Crans-Montana, Switzerland

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Description of Crans-Montana:

Located just 110 miles from Geneva, lies one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland, Crans-Montana. Nestled on a plateau above the city of Sierre, Crans-Montana offers a variety of skiing and shopping as found in many Swiss resorts. The train transfer from Geneva drops you off in the lovely city of Sierre, where you can either take the funicular or the bus up to the villages of Crans and Montana.

The two villages of Crans and Montana are two distinctly different resorts, while only approximately 1/2 mile apart. Crans is the newer of the two resorts, offering many shops and luxury boutiques the likes you may never find in the Paris malls. Montana is older, and offers a very rustic charm with many old-time restaurants and bars.

One of the major attractions to this fantastic resort is the absence of surface lifts. Crans-Montana underwent a major lift upgrade for the 1987 World Championships which allows skiers to take chairlifts or gondolas up to the mountain rather than T-Bars or Pomas that are still in operation at other resorts.

Let's not forget to talk about the fabulous dining and local Apres-Ski bars found throughout both villages. After a full day of skiing, kick off your boots, and relax next to the fireplace at your hotel lounge, or visit the many, many bars throughout town. Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate, or an expert, or just not a skier at all, Crans-Montana has something for you.