Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana is a district of Sierre in Switzerland and is a fusion of two ski resorts that merged to form one winter sports area. Visitors to this region can also get great views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. The resort comprises of 140km of ski slopes with the winter sports area at elevations of between 1,510m and 2,927m, and the area sits on a snow covered plateau getting good sun cover high above the Rhone Valley. Although there are some black runs the resort offers predominantly intermediate and easy slopes, and there are 55km of blue runs, 70km of intermediate runs and 15km of more challenging runs. The most difficult ski run is from the Cabene de Bois chair lift with a length of 1km, and the longest run is from Plaine Morte to Barzettes-Violettes at a length of 12km. Run locations cover the Plaine-Morte glacier area, and there is snow-making equipment on a number of the slopes to ensure great conditions and also a snow park and halfpipe. As well as spectacular views including the panoramic Valais Alps the resort also offers extensive alpine shopping opportunities, forest trekking and many eateries including fondue evenings in snug rustic inns. www.crans-montana.ch