Crans Montana - slopes

Ski highlights for all levels

Beginners: there are some very good beginner areas beneath Cry d’Er and Les Violettes.  A real plus for nervous first-timers are the gentle slopes of the golf course in town.

Intermediates: very good with plenty of good blues and easy reds; however, many reds don’t rate their grading. 88% of the runs are either blue or red. The run down from Plaine Morte (3,000m) to the town at Les Barzettes is a particular favourite of ours.

Experts: this is not a ski resort for experts. It has 4 black runs that are not very challenging and only a few moguls develop. You may be able to find some on the slopes of La Toula. 

Off-piste

There is some excellent off-piste if the snow is good with plenty of tree skiing in the Barzettes-Violettes sector. Off to the side beneath Plaine Morte there are some great little chutes. Because few skiers venture off-piste here, there are stashes of powder just metres from the piste often accessed by a short traverse.

Ski School

We have nothing but praise for the ski and snowboard schools. There are 5 in total – 2 official ones and 3 independent ones. Some employ British instructors.

Lift system

Crans-Montana has a modern and highly efficient lift system with 28 lifts. There are a number of drag lifts but most can be avoided. There are several ways up to the main areas around Cry d’Er, Les Violetts and Aminona.

Snow reliability

When Crans-Montana has good snow there are few better places to be with great terrain and spectacular views. Its historical snow record is good, but as most of the slopes are south-facing the sun beats down on it. 

The resort has extensive snowmaking facilities, with 200 cannons that cover 35% of the area.

Terrain Park

The resort is popular with snowboarders and many locals from the valley come to use the excellent terrain park at Aminona, which covers 50,000 square metres.