Crans Montana - village

Accommodation

There are 33 hotels in Crans-Montana, mainly upmarket ones. There are two 5-star hotels new for 2009-2010, Le Crans Hotel and Spa (00 41 27 486 60 60) and Hotel Guarda Golf (00 41 27 486 20 00). Most are large and comfortable, and there are many chalets.

Most accommodation is a bus ride or car journey from the lifts but if you want to be close then try Hotel Alpina and Savoy (00 41 27 485 09 00), Hotel Art de Vivre (00 41 27 481 33 12), Hotel Etrier (00 41 27 485 44 00) or Le Crans Hotel and Spa (00 41 27 486 60 60) which also has a great restaurant and superb views.

If you are after saving a few pennies, an English couple, Karen and Gary Tansley, have opened a bed and breakfast at Chalet des Alpes (00 41 27 483 23 09). The 2-star Hotel Olympic (00 41 27 481 29 85) is also a good budget option.

Non-ski activities

There are plenty of activities for non-skiers and if you are prepared to venture further afield; Sierre and Sion down in the valley are worth a visit and are easy to get to. 

In Crans-Montana many of the hotels have swimming pools and wellness centres, while there are two ice rinks, dog sledding, snow tubing, a cinema and a casino. 

There is also good walking and cross-country skiing with 65km of marked trails.

Childcare

There are good childcare facilities up the mountain with a snow garden and nursery above Montana, while the golf course in town transforms into a beginners area with activities for the young ones.

There’s also a special kids area in the forest by the lake with slides, swings and easy ropeways that are open all year round.