Crans Montana
140km of south-facing pistes from 1,510-2,927m. Epic Pass access, Plaine Morte glacier, 2027 World Championships host.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
28 Nov 2026
Closes
4 Apr 2027
Days open
127
Annual snow
5m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Crans-Montana operates across 1,417 vertical metres, from a plateau base at 1,510 metres to the Pointe de la Plaine Morte at 2,927 metres. The ski area covers 140 kilometres of pistes across 41 marked runs, with 39 per cent beginner terrain, 50 per cent intermediate, 7 per cent advanced and 4 per cent expert. The resort sits in the Valais region on a south-facing plateau above the town of Sierre, with unobstructed views from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. Crans-Montana joined the Epic Pass network in March 2024 when Vail Resorts acquired the lift operations, and the 2025-26 season runs from 6 December to 20 April.
Terrain tilts decisively towards beginners and intermediates, with wide groomed cruisers dominating the ski area. The Plaine Morte glacier, a flat expanse at nearly 3,000 metres, offers 6 kilometres of cross-country trails and summer skiing access. Intermediate runs fan out from mid-mountain hubs at Cry d'Er and Les Violettes, whilst advanced skiers find steeper pitches on the Nationale piste, which hosts Women's World Cup races and will feature at the 2027 Alpine World Ski Championships from 1 to 14 February. The resort's snowpark at Cry d'Er includes an Olympic half-pipe with 7-metre walls, the only one in French-speaking Switzerland.
The twin villages of Crans and Montana merge across the plateau, with Crans offering the more upscale boutiques and hotels. Free shuttle buses link the villages and lift bases throughout the day. The plateau's southern exposure delivers exceptional sunshine hours, though lower slopes can soften in warm spells. On-mountain facilities include 90 restaurants ranging from mountain huts to fine dining, with Cry d'Er serving as the main meeting point where lifts from both villages converge.
Crans-Montana earned the title of best ski area in Western Switzerland in 2023. Epic Pass holders receive unlimited access throughout the season, whilst regional pass holders can access the resort through dynamic pricing that drops lift tickets as low as CHF 69 when booked in advance. The resort suits families and intermediate skiers seeking reliable conditions and long cruising runs, whilst advanced skiers and freeriders will find the terrain less extensive than neighbouring Verbier. Crans-Montana hosted the 1987 World Championships and regularly features on the World Cup calendar for women's speed events.
1417m
Vertical
41
Runs
140 km
Piste
5m
Annual snow
Epic Pass
Pass
The Terrain
41 runs across 140 km of piste
Crans Montana spreads 41 runs across 140 km of piste of terrain. It leans intermediate at 50%, with 16 beginner runs to find your feet and 5 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
41
runs
41 runs across 4 grades
Beginner16 runs · 39%
Intermediate21 runs · 50%
Advanced3 runs · 7%
Expert2 runs · 4%
Time it right
When to visit Crans Montana
The 2025-26 season opened on 6 December 2025 and runs until 20 April 2026, though the full ski area typically opens progressively through December depending on snowfall. Usual opening falls in late November, with closure in late April giving a season length of approximately five months. The resort opened slightly ahead of schedule in 2025-26 after early snowfall, with progressive lift and piste openings through to full operations by late December. Historical season dates show consistency, with mid-November to mid-April representing the typical operational window.
Annual snowfall averages 4.8 metres across the ski area, supplemented by 200 snow cannons covering 17 kilometres of piste. The Plaine Morte glacier at 2,927 metres provides snow security at altitude, with skiing possible year-round on limited terrain. Valais sits in the rain shadow of major Alpine peaks, resulting in lower precipitation than many Swiss resorts but higher sunshine hours. Lower slopes at 1,500 metres can struggle in warm periods due to the southern exposure, though altitude variation allows skiers to chase better conditions higher up.
January through March delivers optimal conditions, with February historically the snowiest month and mid-December seeing peak weekly snowfall of approximately 43 centimetres. Spring skiing extends into April with firm morning snow and softer afternoon conditions. Quieter periods fall outside school holidays, particularly in early December and March. The resort introduced dynamic pricing that rewards advance bookings and off-peak visits, with adult day tickets ranging from CHF 69 to CHF 89 depending on demand.
The resort calendar includes Women's World Cup races most seasons, typically in February or March on the Nationale and Mont Lachaux pistes. The 2027 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships from 1 to 14 February will bring speed and technical events to Crans-Montana for the first time since the 1987 championships. The Grand Prix Migros finale closes the 2026 season in April. Special programmes include Sunrise First Tracks on Sundays, early-morning glacier breakfasts at Plaine Morte, and Silver Head Days offering discounted skiing and lunch for over-65s on Tuesdays through Thursdays.
Season 2026 - 2027
28 Nov 2026
Opens
4 Apr 2027
Closes
127
Days open
5 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Crans Montana, and where to stay
Crans-Montana occupies a south-facing plateau at 1,500 metres in the Valais canton of French-speaking Switzerland, directly above the town of Sierre in the Rhône Valley. The resort formed through the merger of neighbouring villages Crans, Montana, Aminona, Chermignon, Mollens and Randogne, spreading across six municipalities. The Wildstrubel massif rises to the north, whilst the Plaine Morte glacier forms the ski area's high point at 2,927 metres. The plateau offers unobstructed views south across the Rhône Valley to the Valais Alps, with the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, Mont Blanc and Grand Combin visible on clear days.
Sierre sits 15 kilometres downhill from the resort plateau, serving as the main valley gateway with rail connections and funicular access. The twin resort villages of Crans and Montana lie 1 to 2 kilometres apart, connected by free shuttle buses. Geneva sits 171 kilometres west, Lausanne approximately 110 kilometres, whilst Brig lies to the east along the main Rhône Valley route. The resort sits in the Sierre district of Valais, a predominantly French-speaking canton known for terraced vineyards and Alpine tourism.
Road access follows the A9 motorway through the Rhône Valley to Sierre, then a winding 14-kilometre mountain road climbs to the plateau. Drive times from Geneva average 2 hours 30 minutes covering 185 kilometres, whilst Zürich lies 3 hours 45 minutes distant via 315 kilometres of mostly motorway. The Lötschberg car-carrying rail tunnel from Kandersteg to Goppenstein provides an alternative route from the Bernese Oberland. Swiss motorway use requires a vignette valid for one calendar year. The final climb from Sierre features hairpin bends unsuitable for inexperienced mountain drivers, though the road remains open year-round with winter tyres or chains required in snow.
Geneva Airport (GVA) sits 185 kilometres away with direct InterRegio trains to Sierre departing every 30 minutes, taking 2 hours 30 minutes. Zürich Airport lies 315 kilometres distant with journey times near 3 hours via rail through Visp. Milan Malpensa sits 206 kilometres south with 3 hour 30 minute transfer times. Sion Airport, 37 kilometres east, handles private flights only. The SMC funicular climbs from Sierre railway station to Montana Gare in 12 minutes, with a 5-minute walk or shuttle connecting the station to the funicular base. Buses run from Sierre to the plateau in 45 minutes for those avoiding the funicular.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Crans Montana, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is looking at a major shake-up to its title events calendar. From 2032, World Championships could run not just in odd-numbered years but in every non-Olympic winter too, effectively putting a global title event on the calendar almost every season. The FIS Council has approved the concept following a feasibility study, though an accelerated rollout as early as 2028 is also under consideration.
4 Sept 2026
Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026
Mount Buller closes out its 2026 season this Sunday, joining Falls Creek, Hotham and Charlotte Pass in a cluster of closures landing almost simultaneously and roughly a month ahead of schedule. The culprit is stark: Spencers Creek's benchmark snow depth hit 31.2cm on 3 September, just 18% of the 73-year average and an all-time low for this point in the season. Six of Victoria and NSW's best-known resorts will have shut their lifts early within a span of about two and a half weeks.
4 Sept 2026
Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season
Tremblant has confirmed a major expansion of its Quebec ski area, with a new Timber Summit sector adding 62 acres of terrain, eight trails and a high-speed quad chairlift for winter 2027/28. It's part of a CAD 42.5 million investment that also includes a new beginner learning zone at Versant Soleil opening this coming season. The project has grown considerably since it was first announced back in 2020, when it carried a far smaller budget and an opening date that never eventuated.
2 Sept 2026
Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6
We knew when the Bird Bath Pond Skim showed up on Hotham's Instagram that the season was on its way out. It's been a rough one - I only managed two days on snow all year, at Falls Creek - and now Baw Baw, Selwyn and Hotham have all called it, possibly the worst Australian season I've seen in a decade. Hotham's last day of lift operations is Sunday, 6 September, with a Retro Day, Father's Day après and closing sales before the lifts stop turning for good.
1 Sept 2026
Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028
Thredbo Alpine Resort has confirmed plans to replace its 37-year-old Gunbarrel quad chairlift with a new six-seat Doppelmayr D-Line, targeting winter 2028. The AUD 35 million project will keep travel time roughly the same but lift capacity from 2,800 to 3,000 skiers per hour. It's part of a broader investment push that also includes doubled snowmaking capacity at Friday Flat for 2027, with the ageing Kosciuszko Express now flagged as the resort's next major lift replacement after Gunbarrel.
31 Aug 2026
Aerial Tram Collides With Crane at Alpe d'Huez: 23 Injured
An aerial tram carrying around fifty passengers struck the boom of a construction crane on the route to Pic Blanc at Alpe d'Huez on Wednesday morning, injuring 23 people, three seriously. The cabin tipped on impact before the operator reversed it to right the car. Most of the injured were treated on site, with five taken to hospital in Grenoble, including a pregnant woman assessed as a precaution.
28 Aug 2026
Why Glaciers Are Collapsing - And What Happens When They Do
A deadly flood on the Nepal-China border, a decade-old tragedy on Italy's Marmolada, and an unstable glacier right now above a village near Zermatt - three very different mountain ranges, the same underlying story. Warming ice is destabilising terrain that was considered settled for generations, and the results range from catastrophic floods to slow-motion monitoring situations that could go either way.
27 Aug 2026
Pitztal Glacier Set to Reopen for the 2026/27 Ski Season on 26 September
Tyrol's highest ski area is gearing up to open a full month ahead of most of the Alps. The Pitztal Glacier is scheduled to start its 2026/27 season on Saturday 26 September, running through to 2 May 2027, with the lower-altitude Rifflsee area following in December. High-altitude terrain up to 3,440 metres gives the glacier a head start on snow, though as always, the actual opening extent will depend on how September's weather plays out. Early online ski pass bookings can save up to 30%.
26 Aug 2026
Crans Montana Lift Tickets
Crans Montana lift tickets & passes
Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Nov 28, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Crans Montana typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.
Day passes start from CHF 35, with peak rates up to CHF 100.
Epic Pass9 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 17–64
Adult Full Day
CHF 69up to CHF 89 peak
Full day skiing at Crans Montana with access to 140km of completely south-facing slopes from 1500-3000m. Dynamic pricing available for Switzerland's sunniest resort.
Buy passYouth 13–16
Youth Full Day
CHF 52up to CHF 67 peak
Youth daily ticket for Crans Montana with access to varied terrain from Plaine Morte Glacier to golf course level. Perfect for teens in this prestigious Valais resort.
Buy passChild 6–12
Child Full Day
CHF 35up to CHF 45 peak
Children's lift ticket at Crans Montana covering ages 6-12. Family-friendly learning slopes with spectacular views of Matterhorn and Mont Blanc from sunny Valais plateau.
Buy passChild 0–5
Child (5 & Under)
Free
Free skiing for children 5 and under at Crans Montana. Kids enjoy complimentary access to Switzerland's sunniest resort with 300 days of sunshine annually.
Buy passSenior 65–99
Senior Full Day
CHF 59up to CHF 76 peak
Senior lift ticket for Crans Montana with discounted rates for skiers 65+. Experience premium skiing with unbeatable views from this chic Valais resort plateau.
Buy passAdult 17–64
Priority Lane Pass
CHF 100
Skip the lift lines at Crans Montana with priority lane access for nearly CHF 100 additional fee. Beat the crowds on busy weekends at this popular resort.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 17–64
Half Day
CHF 52up to CHF 67 peak
Half day skiing at Crans Montana with afternoon access to south-facing slopes. Perfect for shorter visits to enjoy sun-soaked skiing above Rhone Valley.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 17–64
Multi-Day (6-Day)
CHF 345up to CHF 445 peak
Six-day lift ticket package at Crans Montana with dynamic pricing benefits. Extended stay in Switzerland's premier sun-destination with glacier skiing access.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 17–64
Epic Pass Access
Free
Epic Pass holders receive unlimited access to Crans Montana as part of Vail Resorts acquisition. One of Europe's premier resorts with Matterhorn views.
Buy passLift tickets FAQ
How much does a Crans Montana day pass cost?
Crans Montana day passes range from CHF 35 to CHF 100 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Crans Montana lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Crans Montana lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Crans Montana, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Crans Montana lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Crans Montana - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Crans Montana lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Crans Montana offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Crans Montana directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Crans Montana.
More Crans Montana intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.