At Oxford Ski Company, we pride ourselves on having first-hand experience and knowledge of the chalets, hotels, and resorts we feature. We are a close-knit team who are dedicated and passionate about what we do.
Within this series, we’re highlighting each of our specialists across the team as we dive into their knowledge of some of our most popular resorts across the world.
Skiing begun for me whilst at school in Switzerland and Australia. Moving countries while growing up was the norm for me but a constant was skiing in our family home in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Combining my love for travel and skiing lead me to spend seasons more recently in Patagonia, Argentina, and Kitzbühel, Austria where I qualified as a ski instructor and taught my passion to holiday makers.
My best advice for a good day’s skiing in Crans-Montana would be to head up to the Plaine Morte Glacier (2,927M) first thing for fresh powder and quieter slopes. The beginning of the glacier is a plateau which is great to warm up your legs before the long black slope down that joins back down to the main ski area.
Finish the morning with a coffee at the beautiful Plaine Morte Restaurant with the best views on the mountain (they also do a great lunch time fondue).
The Bella Lui Run is next up, this is my favourite run on the mountain, a fun red run which always catches the sun and has amazing views, even on the chairlift up to the left there is an elevated lake between the mountains. I would also recommend skiing the Violetees or the Aminona slopes (which are great for beginners too, with lots of nice wide blue runs) before a well-deserved lunch stop.
The Cry d’Er lift is where I would ski in the afternoon as it makes it easy to get back to the centre of Crans-Montana with the scenic paths back down to the base. This is where you can also catch the afternoon après which all happens around the Cry d'Er area from 3pm.
My top insider tip: the Nationale red run often gets shade cover in the afternoon which always becomes icy, so watch out!
Key Resort Facts for Crans-Montana
Domaine: Crans-Montana
Resort Height: 1500m
Skiing Elevation: 1500-3000m
Pistes: 140km
Blue: 39%
Red: 50%
Black: 11%
Getting to Crans-Montana
Closest Airport: Sion (SIR)
Transfer time: 40mins / 30km
Recommended Airport: Geneva (GVA)
Transfer Time: 2h / 190km
Our Portfolio
Chalets in Crans-Montana: 7
Hotels in Crans-Montana: 4
Where to Eat
My absolute favourite lunch spot has to be the Cabane des Violette’s, a small mountain hut on the edge of the mountain run by a Michelin-Star chef, all the products are locally sourced and on a sunny day the views are incredible.
Another favourite of mine is the Amadeus 2006, off the beaten track it’s a more casual lunch time restaurant with a beautiful sun terrace and tepee structure.
My Favourite Places to Stay
Crans Ambassador Hotel – The Crans Ambassador really does have it all for me: wonderful views, close to the centre and slopes, and with a gorgeous fitness and spa facilities. The restaurants within the hotel have a great mix of different cuisines from Japanese to local and seasonal dishes.
Chetzeron – The location of this hotel is just ideal for those who want to spend each day skiing. Its proximity to the slopes and being ski-in / ski-out. It’s also got some of the best panoramic views of the Swiss mountains.
Ultimate Crans-Montana One – This really is one of the most prestigious chalets I’ve seen. Everything from the finer details within each of the bedrooms to the stand-out service from the staff – you won’t want to leave!
The Best Après Spots
Cry d'Er Club Altitude- located on the top of the gondola, live music every day from 3pm.
Bottom of Cry d’Er lift station ‘Zero Dix’ bar. Continue the après at the bottom of the slopes. It’s a cosy and vibey spot with music and DJ’s as well as heaters and big blankets.
My Top Tip for Ski Trips
Start the day early to get the best of the snow and quieter slopes, then have a longer lunch.
