Nature, Hiking and Alpine Landscapes
Walking on a Glacier at 3,000 Metres
Crans-Montana’s Plaine Morte glacier offers one of the Alps’ most visually striking high-altitude hiking experiences. The ‘Trail of Another Time’ allows visitors to walk alongside the retreating glacier whilst learning about climate change, glacial evolution and the transformation of the Alpine landscape.
The Bisses: Historic Waterways Become Scenic Hiking Trails
The Valais ‘bisses’ irrigation channels have become some of Crans-Montana’s most distinctive walking routes. Trails such as the Bisse du Ro and Bisse du Tsittoret combine dramatic cliff-side paths, suspension bridges, waterfalls and panoramic Alpine views with centuries of mountain history.
Crans-Montana Expands Its Cycling Offering
Cycling has become one of Crans-Montana’s defining summer activities, with the destination investing heavily in mountain biking, gravel riding, e-biking and road cycling infrastructure. Trails now stretch from the vineyards of the Rhone Valley to the Plaine Morte glacier at 3,000 metres.
New Family-Friendly Arnouva Mountain Bike Flowtrail Opens
A major addition for summer 2026 is the new Arnouva Flowtrail, designed specifically for beginners, families and riders looking to improve their mountain bike skills. The 2.5km route introduces riders to Bike Park terrain through smooth berms, gentle gradients and flowing turns.
A 3,000-Metre Alpine Descent from Glacier to Valley Floor
The Plaine Morte Bike route delivers one of the Alps’ most dramatic mountain biking experiences, descending almost 3,000 vertical metres from glacier terrain to the valley floor at Sierre. Parts of the route have previously hosted the Enduro World Series.
Crans-Montana Bets Big on E-Biking
Thanks to its unique plateau geography, Crans-Montana is positioning itself as one of Switzerland’s most accessible e-bike destinations. Riders can explore villages, vineyards, mountain pastures and panoramic trails with routes suitable for both leisure cyclists and experienced riders.
Road Cycling in the Footsteps of the Pros
With more than 360km of road cycling routes and a history of hosting events including the Giro d’Italia and Tour de Suisse, Crans-Montana continues to build its reputation as a serious Alpine road cycling destination. Several routes were designed alongside former Tour de France rider Steve Morabito.
Gravel Cycling Continues to Grow
Crans-Montana is expanding its gravel offering with dedicated routes through vineyards, forests and Alpine tracks. The destination will also host the GRAAALPS ultra-distance gravel race in July 2026, with routes finishing or starting in the resort.
Golf and Major Sporting Events
One of Europe’s Most Scenic Alpine Golf Destinations
The Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club remains one of Europe’s leading mountain golf venues, combining world-class golf with panoramic Alpine scenery. The Severiano Ballesteros course hosts the OMEGA European Masters each September, while the Jack Nicklaus course has repeatedly been voted Switzerland’s most beautiful nine-hole course.
OMEGA European Masters Returns in September 2026
The OMEGA European Masters returns from 3–6 September 2026, once again bringing international golf, hospitality and business networking to Crans-Montana. The event has become one of the most prestigious tournaments on the European golf calendar.
Trail Running Continues to Grow with Wildstrubel by UTMB
The Wildstrubel by UTMB has rapidly become one of Europe’s major trail running events, attracting thousands of runners across the Alps between Valais and the Bernese Oberland. A new Wild Glacier Marathon will debut in 2026, offering runners a spectacular 42km glacial mountain route.
Countdown Begins to the 2027 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships
With less than a year until the 2027 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, Crans-Montana is entering a key preparation phase. Volunteer recruitment, ticket sales and infrastructure planning are now underway as the destination prepares for one of the biggest events in Alpine skiing.
Food, Wine and Agritourism
New Gourmet Event Déli’Cima Launches in 2026
Crans-Montana will launch a new high-end gastronomic event called Déli’Cima on 20 September 2026. Seven leading local chefs will collaborate on an exclusive menu celebrating Alpine plants, local produce and Valais wines in the setting of the Ycoor Gardens Orangery.
The Story of Valais Wine and Local Produce
Crans-Montana’s surrounding vineyards and local producers continue to offer strong storytelling opportunities around Valais wine culture, traditional farming and agritourism. The region is home to 320 hectares of vineyards and 21 winemakers.
Hotels, Sustainability and Resort Development
New Boutique Lifestyle Hotel Opening in Crans-Montana
A new four-star boutique property, L’Uciole, will open in December 2026 in the centre of Crans-Montana. The hotel will feature 60 rooms, an Italian restaurant, spa, fitness centre and speakeasy-style cocktail bar.
Crans-Montana Focuses on Sustainable Development
Sustainability projects are increasingly shaping the destination’s future strategy. Investments include the expansion of Lake Chermignon for water security, reduced public energy consumption through LED infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives including wastewater turbine projects.
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CRANS-MONTANA SUMMER & AUTUMN 2026 – MEDIA STORY SUGGESTIONS
Nature, Hiking and Environment
Walking on a Retreating Glacier at 3,000 Metres
The Plaine Morte glacier offers a visually powerful hiking experience where visitors can see the effects of glacial retreat first-hand whilst walking through dramatic high-Alpine scenery.
The Historic ‘Bisses’ of Valais
Crans-Montana’s historic irrigation channels have become some of the Alps’ most distinctive hiking routes, combining mountain history, engineering and spectacular scenery.
The Tièche: One of Valais’ Last Wild Rivers
A story exploring the preservation of one of the region’s remaining wild river landscapes and its importance to biodiversity and mountain ecosystems.
Cycling and Outdoor Adventure
Plaine Morte Bike: A Glacier-to-Valley Enduro Experience
One of the Alps’ most dramatic MTB descents takes riders from nearly 3,000 metres down to the valley floor through glacial terrain, ridges, forests and Alpine villages.
Crans-Montana Becomes a Test Ground for New MTB Signage
The resort is helping pioneer Switzerland’s new SuisseMobile MTB signage system, reshaping how riders navigate and experience mountain terrain.
When Ski Schools Become Bike Schools
How ski instructors and ski schools are increasingly adapting to year-round tourism by developing cycling and MTB coaching during the summer months.
Why Crans-Montana Works So Well for E-Bikes
The plateau geography, accessible gradients and interconnected mountain routes make Crans-Montana one of the most versatile e-bike destinations in the Alps.
Golf and Alpine Lifestyle
The Jack Nicklaus Course: Switzerland’s Most Scenic Nine Holes?
A closer look at Crans-Montana’s acclaimed nine-hole golf course and why short-format golf at altitude is becoming increasingly appealing.
Maintaining a Golf Course at 1,500 Metres
An environmental and behind-the-scenes look at water management, biodiversity and sustainability challenges on an Alpine golf course.
Food, Wine and Agritourism
The Mountain Pastures behind Crans-Montana’s Luxury Image
An exploration of the working Alpine farming culture that still exists behind the destination’s international tourism profile.
The Story of Cornalin Wine at Château de Vaas
A feature on one of Valais’ oldest grape varieties and the role local wine production continues to play in regional identity and tourism.
Mountain Restaurants and Alpine Food Culture
How mountain huts, local cheeses, traditional recipes and modern gastronomy combine to shape Crans-Montana’s food identity.
Development, Sustainability and Future Planning
The New Hospitality Boom in Crans-Montana
New hotels, renovations and infrastructure projects are reshaping the resort as Crans-Montana enters a new phase of tourism development.
Lake Chermignon and the Future of Water in the Alps
How Crans-Montana is investing in long-term water security through the expansion and modernisation of Lake Chermignon.
How Alpine Resorts Are Adapting to Climate Change
A broader sustainability story looking at renewable energy, resource management and long-term planning in mountain destinations.
Events and Major International Competitions
How the Wildstrubel by UTMB is Transforming the Destination
The growth of trail running tourism and how major endurance events are reshaping Crans-Montana’s international profile.
OMEGA European Masters: More than just a Golf Tournament
A look at how the event blends elite sport, business networking, hospitality and lifestyle in one of Europe’s most scenic golf destinations.
Behind the Scenes of the 2027 FIS Alpine World Championships
How Crans-Montana is preparing for one of the biggest events in Alpine skiing, forty years after hosting the 1987 championships.
Am Stram Gram: The Festival Encouraging Children to Disconnect
A family-focused feature on the resort’s screen-free children’s festival combining creativity, culture and outdoor activities.
