Crans Montana (Summer)

Crans and Montana are two adjacent resort towns in the mountains of the French-speaking Lower Valais. Relatively unknown to American tourists, Crans-Montana sees mostly European guests. In contrast to nearby party town Verbier, this place has a laid-back feel. It's a favorite destination of upscale travelers, with one 5-star and two 4-star hotels, all of which feature wonderful spas. There are also several moderately-priced 3-star hotels, and a couple of budget lodgings catering to the backpacker crowd. There’s great dining to be had: this is the heart of fondue country, and Switzerland’s largest wine region is just down in the valley. The ...

Crans and Montana are two adjacent resort towns in the mountains of the French-speaking Lower Valais. Relatively unknown to American tourists, Crans-Montana sees mostly European guests. In contrast to nearby party town Verbier, this place has a laid-back feel. It's a favorite destination of upscale travelers, with one 5-star and two 4-star hotels, all of which feature wonderful spas. There are also several moderately-priced 3-star hotels, and a couple of budget lodgings catering to the backpacker crowd. There’s great dining to be had: this is the heart of fondue country, and Switzerland’s largest wine region is just down in the valley. The scenery is spectacular, and opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are endless. From May through October, Crans-Montana is a major destination for golfers. The championship Severiano Ballesteros course is one of the most spectacular in the world, with breathtaking Alpine vistas. There are also two 9-hole courses. The model train museum is a good hit if you have kids. This is a modern resort, and lacks the kind of storybook architecture you'll find in places like Zermatt.

About the Expert

Charlie Morris is the author of the Open Road guidebooks Best of Honduras, Best of Costa Rica, Best of Belize, and Switzerland Guide.