Crans Montana

Crans Montana is a town in Canton Valais, Switzerland. Although everyone knows the name Crans Montana, the area is actually made up of three communes - Crans, Montana and Aminona. The British introduced skiing to the area and it is now famous for its winter sports, but Crans Montana is also a great place in summer, situated as it is on a sunny south-facing plateau. In September the resort is host to the European golf champioships, with courses designed by Severiano Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus.

Get in

Crans Montana can easily reached by car and by train. The A9 motorway down the Rhône valley has exits in Sion and in Sierre that take you up the mountain. If you come by train there is a funicular railway that will take you from Sierre - it's a bit quicker than the 4 hours the journey used to take by donkey before the line was built!

Get around

There is a free bus service to get you around the resort, but a lot of people still use their own cars. If you park on the street make sure you use a designated space, otherwise you risk a heavy fine. Spaces marked with blue lines can be used if you have a "macaron", which is a cardboard disc you may have in your car (most hire cars have them). If you set your arrival time on the disc and display it on the dashboard you then get 60-90 minutes parking for free, but only in the spaces which have the "macaron" sign.

See

The view of the mountains on the other side of the valley is spectacular. On a clear day you can see the Matterhorn and other peaks in the southern Alps.

Do

Take a trip on the funicular. Sierre (at the bottom) has good shopping and a nice historic centre. In the resort you can be sporty (golf, hiking, swimming, crazy golf) or you can get a coffee, sit at a table in one the pavement cafés and watch the glitterati go by. There is some serious money here - who knows, you might see Roger Moore!

Buy

If you want to flash some cash, Crans Montana boasts that it has the best shopping in the area. There are plenty of designer shops, as well as specialist food emporia and watch shops. However, you don't have to be a millionaire - you can get reasonably priced souvenirs as well.

Eat

There is a huge variety of restaurants in the area, ranging from Swiss and Italian to Chinese and Argentinian. If you're there at the end of the summer, try "la chasse", which is when local hunters bring in their game and you can try locally shot-venison, chamois and wild boar, served with traditional trimmings.

• Ristorante Giardino & Terrace, Route des Zirès 14, ☎ +41 27 486 2000, [1]. Fine seasonal cuisine with Italian touch. “Reduced calories” menu in combination with SPA program. (46.306642,7.471056)

Drink

Crans Montana is more sedate than some Alpine resorts and doesn't offer a lot in the way of nightlife.

Sleep

• Guarda Golf Hotel Crans Montana, Route des Zirès 14, ☎ +41 27 486 2000, [2]. The Guarda Golf Hotel Crans Montana is a five star superior resort directly on the fairway of the 9-hole golf course and close to the Crans Montana centre. Open all year round. With just 25 rooms, it offers a warm, intimate ambiance. Three restaurants and an ultra-modern Wellness & SPA. (46.306642,7.471056)

• <sleep name="LeCrans HOTEL & SPA" alt="1650m" address="Route de Plans mayens" phone="+41 27 486 60 60" url="http://www.lecrans.com" checkin="15:00" checkout="12:00" price="From Chf.550 to Chf.9000" lat="" long="" In the heart of the Swiss Alps and set amidst stunning natural beauty, LeCrans HOTEL & SPA is a haven of peace and refinement. Whether cultural, culinary, activity-packed or rejuvenating, we want to ensure your stay is one of pure pleasure ; this is why your every need – however small – is our priority.At LeCrans, the landscape takes centre stage. Situated at the summit of the ski resort, the hotel is surrounded by spectacular scenery facing the open skies, the warm sun and the magnificent mountain peaks.Welcome to a world of privacy and discretion. When guests cross the threshold they feel as though they have stepped into a private home, sheltered from the outside world. Antique pine panelling, elegant colours and inviting textures, the stylish décor creates an effortlessly warm and enchanting atmosphere.

In a splendid rotunda facing the Alps, the restaurant is designed with celebration in mind. 15 points by the Gault et Millau and discover of the year in Swiss Romande in 2010. Discover our exquisite cuisine that marries tradition with the avant-garde, where quality local produce reigns supreme. Sit on the heated terrace and enjoy a mixed grill, raclette or brasserie meal. Sample some of the best regional and world wines from our vinothèque </sleep>

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