Short answer
Crans-Montana lies on a sunny plateau at about 1,500 metres in Valais, with views over the Rhône valley and a long row of four-thousand-metre peaks. The ski area has 140 kilometres of pistes, much of it blue and red on the sunny side, and reaches the Plaine Morte glacier at almost 2,930 metres. There are several children's areas, and the resort is reached by funicular from Sierre – but it is expensive, and in February 2027 the Alpine World Championships are held here.
Quick facts
- Country / region
- Switzerland, Valais
- Ski area
- Crans-Montana
- Altitude (village – top)
- 1510 – 2927 m above sea level
- Pistes
- 140 km
- Lifts
- 24
- Season
- late November – mid-April
- Nearest airports
- Geneva (about 2 h 30) · Zurich (about 3 h)
- Train
- Train to Sierre, then funicular (about 15 min)
- Price level
- ●●●●● (1 = cheap, 5 = expensive)
Family rating
3,8 / 5
- Beginner slopes Several children's areas with ski school and almost 40 per cent blue pistes.
- Snow reliability The plateau sits at 1,500 metres and the Plaine Morte glacier reaches almost 2,930 metres.
- Distance from accommodation to lifts Gondolas from several places, but the resort is spread out and much of the accommodation needs a bus.
- More than skiing The glacier, the lakes on the plateau and the history as the birthplace of the downhill race.
The rating is our overall assessment for families with children based on the criteria above – not a paid placement.
Crans-Montana lies on a wide plateau high above the Rhône valley in Valais, at about 1,500 metres. The plateau faces south, which makes it one of the sunniest ski resorts in Switzerland – and from almost every slope you see a row of four-thousand-metre peaks on the other side of the valley, from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc.
The resort is also part of skiing history: in 1911 the first downhill race ever was held here, and in February 2027 the best skiers return – when the Alpine World Championships are held in Crans-Montana.
The pistes
| Difficulty | Kilometres | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | 55 km | 39 % |
| Red | 70 km | 50 % |
| Black | 15 km | 11 % |
The area has 140 kilometres of pistes and 24 lifts, from the plateau at 1,500 metres up to the Plaine Morte glacier at almost 2,930 metres. You get there with the lift from Violettes, and up on the glacier the view is enormous. The air is thin at that altitude, so take it easy with young children.
Crans-Montana with kids
- Children's areas with ski school, including Snow Island and a children's slope with a bear theme.
- The sun – the sunny plateau often makes it warmer and brighter than in deep valleys.
- The lift ticket is among the more expensive in Switzerland, but the children's pass costs considerably less than the adult pass.
We go through how to plan the week with ski school and rest days in ski trips with children.
World Championships 2027 – book the right week
In February 2027 the Alpine World Championships are held in Crans-Montana. This means:
- If you want to watch the races – book accommodation very early.
- If you want peace and quiet – choose another period, as prices rise and parts of the slopes may be closed for the races.
How to get to Crans-Montana
- By train: take the train to Sierre and the funicular up to Montana, about a quarter of an hour. From Geneva the whole journey takes around two and a half hours, from Zurich about three hours. We go through the journey from Sweden in train to the Alps.
- By air: Geneva is the closest.
- By car: the road up from Sierre has many bends – winter tyres and snow chains are required.
Crans-Montana or other resorts in Valais?
Valais is also home to Verbier, Saas-Fee and Zermatt. If you want easier slopes and lower prices, Villars is a little further away in Vaud. Crans-Montana is best for the sun, the views and the wide slopes on the plateau. We compare all the Swiss resorts in ski resorts in Switzerland.
Packing for Crans-Montana – easy things to forget
Frequently asked questions
Is Crans-Montana good for families with children?
Yes. There are several children's areas with ski school, and almost 40 per cent of the pistes are blue. The sunny plateau means it is often warmer and brighter than in deep valleys.
What is Plaine Morte?
A glacier at almost 2,930 metres, at the top of the Crans-Montana ski area. You get there with the lift from Violettes, and the view over the Alps is enormous. Take it easy with young children at that altitude.
Are the World Championships held in Crans-Montana in 2027?
Yes, the Alpine World Championships are held in Crans-Montana in February 2027. If you want to watch the races – book very early. If you want peace and quiet and normal prices – choose another period.
How do you get to Crans-Montana?
By train to Sierre and then the funicular up to Montana, about a quarter of an hour. From Geneva the whole journey takes around two and a half hours.
How much does the lift ticket cost in Crans-Montana?
The lift pass is among the more expensive in Switzerland, but the children's pass costs considerably less than the adult pass.
