Crans Montana - More Than Just Golf

Many people will be more than aware of the spectacular Crans-sur-Sierre golf course situated in the Swiss Alps in the town of Crans Montana. It has played host to the DP World Tour’s European Masters since 1972 - most recently won by Matt Wallace - and visited by Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook a week before this year's event in September 2024. You can read the full review of the golf course here. 

But many may not know that there is so much more to the town of Crans Montana. Whether it’s a visit for golf in the summer months, or skiing during the winter months. 

This vibrant town plays host to a large number of bars, restaurants, shopping and sporting activities that complement the array of hotels and accommodation available. 

Local Info

Sat within the heart of the Swiss Alps, 1,500 metres above sea level, Crans Montana meets all the criteria for being an ideal destination, regardless of your chosen activity or main purpose for your visit. 

Just one hour ahead of the UK, Crans Montana plays host to historic villages as well as a lively town centre, where you can enjoy multiple ski slopes, cultural events, food offerings from traditional raclettes to Michelin-star restaurants, and activities such as walking routes, cycling and water sports. 

Crans Montana boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhone Valley and the 4,000m high peaks of the alps. 

Whilst a ski resort during the winter months, there are around 300 days of fine weather a year meaning activities are on offer during all four seasons and a year-long calendar of fun awaits. 

Travel Info

Matt’s personal experience of driving to Crans Montana is one that will stay with him forever. The winding mountain road on the way up means the views and scenery gradually get better and better the closer to Crans you get, but we do understand many people will not want to take that option. 

The closest airport is Sion, however flights there are limited and Geneva which is 180 kilometres away (c110 miles) will offer more flight options from the major airlines. A train from Geneva Airport will be around two and a half hours into Crans Montana. 

Golf 

As mentioned above, you can read Matt’s feature of the main Championship course at Crans-sur-Sierre as well as the equally as spectacular Jack Nicklaus nine-hole course which is also on site at Crans Montana. A little further down the valley there is also a further nine hole course - Golf NOAS, which is a public course. 

Food

(Restaurant Le Chalet)

There is such a wide variety of choice when it comes to eating in Crans Montana. 130 different restaurants and bars in fact. First point of call would be exploring the town which has anything from local traditional Swiss cuisine to Pizzerias to Michelin-star restaurants, a personal recommendation from Matt was ‘Restaurant Le Chalet’ which is a must for meat lovers, but also well known locally for its traditional Swiss ambience and its famous fondue. 

Skiing

Crans Montana is one of Europe’s most popular ski resorts during the snow season. Reaching altitudes of close to 3,000 metres, there is 88kms of ski touring routes, 140 kilometres of ski pistes (8% Black, 75% Red and 12% Blue) and are all accessible via one of the 24 ski lifts. There is also a 100’00m2 snow park too. Each and every one offering the same picturesque views. 

Other Activities

(Cable Car Views)

Crans Montana is becoming more and more popular with cyclists and hikers. There are 320 kilometres of summer hiking routes available and 113 kilometres of winter routes. If you did prefer to use wheels over your feet then you could take advantage of the 270 kilometres of mountain bike routes or 360 kilometres of road routes. Naturally, we can’t forget the runners amongst us. 230 kilometres of running routes are also available. 

There are many more activities and things to see and do in Crans. If relaxing is your thing then take advantage of one of the seven spas and one outdoor swimming pool or indeed, a walk around one of the seven lakes. A cable car trip up to the mountain peaks is a great way to get some fresh air in your lungs too. If you're still looking for something a little more fast paced then a number of water sports are also available, in addition to a sports centre, riding school, and ice rink. Crans Montana has you covered from start to finish. 

Accommodation 

(Hotel Royal - Pictured Centrally)

There are 35 hotels to pick from in and around Crans Montana. From fairway side hotels to local B&Bs. 

Matt was lucky enough to stay in the stylish 5* Hotel Royal https://www.hotel-royal.ch/ right in the heart of Crans. 43 of the 51 rooms and suits have a south facing balcony or views of the snow covered mountains, forest or ski area. 

With an on-site spa offering a wide variety of treatments or relaxation, The Royal Flame Restaurant, and all within close proximity of the town centre, golf and ski slopes, this is an ideal spot for anyone looking to add a little luxury to their stay.

Other hotels that come recommended are Art de Vivre Hotel and Etrier - both 4* - or Alaia Lodge, Hotel AdEldorado and Hotel Elite.

Omega European Masters

If you wanted to tie in a visit to also watch some live golf, Crans-sur-Sierre is a fantastic course to watch live golf on, with many spots offering up views of numerous holes and some great seating available around the par threes too. As usual, with tented villages and lots going on around the town during event week, it would be a great highlight to see the professionals take on the course.

Tickets go on sale on the tournament website https://www.omegaeuropeanmasters.com/ at a very good price around Christmas. You can buy packages for several days too.

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