Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana is the Alps’ panoramic balcony, with views stretching from the Simplon to the Mont Blanc. The territory reaches up to 3000 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Plaine-Morte glacier, and is located on a plateau in the centre of the Alps at 1500 metres above sea level.

Crans-Montana is located on a plateau with tiny lakes at the foot of a ski area with 140km of slopes divided across three sections. The ski lift system is contemporary and well-designed, with almost no lines. The World Cup pistes are difficult for expert skiers, and the off-piste skiing is considerable.

With abundance of broad and long red and blue routes, this is an excellent resort for intermediates. For novices, there are three nursery zones. Other slopes with a higher number of expert runs are available at the adjacent Anzere ski resort, which is frequently less busy. It is situated on the valley’s sunniest side, where the Rhone begins its journey.

Crans-Montana, known as “the greatest alpine shopping facility in the world,” has long prided itself on being a healthy, rich Alpine plateau with a profusion of luxury hotels, health clubs, cosmopolitan shops, and culinary restaurants. Fashion, style, and elegance are all priorities.

There are 9 swimming pools, 4 health centres, 2 ice rinks, indoor squash and tennis courts, 4 bowling lanes, and cinemas in the resort.

Les Trois Vallées is self-explanatory, and Courchevel Le Praz has easy access to both the Courchevel and Meribel valleys. With a direct gondola to Courchevel 1850, tourists can experience the famous corduroy pistes as well as the vast array of intermediate skiing above 1850 in a matter of minutes. For a challenge, head to the couloirs at the top of Saulire, or the World Cup L’Eclipse black piste that descends down into Courchevel Le Praz; ideal for low visibility days. For ski schools and nursery slopes, heading up to Courchevel 1850 is the best option for novices.

The gondola lands passengers nearly immediately at the ski school meeting place and runs until the evening, giving guests plenty of time to explore the world-famous resort’s numerous restaurants, bars, and stores before retiring to the tranquillity of one of Courchevel Le Praz’s luxury ski chalets.

A covered chairlift takes skiers to the top of the gondola up from La Tania, from whence it’s a simple jump over the Col de la Loze into the Meribel Valley. Snow conditions have improved as a result of recent investment and the building of a reservoir designed only to supply the snow cannon network between Courchevel 1850 and Le Praz.