Crans-Montana Switzerland - A Moderne Resort With Lots of Sunshine
Crans-Montana Switzerland is located in a wooded, south-facing site on a high plateau above the small town of Sierre in the Valais Canton. The Crans-Montana ski resort was actually formed by three old mountain villages, Crans-sur-Sierre, Montana and Aminona in the 1960s. At 1,500 m above sea level (4,921 ft) it is even more spoiled with sunshine than St Moritz and is renowned for its stunning views.Yet, Crans-Montana Switzerland is modern and glamorous, many Swiss people would even say that it is too modern. In compare to a resort like Saas Fee, it has lost nearly all trace of its 19th-century origins. Huge modern chalets and only 33 hotels were built, most of them A-frames of four, five or six stories high but with no particular architecture. 
Unfortunately, dispite being one of the top destinations in Switzerland, the resort is also going through a crisis. Crans-Montana Switzerland is lagging behind many Swiss resorts and abroad. However, profound changes are made regarding their approach to the future, which requires a more general awareness. They started to stage more Alpine ski races, including the world cup. Now, they are looking again to hold the World Alpine Ski Championships, which were already held once in 1987. Basically, Crans-Montana Switzerland is seeking back the golden 80's and early 90's when they were at their peak and become a famous resort. To me personally, it is a beautiful resort in a nice location and on its way to make it big again. If you put it into perspective, what would the resort of Zermatt Switzerland be without the Matterhorn? The many wealthy Russians and private bankers are actually not the only one's that prefer Crans-Montana Switzerland to any other Swiss ski resort. Probably one of the best known celebrities in Switzerland who lives in Crans-Montana with his Swedish wife Kristina, is former James Bond star Roger Moore. After more than 15 years in Gstaad, he lives now with Kristina in a chalet in Crans-Montana during the winter. What this village lacks in luxury hotels, it makes up in plenty of modern style chalets, some without much of an Alpine look. However, just look deep enough and you will notice that there are indeed small and larger beautiful Alpine chalets. Some of the advantages of this resort are that the lift system is well designed and modern. The resort is in a splendid wooded setting and has a large slope area which is suitable for all. The pistes are in very sunny areas and the golf course ski area is excellent and just perfect for beginners. Besides, there are also excellent cross-country ski trails on the golf course. You have a choice of 17km of easy track around the golf course and 17km of track for more advanced or high level cross-country skiers with breathtaking scenery. I go quite often cross-country skiing over the golf course since I live only a half hour away. Later, I have cafe together with my wife in the centre of the village overlooking the ice skating rink. Many argue that there are not any challenging slopes. Well, I guess they haven't tried the slopes where the World Cup Downhill and Slalom races take place ever year. It is also an ideal resort for intermediates, with plenty of wide and long runs. 
You see, Crans-Montana Switzerland is truly a high-end resort, especially when skiing is not your prime motivator. Additionally, you will find plenty of activities such as curling, skating, hiking in the snow, ballooning, bridge, tobogganing that should interest you almost as much as skiing. Or do it like the many high-end guests, who simply want to relax in their luxury hotels or chalets and enjoy the fresh mountain air on the balconies.If you are at the resort in the summer or fall, golfing is a relaxing way to spend a vacation in one of the most panoramic golf courses in the world. For families, try a round of minigolf, a trip in a rowing boat or in a pedalo, or just walk around Lake Moubra and enjoy the mountain nature. Crans-Montana Nightlife Bars & Clubs The nightlife is quite lively and colorful with a wide range of bars and nighclubs. A few of the great bars in town are Le Pub Georges & the Dragon (027/481 54 96), more high-end, Amadeus (027/481 29 85) lots of ski instructors, Punch Zapata, and Le Barocke (079/221 16 35). For the younger generation, one of the best places to party is L'absolut. For those under 18 that want to party, head to the Le Pacha Dance Club. Crans-Montana Restaurants By far the best restaurant in this resort with 17 points from the Swiss edition of GaultMillau is the Hostellerie du Pas de l'Ours (027/485 93 33). In this excellent restaurant, the light decor combines antique with modern. Here is where you meet many international guests from wealthy Russian tourists to private bankers. Higher in the rankings with 19 points is the gourmet restaurant Didier de Courten (027/455 13 51) in the town of Sierre only 15 km down in the Rhone Valley. It is constently rated as one of the eight best Swiss restaurants. I am sure you will not be disappointed when you have visited it! La Channe Valaisanne offers meat specialties from the grill and the famous "Walliser Roggenbrot" translated Valais-style nutty bread. Serving typical French food in sort of a stylish and old-fashioned decor is the restaurant La Cheminée . Crans-Montana Hotels Like Verbier, Crans-Montana Switzerland has only 35 hotels and guesthouses. However, you have a choice of over 500 apartments to choose from. There are also few luxury hotels and in my opinion, none in this hotels have the standards required to be truly high-end even so they are rated as 5-star hotels. The Hostellerie du Pas de l'Ours may not look very attractive from the outside. That's because the original exterior old wood facade has been conserved over the years. The traditional architecture of old stone and wood with a unique paint makes this establishment particular. The Hotel Royal (027/485 95 95) has a much newer style in the form of a modern chalet. The 54 rooms are beautifully decorated and come with all the conveniences and a magnificent view to the Matterhorn and the rest of the Alps. Directly located on the south side of the golf course of Crans-Montana Switzerland is the Grand Hotel du Golf (027/485 42 42). You can not be any closer for golfing during the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter. It has an indoor pool and bus service to the ski slopes. A first-rate residence is the Crans-Ambassador (027/485 48 48) in the centre of Montana. It is a quiet place, has direct access to the slopes and skilifts and pretty views over the village, the Rhone Valley and of course the Alps. The last time I drove up to Crans-Montana Switzerland was in September 2007 at which time the hotel was closed for more than a year because of owner change. However, it should be reopen this year before Christmas. Very centrally situated is the Grand Hotel Rhodania which has a passage leading to Crans-Montana's most expensive boutiques. Events Ski World Cup Crans-Montana Switzerland is hosting the International Alpine Ski competitions in March 8-9 2008. Alpine ski fans can expect an impressive ski spectacle by the best Alpine skiers in the world. International Hot-Air Balloon Meeting From 12-14 January 2008 for the 27th time, this event will leave the skies of Crans-Montana marked with bright colors. Besides the competitions going on, the pilots are inviting you for a balloon flight and see the Swiss and French Alps from above. Les Semaines Musicales Several prestigious concerts are staged throughout the winter season. Many talented artists, brilliant stars from around the world are seducing you with exciting musical programmes. Omega European Masters The Omega European Masters Golf Open takes place during the 2nd weekend in September and is regarded as the most important European Tournament after the British Open. How to get to Crans-Montana Switzerland It is quite simple to reach Crans-Montana from Geneva-Cointrin Airport (2 hours) and Zurich-Kloten Airport (3 hours 15 minutes). By Train From Geneva you can take the train that runs directly to the town of Sierre. From Sierre, take the bus or the funicular if you prefer to get up to the resort in 30 minutes. From Zurich, trains run over Bern, the capital of Switzerland and Lausanne Switzerland to Sierre in about 4 hours. By Car From Geneva Switzerland take the A9 highway to Sierre and follow the signs to Crans-Montana. From Zurich take the highway to Bern, than Lausanne and on to Sierre. By Air There are connecting flights from the international airports of Geneva-Cointrin and Zurich-Kloten or Basle-Mulhouse and Bern to Sion regional airport. Charter flights, private and business jets can fly directly to Sion regional airport. Buses run from Sion (25 km) or Sierre (15 km) to the resort which takes about 30 minutes. To get up the mountain in style it is best to be picked up by limousine or even better by Air Glaciers helicopter transfer. Return from Crans-Montana Switzerland to Swiss ski resorts Return from Crans-Montana Switzerland to High End Travel Switzerland
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