If you’re a ski or snowboard fan (aka a “powerhound”), you know the feeling of always being on the lookout for the next “big thing”: a destination to spend your precious annual winter ski holiday. This year, take a break from all those decisions and research and surrender to the charm of a ski resort you may not have heard of yet: Crans Montana, set within the spectacular embrace of the Swiss Alps. It’s a cliche to say a place “has it all”, but Crans Montana proves that claim over and over again, with an increasing number of skiers naming it their top choice in the Alps. There are many, many reasons to love this exceptional resort, so let’s go … one, two, three, ski!
- Crans Montana: Iconic Swiss Alps Ambience
- One: The Views
- Two: The Slopes
- Three: The Resort Experience
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Crans Montana: Iconic Swiss Alps Ambience
While it might not be a household name like some of the other high profile ski resorts in Switzerland, like much loved Verbier, or the celebrity favourite of Zermatt, Crans Montana, set at high elevation in one of the snowiest regions in the country, barely has to try to be able to match them in terms of its opportunities for skiers and boarders.
Nestled into a sprawling ledge overlooking the expanse of the tranquil Rhone Valley, the resort’s jaw-dropping views are enough to seduce any visitor, but when you delve a little deeper you’ll see its beauty is much more than skin, or snow, deep.
Here are the top three ways Crans Montana will make you fall in love with it.
One: The Views
Capitalising on its elevation and position, the views from the resort and its surrounding slopes are, in a word, majestic. You really do feel like you’ve been picked up and placed gently down in the most beautiful place in the world. The unique vantage puts a hugely diverse landscape in your eyeline, made up of forests, lakes, meadows, a glacier plateau, and the panoramic vistas of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and Weisshorn. It really is an all-encompassing experience to be surrounded by beauty as far as the eye can see, and from literally every angle.
If you like the tangibility of statistics, here’s what the 100km2 area that encompasses the resort comprises:
- A 3,000m high glacier
- Views of 18 different mountain peaks, up to an elevation of 4,000m
- Seven lakes
- Four waterfalls
Two: The Slopes
Views are one thing, but getting down to business on the slopes is what people really want from a ski resort. Whether you’re a skier, a snowboarder, or even just a spectator, the sunny, south facing terrain of Crans Montana will put a smile on your face.
With 140m of skiable trails, an altitude that ranges between 1,500m and 3,000m, long runs of up to 12km, and 1,400m of vertical to tackle, there’s no doubt its credentials live up to the hype. Within that extreme diversity there’s something for skiers of all levels to enjoy, but particularly for intermediates. Having said that, there are plenty of beginner and nursery runs, gentle slopes suitable for children, and several more challenging runs that will satisfy the adrenaline seekers.
For those looking for the thrills and spills of off-piste skiing and snowshoeing, there are plenty of opportunities, while the excellent snowpark provides the perfect place to practice your jumps, rails, boxes, and freestyle tricks.
The lift infrastructure makes for a pleasant and generally queue-free day’s skiing, with three main gondolas (from each of the three “village” areas) to get you to the slopes and up to the glacier.
Three: The Resort Experience
For a ski resort to tick all the boxes, the overall ambience, apres ski, activities, and accommodation all come into play.
The resort comprises three main areas: Montana, Crans, and Barzettes, and in (and sometimes slightly out of) these villages there’s a wide variety of accommodation to suit every budget. From rustic guesthouses and quirky mountain huts, right up to five-star luxury hotels and chalets, no matter where you stay, you’ll be charmed by endless views of alpine pastures, soaring mountain peaks, and glittering frozen lakes.
While Crans Montana isn’t really known for its vibrant apres ski scene, make no mistake, there are plenty of bars and restaurants, both on and off the slopes. Because it’s quite spread out over the three villages, it doesn’t really have a defined “centre”; but in a way that makes it more appealing in that it has a very laidback and friendly ambience.
In summer, Crans Montana is known as a first-class golfing destination, as the annual host of the Omega European Masters. In winter, while the activities are very different, there’s still plenty to do. Hiking, cross-country skiing, torchlight descents, heli-skiing, snow touring, snowshoeing and sledding, paraflying, and tobogganing are just a few of the things you can get involved in.
So there you have it: one, two, three reasons to fall for Crans Montana. There are plenty more, but we’ll leave the fun of discovering them up to you!
Where to Stay
Hotel Etrier: Close to amenities, shops and restaurants, this charming hotel has been completely renovated to offer traditional Swiss service in comfortable modern surroundings. Along with beautifully appointed rooms, featuring warm timber interiors and stunning views, onsite you can enjoy the use of two pools, a sauna, spa, steam bath and other wellness facilities, and the excellent Cheval restaurant. Filled with traditional character and matched by contemporary comfort.
Six Senses Crans Montana: Ski to door? Yes please! This fabulous hotel offers top-class service, endless views, access to the slopes, and a huge range of amenities to make your ski break one to remember. Everything is designed to make you feel comfortable and looked after, with modern rooms with countless extras, and exceptional onsite facilities including a swimming pool, fitness centre, extensive wellness amenities, and a variety of options for dining. Ski holiday perfection!
Chetzeron: Set in a breathtaking location overlooking the Rhone Valley with views as far as the eye can see, this unique hotel has a fascinating history. Transformed from an old cable car station, from the luxuriously appointed rooms and picture-postcard views, to the unbeatable location nestled in the mountains offering ski to the door access and excellent amenities, this quirky mountain hotel is one of a kind.
How to Get There
Getting to your short ski-break in Crans Montana is easiest if you fly into Geneva Airport, which will only take around 1 hour and 40 minutes from the UK. You can choose from flights offered by numerous airlines including easyJet, Jet2, British Airways, TUI, and others. The cheapest month to fly is in January, in time to enjoy some excellent snow.
Once you land in Geneva, Shuttle Direct offers multiple options to get you to the resort. Our pre-booked services range from economical shared shuttles right up to luxury private transfers from Geneva Airport to Crans Montana.
Overview
UK to GVA Flight Time: 1 hours, 41 mins
GVA to Crans Montana: 189 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 2 hour approx.
Types of Transfer
If you want to make your holiday plans as simple and hassle free as possible, Shuttle Direct’s pre-booked Crans Montana transfers are the answer. But we understand every traveller has different needs and wants, so we offer a range of options from which you can choose the one that suits you best.
Shuttle Bus: Want to save some money but don’t want to compromise on comfort, safety and reliability? Our shuttle bus services are popular for a reason; they’re the most economical of our options to get you from Geneva Airport to Crans Montana. When you land at the airport you’ll make your way to a pre-arranged meeting place outside the terminal to meet your driver and board your shuttle with other passengers. It’s not door-to-door, but you can choose from multiple stops to get you close to your accommodation.
Taxi: Pre-booking a local taxi through Shuttle Direct gives you the convenience of a doorstep drop-off without the higher cost of a private Geneva transfer. Your professional driver will be there on time ready for when you land and, because it’s pre-booked, you can stroll right by the taxi queue and be on your way in no time.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re going on a ski break with a larger family or friends group, you can kiss stressful logistics goodbye if you pre-book a minibus transfer from Geneva to Crans Montana. These large capacity vehicles mean that everyone gets to travel together at the same time, and there are no issues having space for oversized ski gear. The service is door-to-door, making life very easy!
Private Transfer: Our most luxurious and personalised service is a private airport transfer to get you from Geneva Airport to Crans Montana in style. When your flight lands, your friendly, professional driver will meet you inside the terminal. You’ll be escorted to your high-end vehicle without delay to be delivered right to the doorstep of your accommodation. Your job? Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Pre-booking your transfers from Geneva Airport to Crans Montana and back again is simple with our range of different services. But you’re the only one who can really decide which one is the most appropriate for your needs. In the end, it will come down to whether you prioritise cost or convenience.
Cost: For anyone looking for the most economical Crans Montana transfers, your best bet will be our very popular and affordable shared shuttle buses. Even though they won’t take you all the way to the door of your accommodation, the cost benefits of this service are considerable and there are multiple stops to get you close to your final destination.
Convenience: If convenience and a touch of luxury are what you’re most interested in, you’ll be happy with a Geneva transfer in a pre-booked local taxi, a minibus, or one of our private luxury rides. While you’ll pay a little more, the payback is in the completely hassle-free experience and a doorstep delivery.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is a leading provider of safe, reliable, and comfortable airport transfers to and from destinations all over the world. Our outstanding communication, easy-to-use booking systems, and friendly, professional service have built us a reputation as the best in the business. Whether you’re after an affordable shared shuttle bus or a high-end luxury airport transfer, we’ve got what you want. Book with us as soon as you’ve organised your flights and let us take care of the rest.
