Crans-Montana
Slim Aarons, 1962, Getty Images
Crans-Montana is a municipality in the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. On 1 January 2017, the former municipalities of Chermignon, Mollens, Montana and Randogne merged to form the new municipality of Crans-Montana. A chic, understated option compared to Gstaad or Sankt Moritz, but not for long as Vail Resorts recently invested in the mountain. Home to the world-famous Omega European Masters of Golf, leading luxury hotels, and boutiques. Here is our guide to Crans-Montana.
STAY
LECRANS A member of Leading Hotels of the World, offering views of the Valais Alps and mountain forests, with rustic chic ambiance, plus a restaurant, pool, and spa. Chem. du Mont-Blanc 1; lecrans.com
SIX SENSES CRANS MONTANA A ski-in and ski-out sustainable luxury resort with modern, minimal architecture and a restaurant, pool, and spa. Rte des Téléphériques 60; sixsenses.com/en/resorts/crans-montana
CHETZERON A former cableway station transformed into a futuristic eco-sustainable refuge made of local stone and oak with a bar and an excellent restaurant where you can enjoy a typical Valais dish and Fendant (white) or Dole (red) wine. Chetzeron, 3963 Crans-Montana; chetzeron.ch
CRANS AMBASSADOR A luxury ski-in, ski-out sports resort with a contemporary design, plus a spa with the largest swimming pool in Montana using Valmont and Biologique Recherche products, a Lounge bar, and the Texture 180° restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Swiss Alps and farm-to-table dishes cooked by chef Olivier Androuin. Rte du Petit Signal 3; cransambassador.ch
DINE | DRINK
TAILLEN A must-visit boulangerie, pâtisserie, and confiserie with multiple locations. Come for coffee and pastries. boulangerietaillens.ch
KAIZEN The best place for sushi and Japanese cuisine. Rte Lens-Crans 70; kaizenrestaurant.com
CRY’DER Located at 2’200 meters of altitude, come here to enjoy i Valaisan and Italian food. mycma.ch/de-DE/restaurant/18/
PIZZERIA GERBER The best spot in town for pizza. Rte du Rawyl 33; brasseriegerber.ch
BURGER LOUNGE Delicious grass-fed beef burgers. Rue Centrale 6; burgerlounge.org
LA ROTISSERIE A casual restaurant serving fresh fish and super meants at the entrance of the “Jack Nicklaus” golf course. Rue Centrale 6; restaurantlarotisserie.com
OLI’S BREAK Order any of the delicious paninis at this snack stop. olisbreak.com
LE CHALET The spot in town for fondue! Rue du Prado 5; lechaletcransmontana.ch
LE MAYEN Traditional Valais style in the dishes and décor with an excellent selection of Swiss beers. Rue Louis Antille 9; mayen.ch
DENT BLANCHE A large restaurant and B&B renowned for its raclette and fondue. crans-montana.ch/fr/terroir_gastronomie/restaurants/
LE CERVIN One of the best restaurants in Crans-Montana (with delicious escargots) Rte de Vermala 75; lecervin.ch
LE PLAGE A romantic restaurant overlooking the lake, and apparently actor Roger Moore's favorite. Imp. de la Plage; restaurantlaplage.ch
DAVID CHOCOLATIER An artisanal chocolate workshop by David Pasquiet (best Swiss chocolatier of 2013), serving pralines, bars and edible artistic sculptures that look like jewels. davidchocolatier.ch
SPORTING CLUB The place for apres-ski. Rue du Prado 20; sporting-crans.ch
MEMPHIS In the center of Rue du Prado, this cozy restaurant and lounge bar is another spot for apres. Rue du Prado, 19; memphisbyintenso.ch
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
GOLF CLUB CRANS-SUR-SIERRE The home of the legendary Omega European Masters. 3963 Crans-Montana; golfcrans.ch
FONDATION PIERRE ARNAUD A contemporary treasure chest of glass and concrete that hosts the best of Swiss painting in temporary themed exhibitions – such as the beautiful Romantisme. Mélancolie des pierres (until 17/4).
SPA
ART DE VIVRE A boutique hotel with a spa. Rte de Fleurs des Champs 17; art-vivre.ch
INSTITUT DE BEAUTÉ LAGUNA CRANS A beauty salon with great facials. Rue Centrale 7