Perched on a sunny high plateau overlooking the Rhone Valley, Crans-Montana is a renowned ski resort that many associate with winter holidays. Yet in summer it offers a different way of experiencing the mountains, thanks to its unique summer identity, set against a backdrop of rare contrasts, where visitors come to enjoy cooler air as the temperatures rise in the valley below. In just a few miles, the landscape shifts from glaciers to forests, from high-altitude lakes to vineyards, and it all coexists with a lively resort atmosphere that gives the destination the feel of a real town in the mountains. The mountains here are not experienced from a distance, they are at the very heart of a lively, outgoing resort that is bustling with activity all season long.
The mountains in Crans-Montana aren’t just there to be admired: they are waiting to be explored. Summer revolves around an extensive network of footpaths, cycle routes and accessible natural areas, offering a wide variety of outdoor experiences. Hiking, road cycling or mountain biking, swimming, relaxing on a beach in the mountains or even playing golf with the mountains in the background: lots of summer activities fit naturally into everyday life here, without the need for complex planning.
This accessibility, alongside the well-developed infrastructure, makes it possible to tailor holidays to suit everyone’s pace and preferences, from the most active to the most contemplative, but always against a spectacular Alpine backdrop.
Summer in Crans-Montana is also defined by a packed programme of events that gives the resort a distinct cultural and international flavour. Throughout the season there are festivals, concerts and cultural events in the resort, such as the Crans-Montana Classics and the Swiss National Day celebrations, which sit alongside major sporting events like the Omega European Masters between 3 and 6 September, and the Wildstrubel by UTMB from 10 to 13 September.
Combining top-level sport, culture and festive occasions, these events attract a cosmopolitan crowd each year, and help make Crans-Montana a lively place where visitors, regulars and locals come together.
Crans-Montana also offers a structured programme for families, with experiences tailored to different ages and paces, giving the destination a truly intergenerational feel, supported by modern and accessible facilities.
Lots of play areas mean children can enjoy having fun and playing. Bibi’s house is an area for the very youngest visitors, with entertainment, games and supervised activities. At the Étang Long lake, the Beach Club offers a combination of sport, relaxation and areas designed for children. The Am Stram Gram festival between 9 and 12 July rounds off the programme, with shows, workshops and outdoor activities for families.
Beyond sporting activities and events, you can also explore Crans-Montana through more contemplative experiences, rooted in the local area and traditions. The Colombire hamlet offers a glimpse into the region’s rural history, whilst several museums and exhibition spaces provide a more urban cultural experience.
At the heart of Switzerland’s largest wine region, the local terroir plays a significant role and is a reminder of how deeply the resort is rooted in the local area. Local wines, Alpine cheeses and regional specialities can be sampled at tastings, in wine cellars or directly from the producers, and are also served in restaurants, where traditional eateries and more contemporary venues showcase these products.
The resort also offers a wide range of shops, inviting visitors to round off their stay with a leisurely stroll through the heart of the resort.
Offers and experiences to discover
In Crans-Montana, summer is not just a succession of activities: it is a way of life in the mountains. Being able to go for a hike in the morning, have lunch on a terrace, attend an event late afternoon, then stroll through the resort in the evening without ever leaving the area is part of this experience. Crans-Montana is more than just a destination, it stands out as a true high-altitude lifestyle destination, where everyone can tailor their stay to fit their own pace. The resort’s summer identity can be found in this balance between nature, activities and social life at the heart of a region of contrasts: truly a town in the mountains.
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