A sprawling, busy resort that covers the villages of Crans, Montana, Aminona and Les Barzettes, it was the winter home of former Bond actor, Roger Moore, until his death in 2017. And one can see why he chose to live here. There are few queues, good mountain restaurants and lovely cruisy runs set against beautiful views South across the Rhône Valley. Despite its altitude, the resort needs good snow conditions because so many runs are south-facing, so probably best for January through to February half-term when higher, north-facing resorts can be grim. By road it's pretty easy to get to, although the road can get congested. By public transport you can either take a bus from Sierre station or walk a couple of hundred yards to a very scenic funicular railway, then take a bus in either direction to one of the base stations.
The glacier at the rather grisly-sounding Plaine Morte is often open for cross-country and a short downhill run in November. The longer Kandahar run off the glacier had an avalanche sweep across the piste in 2019, killing a ski patroller.
Sky and Rail
The nearest airport to Crans-Montana is Geneva. There is a railway station in the airport, with one change for trains to the resort.
Best of the Slopes at Crans-Montana
There is a 12k descent from Plaine Morte to Barzettes.
Where to Eat and Party in Crans-Montana
Although there are bars and clubs in the resort, Crans-Montana is a very good destination for the bon vivant. There are some lovely scenic mountain restaurants, particularly for a sunny lunchtime repast, such as Merbeé, Cabane de la Tieche and Cabane des Violettes. My personal choice would be Chetzeron (+41 27 485 08 08), near the bottom of the Chetzeron t-bar. In the evening, the Restaurant L'Ours (+41 27 485 93 33) in the Hostellerie du Pas-de-lOurs or the Restaurant Le Mont Blanc (+41 27 486 60 60) in LeCrans Hotel and Spa are regarded as two of the best restaurants along the entire Rhône valley.
Getting to Crans-Montana by Train
The best destination to access the downhill slopes by public transport in this ski area is Montana Gare / CMA. Sierre station is 5 minutes to mountain railway (follow a direction marker on the pavement), then take courtesy bus or walk 10 minutes to CMA base station. Although the bus passes both Crans and Montana base stations, it isn't obvious so ask the driver to advise you if you are not sure.