts up to 2200 metres are open from June through to the end of October. September & October have comfortable temperatures and of course the wonderful Autumn colours. There are so many activities and places to visit - this is just a small sample: Walking - 180 km of marked trails Mountain Biking Horse Riding Golf Wine tasting Parapenting (paragliding) Alpine Adventure Swimming (pools and lakes) Hot Air Ballooning Places to visit: Sion - 30 mins (market every Friday) Sierre - 20 mins Underground Caves Alpine Museum Lens Museum Other attractions nearby: Salt Mines at Bex Mountain Railways Mont Blanc Express Leukerbad 1 hr (largest Alpine Spa centre in Europe) Zermatt 1 hr Saas Fee 1 hr Chateau d'Aigle Foundation Pierre Gianadda, Martingny The ski area: Crans Montana is situated on a sunny plateau, dotted with larches and lakes, and the view across the Rhône Valley is the most spectacular of all Alpine panoramas. There are 160km of groomed pistes, ranging from 3,000m at the glacier summit down to 1,500m. The 34 modern lifts ensure there are very few queues. The installation of snow cannons help ensure optimal snow cover and a longer season. The resort is ideally suited for both beginners and intermediates, providing long cruising blue and red runs. Intermediates will rate this as one of the greatest places they've ever skied; it has been described as 'heaven on the slopes'. The long open cruising runs in the sunshine leading to the tree-line, followed by winding trails through the woods make this a truly fantastic experience. After a challenging morning, spend a relaxing lunch on the sunny terrace of one of the many mountain restaurants. Look out for former 007 Roger Moore who is a long-term resident. Unusually, there are several designated picnic sites, some of which are inside restaurants. The advanced skier will find the slopes limiting, but there is plenty of opportunity for skiing off piste. There are 2 snow parks for snowboarders and a half-pipe at Cry d'Er. Floodlit skiing is available on Friday evenings, weather conditions permitting. Crans Montana offers varied and challenging skiing and is an excellent resort with many facilities for people of all ages and interests.