Ask even the most seasoned of skiers and chances are they won’t have heard of Crans-Montana, let alone slalomed down its slopes. Yet, with a host of new luxury hotels popping up, that could soon change. It’s the Swiss Alps’ best-kept secret; think For Your Eyes Only hideout (literally, Sir Roger Moore retreated here post- Bond ) meets mountain-aesthetic Wes Anderson.
Skiers in old money turtlenecks and new-season Gucci apres-ski one-pieces. Others wearing Swiss knitwear and '80s lemon shell suits you just know are original. All to a backdrop of movie-like mountain views, dapper alpine interiors, and passing gondolas overlook serene ice-skating in the town below.
From ski-in, ski-out accommodation for skiers who want easy access to the slopes to high-end havens for those who want a ski trip with a bit more spa , GQ has uncovered Crans Montana’s best hotels. What’s the best time to travel to Crans-Montana? Ski season is from December to mid-April. In Winter, an impressive 87 miles of white powdery piste is perfect for serious skiers and amateurs, bolstered by a friendly network of nearby ski instructors .
Still, rather than winding down for Summer, Crans-Montana ramps up a season of hiking, biking and outdoor swimming in year-round sun with Caprices dance festival in April and, later, the Omega European Masters Golf tournament, a short walk from Crans Montana town. While the best time will be dictated by the activities you’d like to explore, there is always something to enjoy in Crans-Montana. How to get to Crans-Montana Nestled in Switzerland’s Valais region, Crans-Montana is just an hour from its better-known neighbour Verbier and a direct two-hour train ride from Geneva airport, which in itself is an adventure packed with ‘Sound of Music’ scenery.
Direct flights to Geneva are frequent from all London airports, at a breezy 1 hour and 40 minutes, with British Airways, Swiss Airlines and Easyjet being the most frequent flyers. Prices for a round trip start from £67 at the beginning of ski season in December to £72 in April. With Crans-Montana sitting so close to the North Italy border, and Milan just a two-hour (and £23) train ride away, there’s also the option to fly via Milan and pick up an espresso, or take in a Da Vinci, on the way.
Flights from London to Milan are frequent via British Airways and start at £44 for a round trip. What To Do in Crans-Montana Crans-Montana town is the picture of quiet luxury; ski boutiques, terrace bars and quietly bustling restaurants, with alfresco dining scattered around Lake Grenon, one of Crans-Montana’s many lakes , with stunning Alpine views ideal for hiking stops or swimming. Naturally, the lake transforms into a prettily lit ice rink in Winter.
Higher up, things are livelier. Apres Ski and DJ takeovers are dotted across the mountains at spots such as Cry d’Er Club and Monk’is – all accessible via one of the 23 ski-lifts – and back in town, Caprices dance festival closes the ski season. Crans-Montana is a mecca for classic cars, where vintage Ferraris and customised Jeep Wranglers have long been a familiar sight, and luxury car exhibition ‘ Electica ’ provides a great opportunity to see more in Summer.
The renowned Omega European Masters Golf tournament takes place later in September, too, as the Swiss stop of the European Tour; it’s been held at Crans-sur-Sierre , a short walk from Crans-Montana town, since 1939 and is set against an incredible Swiss Alps backdrop. The best Crans-Montana hotels to stay at Faerns Crans Montana First up is Faerns, undoubtedly the cool club of Crans-Montana. It blends affordable luxury with an authentic ski-lodge atmosphere, and guests are as at home wearing hotel slippers as they are high-end ski wear.
With panoramic mountain views, Slim Aarons artwork and not-so-accidental Wes Anderson interiors, it’s a very stylish affair. Its in-house Eteila Brasserie delivers sophisticated plates of Royal Cod and Beef Tournedos with ease – a little puff of fine dining magic – while the ‘Sewi’ bar majors in Old Cuban cocktails, mixed by Scandi-cool bartenders, with a vibey band playing at weekends. But that’s not all Faerns has to offer.
Situated next door to Crans Montana’s main gondola, which takes skiers directly to the slopes, and with on-site storage, heated boot racks, ski passes at reception and ski/ski-wear rentals a few minutes away, guests can be on the piste in no time (or head straight to the Apres Ski and at the very top, Plaine Morte Glacier ). On return, you’ll be welcomed by a roaring fire in the lobby, wooden chess boards and '70s-inspired textures that continue into the freshly refurbished rooms. Each has a wide south-facing terrace looking directly at the snowy tips of the Swiss Alps; perfect for a pre-ski coffee and cosy hotel robe at sunrise, or sunbathing in the afternoon.
Rte de Vermala 10/12, 3963 Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Six Senses Guests know they’re in for a full luxe experience at Six Senses resorts across the globe, and this newly opened, ski-in ski-out addition is no exception. In fact, it’s felt immediately.
The epic basement entrance of wall-to-wall black quartz is reminiscent of a secret Bond lair. Inside, an incredible Alpine-inspired lobby and pristine concierge await. The lavish spa, with rock saunas, specialist massage and a biohacking lounge, is as good a place as any to start tapping into that sixth sense, too.
Its indoor pool is designed to represent a mountain cave and the centrepiece pool, outside, boasts a mountain skyline, luxury loungers, outdoor cinema and sunset yoga deck, making it a place you want to be in all seasons. L-shaped suites are impeccably and similarly designed, with stunning views of the slopes always in mind whether you’re dining on the terrace or soaking in a Swiss salts bath. Evenings are a mix of fine dining at ‘Wild Cabin’ – be sure to consult the Sommelier on the local Valais wine – or at the Japanese ‘Byakko’ restaurant.
Set apart with traditional silk interiors, it transforms into a bar serving sake cocktails until 1am – you’ll be thankful for the plunge pool in the morning. Rte des Téléphériques 60, 3963 Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Crans Ambassador One of Switzerland’s highlights is its stunning and ever-changing mountain views, each like a freshly-painted piece of art, and at Crans Ambassador, this is tenfold.
The huge Swiss-chalet-inspired terrace, with open fires and cosy sheepskin-covered seating, looks out across the Valais Alps as far as Zermatt and directly over the gleaming lake, reflecting the snow-capped skyline, at the centre of Crans Montana. The incredible views create a serene atmosphere interrupted only by trays of Aperol Spritz and Swiss-spiced bar snacks. Guests may come for the terrace, but they stay for the gourmet restaurants, where the stunning views continue inside.
Le Lounge x Le Muna serves Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine in a fine-dining setting, grounded by Alpine interiors and a quiet luxury crowd. For a more traditional Swiss menu, try Le Carnotzet’s fondue and raclette. Both restaurants are open to guests and the public for lunch and dinner, with low-key DJs and live music playing late into the night on weekends.
Rte du Petit Signal 3, 3963 Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Le Crans Sumptuous luxury Swiss interiors and dreamy mountain escape location aside for a moment, Le Crans houses one of Crans Montana’s two Michelin-starred restaurants, LeMontBlanc. Headed up by creative chef Yannick Crepaux, it serves up a collection of local produce-championing plates inspired by its Alpine surroundings, ranging from ‘First Mountain Walks’ White Asparagus on the Spring menu and Blue Shrimp from the ‘Icy Winter’ menu to Granny Smith Tatin from the ‘Tea Time’ sitting.
With panoramic mountain peak views, the restaurant is a true head-in-the-clouds experience. Back in the rooms, suites are warmly lit and individually designed with antique pinewood, hand-carved staircases and rich textures inspired by African and Himalayan mountains, all tied together with incredible Swiss Alps views. Wellness here has a holistic approach, too, offering meditation and private hikes designed to ‘work alongside the changing cycles of nature’.
This theme continues into the indoor pool, with simple architecture of rustic oak and low lighting, and outdoors, with a heated pool steaming amongst snowy peaks and Alpine trees. Chem. du Mont-Blanc 1, 3963 Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
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