Long Lunches and Big Views — A Day in Crans-Montana, Start to Finish

Before the day even starts, getting to Crans-Montana is one of the easiest parts of the trip.

Fly into Geneva and take the train straight from the airport. The scenic route runs along Lake Geneva before turning up the Rhône Valley to Sierre. From the Sierre station, take the glass-fronted funicular that climbs to Crans-Montana in 13 minutes, with views in every direction, excitement building as you head up the mountain.

Door to door, it's about 2.5 hours from Geneva Airport. Once you're in town, free local shuttle buses connect the main areas and lift stations, so I recommend skipping the rental car. 

My ideal day in Crans-Montana starts at the top. I strap into skis and head to the slopes. Crans-Montana's ski area runs from the village at about 4,900 feet up to the Plaine Morte glacier at nearly 9,850 feet, and getting up there early is worth it. The snow is at its best, the crowds are thin and the panorama across the Valais Alps is the kind of thing that stops you mid-run. From there, I work my way down. The resort has about 87 miles of pistes and 24 lifts, so you can ski a full day without repeating much.

Mid-morning, I always recommend heading to the race terrain — even if you’re not a racer. This February, Crans-Montana will host the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, and the world's top alpine racers will compete on slopes open to the public. You don't need to be a racer to enjoy it. 

It’s not every day you get to carve the same turns as the world’s best racers.

My Expert Tip: If you're traveling during the championships, book early. Lodging fills fast, and you'll want a plan for race-day crowds. If you're coming another week, you get the same pistes with less company.

This is a highlight of any day in Crans-Montana, and it’s the part I never want to rush.

Crans-Montana's ski area faces south, which means the terraces get sun all day and the views stretch across the Alps. Mountain restaurants are everywhere, from casual huts to spots that take their cooking very seriously. Chetzeron, a former lift station turned restaurant and hotel, is a favorite for its terrace alone. Cabane des Violettes serves fine cuisine and an exclusive wine list, and I love dining on the mountain at Merbe. Make sure to enjoy a glass of wine, raclette, and other local specialties. The food, plus the views and afternoon sun, creates a memorable afternoon. 

Soak it in: in this part of the Alps, a two-hour lunch isn't lost ski time. It's part of the trip.

After lunch, I keep it easy. The south-facing slopes soften nicely in the afternoon, so I spend the last hours of sunshine cruising down long, mellow runs back toward the village.

Crans-Montana is a winter destination, not just a ski resort, so the day doesn't end when the lifts close. 

Some clients head for a spa and a sauna. Others take a winter walk through the forest or around the village lakes. Make sure to stop in Crans, where high-end fashion and designer stores line charming streets. 

Before heading to dinner, carve out time to explore Crans-Montana’s Lantern Path. From early December to early March, a nature trail near the village transforms into a winter wonderland. Lanterns and art installations light the path as visitors explore original illuminated works of art and open-air concerts.

One of the hardest choices of the day is where to go for dinner. Crans-Montana’s dining scene ranges from cozy fondue cellars to award-winning fine dining. There are two Michelin-starred establishments, L'Ours and LeMontBlanc.

I always recommend splurging at LeMontBlanc. The property is stunning with a traditional Swiss feel, and the food is equally impressive.

That’s one packed day, but it’s easy to lose a week or more in Crans-Montana.

Some days start slow at a local spa. Others start on snowshoes, trekking along trails through a larch forest. Whoever you’re traveling with and whatever they’re in the mood for, there’s something to do. Ride the funicular down into the Rhône Valley for an afternoon in the Valais vineyards, tasting the wines you’ve been ordering at lunch.

Together, this is what makes Crans-Montana a destination, not just a ski resort. 

Crans-Montana is the place I send skiers who want the full European ski experience: World Championship terrain in the morning, long lunches on terraces, a lantern-lit walk after dark, and a train ride in instead of a mountain highway. It's skiing the way they do it in the Alps, where the views and the meals matter as much as the vertical.