Summer Holidays 2020 – Spotlight on Switzerland – 6 (of many) reasons to visit Crans Montana

Last week we were lucky enough to spend an extended weekend in one of our favourite locations on the planet.  It is hard to describe the feeling you get from being surrounded by such a feast of nature´s wonders!  My daughter, who has lived in Switzerland all of her life, commented at one point that it was hard to take it all in… we mused over what it must be like to arrive in that environment as a first time visitor to this beautiful country?  Pretty mind blowing I imagine…

There are, in my humble opinion, many reasons why you should consider a trip to this particular spot in the glorious Canton of Valais, so here are a few of our personal favourites….

1: The Views!

Breathtaking, jaw dropping, magnificent, spectacular… you get the picture. Every direction you look you will be treated with another almost indescribable view.  Stretching along the Rhone Valley from Martigny to Brig and from the Bietschhorn to Mont-Blanc via the Matterhorn, although it is worth noting that the latter 2 peaks are strangely unrecognisable from this angle,  to those of us living in the Suisse Romande area or for anyone searching out the familiar outline of the Matterhorn that we can all identify with certainty. From this angle we needed the help of a peak finder app although there are several great quality and very handily placed telescopes scattered around the resort which assist in 360 degrees mountain recognition.

2:  The weather

Crans Montana boasts 300 days of sunshine per year and I have nothing more to say about that 🌞😀

 3:  The Hikes

In Summer there are an amazing 320km of hiking trails on offer which give the option of something for everyone. As we had booked to play 18 holes, more on that later,  we chose to do a relatively easy hike to save our legs for the golf course! 

So we got in the car and took the extremely scenic 30 minute drive to Tseuzier Dam. The drive itself is stunning and worth the trip although it is not for the faint hearted in places. There are single width tunnels to be shared with the oncoming traffic and the local bus service!!  Of course there are many “passing” points so it works just fine. There were quite a few cars already when we arrived and I wondered if there would be too many people out on the trail, but this was not an issue at all. The area is vast and people disappeared into it!   

We walked around the lake in a clockwise direction, which I personally would recommend for the views of the dam at the end from the elevated path. Note that although the total elevation change is only about 140 vertical meters, parts of the trail are unsuitable for pushchairs so backpack carriers for very young children are advised. Without ever really leaving the lake side for too long, this walk takes you through mountain pastures and forests and along the Bisse de Sion, a historical irrigation channel which was built in the early 1900s. The Bisse crosses a stream at one point via a wooden viaduct which is very cool. 

At the far end of the lake, about half way round, there is a lovely and very conveniently located eco friendly Gite called Lourantze. On their terrace with views of the surrounding cliffs, snow capped peaks and waterfalls to take your breath away, you can revive yourself with a choice of drinks including some from their homemade recipes, and a selection of simple meals such as plates of charcuterie or fondue (if booked in advance).  You can actually spend an unforgettable night here in a Tipi!  They also have a dormitory for groups of up to 12,  prices start around 45CHf per night plus 20CHF for half board!  There are discounts for children. 

Upon leaving the charming oasis of Lourantze we made our way up to the side of the waterfall, crossing the stream several times, and continued along the path which climbs up and rewards you with a spectacular panorama of the dam and the turquoise lake from your elevated viewpoint. I absolutely loved this hike and cannot recommend it highly enough for it’s sheer beauty and changing scenery.

The restaurant du barrage de Zeuzier, is conveniently located next to the Dam and has a spectacular terrace which was full when we visited. Unfortunately I cannot comment on the food as we did not have time for a meal as we were due on the tee…..

4: The Golf

If you are a golfer in Switzerland, then playing the Severiano Ballesteros course at Crans Montana is, in my opinion, a not to be missed experience. Each year the course plays host to the Omega European Masters, which is one of the most prestigious golf competitions held in Europe and which attracts a fantastic field of professional golfers each year. In 2019 for example, golf royalty Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Sergio Garcia, who is actually a member at the club, all graced the fairways of this incredibly beautiful course although it was the Swede Sebastian Soderberg who finally picked up the trophy following a 5 man playoff!

Anyway,  back to the actual experience of playing, as usual the course was in fantastic condition and although busy we barely waited at all during the whole round. If you happen to be fortunate enough to play on a clear sunny day,  as we did, it is easy to feel a little overwhelmed with gratitude at times. For example from the 7th tee, which has to be one of the most spectacular views from a golf course anywhere on the entire planet?!   You could definitely be excused a slightly errant shot as it is quite difficult to focus on your golf at that point., well that’s what I told myself anyway. The other very cool and quite intoxicating thing about playing golf in Crans Montana is that, due to the altitude, your ball flies quite easily and further than usual through the crystal clear air.

I could literally go on about this golf experience, but I guess the best thing is to just try it if you ever have the chance.

5: Free Cable Cars!

Another great reason to visit in the Summer is that if you stay for a minimum of one night in either a hotel, campsite, B&B or Mountain hut etc and pay the local visitor tax, you will receive the fabulous My explorer Card., which means you can use the Cable Cars for Free!!  The card also give access to many other free activities such as use of the shuttle buses in the resort, electric cars for children, mini golf, indoor ice rink, water games at the lake, entrance to the Le Sporting Swimming Pool, Pedalos and the Climbing wall. Visitor tax prices range from Fr. 1.20 to FR. 3.00 a night.

Why not take advantage of the free pass and take the Violettes cable car and then the Plaine Morte Funitel  for a spectacular vista over the glacier. It is seriously like a different world up there as it is so high above the tree level and well worth the trip.

You can also take the Marmot trail from the top of the Violettes cable car over to the Cry d-Er lift. A highlight of this hike is not only the ever present panorama of the highest peaks in the Alpine massif which face you, but the sheer amount of wild flowers that fill the pastures  on each side of the pathway.  Be advised that there are some very steep sections, some steep metal stairs and a short stretch that is quite technical involving scrambling  up some rocks with the aid of a chain of rope.

Before heading back down to Crans, make sure to visit the stunning terrace of the Cry d’Er restaurant at the top of the cable car and as hard as it may be to drag yourself away from this amazing place there are other delights waiting ……

6: The Food

There are, as you would imagine, some fabulous restaurants in Crans Montana, with something for everyone,  but on this visit we found a new favourite, The Mosaic Grill and Brasserie. We arrived fairly late, around 21:00 and without a reservation, I am sure this would not be recommended especially during busy periods, however on this particular evening it was not a problem. We were welcomed and seated at a table right next to the show kitchen. I personally love it when you can see the kitchen in operation, although it did make it more difficult than usual to choose, because everything we could see looked fantastic!. The other thing the Mosaic did, which I love, is gave us a menu as soon as we sat down and asked us if we would like an apero, not rocket science I realise, but for me, simple, and one of the marks of great service.

The 6 of us were, without exception, delighted with our meals. I had a mixed salad which was an explosion of tastes and textures followed by the most amazing champagne risotto (I refused to ponder just how much cheese and butter, and indeed champagne must have been in it to taste that good!  The unlimited fresh bread was served with a delightful olive oil and balsamic and I can’t even begin to describe how delicious the cheesecake was. All in all, highly recommended for the friendly attentive service and fabulous food. 

We will definitely go back on our next visit to this Summer paradise,  which I hope is sometime soon…..

• cable cars
• canton of Vaud
• Crans Montana
• Destination Switzerland
• Food
• golf
• hikes
• My explorer card
• Sevariano Ballesteros golf course
• Spotlight Switzerland;
• Summer holidays 2020
• Swiss Travels
• The Mosaic Grill and Brasserie
• travels
• Valais