Crans Montana, Switzerland

Crans and Montana were originally two villages, sitting high above the Rhone valley. The resort is more than 100 years old, and offers exceptional panoramic views of the mountains, stretching from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc.

There are 140km of pistes at Crans-Montana, spread over four areas. The ski lift system is modern and well designed with virtually no queues. For advanced skiers, the World Cup pistes are challenging and the off-piste skiing extensive. This is an ideal resort for intermediates, with plenty of wide and long, red and blue runs. There are three nursery areas for beginners.

Crans Montana boasts the largest alpine shopping facilities in the world with many top brands opening shops here. Over the last hundred years the resort has prided itself in offering a healthy lifestyle with a plethora of top hotels, health clubs, cosmopolitan boutiques and gastronomic restaurants. Fashion, style and class are high on the agenda. Why else would Caviar House, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Hermes have added Crans-Montana to their list of London, Paris and New York?

In the resort centre there are 9 swimming pools, 4 health centres, 2 ice rinks, indoor squash and tennis courts, 4 bowling alleys and cinemas.

It is important to note that nightlife is very active in Crans-Montana. The bars, pubs and nightclubs are all very much alive. Crans-Montana also hosts international events so you are sure to find one or two events to get involved with. Why not rub shoulders with renowned athletes or artists? Experience the largest winter mountain music festival, The Caprice Festival. Also there are international ski competitions such as the World Cup mens' race; the International hot air balloon meet and many others. Crans-Montana is a resort that is on the move.