- The historic ski resort, which has stood for over a hundred years, is experiencing a revival due to fresh investments.
- James Reynolds discovers that unwinding in chilly Crans-Montana isn't a simple task.
- EXPLORE FURTHER: Dazzling delights: Top spring getaways in Britain
"Just release your grip," my instructor advises me. However, it's not simple to unwind.
There's simply too much to keep track of. Move forward and I'll speed up. Shift backward and I'll topple over.
I confess, I am well outside my comfort zone. Being a Londoner, my natural tendency is to feel anxious, to stay on the right side and patiently await for all things and people to go by.
This might be why I'm finding it challenging to adapt to the laid-back atmosphere of Crans-Montana, situated up in the Swiss Alps.
This also clarifies why it has become the preferred haven for European elites looking to slow their pace of life. After you surrender completely, the rest of the world might as well cease to exist.
Crans-Montana, which stays open until April 21, is experiencing a 'renaissance' due to shifts in demographics and fresh investments. The area comprises two villages—Crans to the west and Montana From the eastern side, they are connected via a mountain trail.
The resort has hosted British visitors for over a hundred years. Initially founded when Hôtel du Parc opened its doors as a clinic in 1893, operated by Swiss doctor Theodore Stephani, who cared for patients with tuberculosis.
A golf course was then built in 1906, followed by the first official ski race organized by British pioneer Sir Arnold Lunn five years thereafter.
Owing to its wide range of recreational pursuits available, the resort expanded gradually over time, drawing an impressive crowd that included Sir Roger Moore, whose residence remains standing but is presently hidden behind building works.
Maybe, in a way, it symbolizes the wish to infuse fresh vitality into the resort.
Coincidentally, construction activities are banned during the height of the ski season; however, throughout the municipality, one cannot help but notice the indications of a structured ambition for transformation. This is evident through the organization of prestigious sports and cultural events as well as the proliferation of high-end dining establishments.
The town features an art gallery called The Opale Foundation, exclusively showcasing Indigenous Australian artwork. Meanwhile, billboards throughout the area highlight Crans-Montana’s upcoming preparation efforts for the 2027 World Championships in Alpine Skiing.
The mountainous getaway also experiences 300 sunny days annually.
The resort clearly understands that its neighboring resorts, located at lower elevations, are struggling with increasing temperatures and insufficient snowfall.
Perched at a higher elevation, Crans-Montana hasn’t encountered this issue just yet; however, it serves as an example of how nearby areas may need to adjust in the coming years.
Away from the slopes, there is a wide array of activities available, and during my stay, I make sure to experience as many as I can.
One evening we relish a enchanting walk along the seasonal pathway called The Lantern Trail, stretching from Lake Moubra to Etang Long Lake.
The path leads us across the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, now converted into an impressive and engaging exhibit featuring glowing art installations and vibrantly lit trees.
One evening, we catch an exciting ice hockey match. The Ycoor ice-skating rink is among the biggest in Switzerland.
Later, at the indoor curling facility, we watch intently as we root for the teams equipped with brooms. They demonstrate their 'brushing' techniques to guide a 20kg granite stone into the 'house,' which is essentially the target area.
Due to its position and high-end customer base, Crans-Montana boasts numerous exceptional dining establishments. We have dinner at CASY—a sophisticated, minimalistic ski chalet featuring wooden walls and flooring.
The restaurant advertises itself as offering Contemporary European cuisine and features items like grilled octopus paired with sweet potatoes for 24 CHF (£21/$26). Another dish consists of white asparagus served alongside cured ham and hollandaise sauce at 21 CHF (£21/$26). They also serve roasted duck breast accompanied by white bean purée, foie gras, and Sichuan sauce priced at 43 CHF (£37/$47).
Th Here you'll find something for everybody. Situated at the crossroads of beer-drinking Europe and wine-producing Europe, Crans-Montana embraced both traditions. They promote a vibrant après-ski culture tailored to British tastes while simultaneously cultivating wines locally on their slopes near Sierre.
Regular skiers mention that the town has transformed over the past few years, partly because of a contentious legislation mandating a minimum yearly salary of £33,800 for employees working in chalets and food services. Additionally, with Brexit making it more challenging to hire workers from abroad, there’s now an increased chance for local individuals to take up these roles, which community members recognize as beneficial.
Certainly, change is on the horizon as the highly anticipated acquisition of Crans-Montana by Vail Resort approaches completion. This marks their second venture into Europe following their recent investment in Andermatt-Sedrun located in central Switzerland.
My ski guide Anne informs me, They enjoy a solid reputation. I'm quite eager to see what the upcoming winter season brings, and I trust they'll implement the necessary updates to the older facilities... some of which date back ages.
She additionally encourages Vail Resorts to introduce paths suitable for novices in the Arnouva region, known for a restaurant offering breathtaking vistas, where we pause for some fondue.
Events like the City Ski Challenge Now in its 24th year, assist the resort by welcoming an annual group of European business professionals from all over the continent each year for both competition and relaxation.
The introduction of luxurious five-star resorts like magnificent five-star Retreats Six Senses Crans-Montana , which launched in 2023, also indicates confidence in the broader initiatives of the resort.
Christian Gurtner, the general manager, shares with me: "The acquisition by Vail Resorts has paved the way for substantial expansion, which includes expected developments such as new high-end accommodations, the addition of hot springs, and improvements to chairlifts."
These advancements match the changing needs of tourism, addressing a sophisticated clientele looking for enhanced encounters.
He notes that there needs to be a equilibrium struck between maintaining the distinctive allure of Crans-Montana and incorporating contemporary facilities to improve the total visitor experience.
Thus, Crans-Montana has maintained its essence as a sanctuary for those outside the mainstream looking to escape their urban routines.
We opted to remain at the traditionally styled Hotel La Prairie, a delightful, cabin-like establishment featuring extensive wooden paneling and conveniently situated mere steps away from the downtown area.
We opted to remain at the traditionally styled Hotel La Prairie, a delightful chalet-like establishment featuring wooden paneling throughout and conveniently situated mere steps away from the downtown area.
I discover an empty mini bottle of Johnnie Walker in a wooden nightstand, maybe reflecting the essence of the location.
However, the employees are welcoming, the cuisine is excellent, and the bar stays open until late. Regardless of whether you seek exclusive opulence or wish to relax in a cozy, inviting setting with spectacular vistas — Crans-Montana offers everything you could desire.
European skiing could encounter several obstacles in the next few years, yet Crans-Montana exemplifies precisely how to address these issues.
(*not her real name)
Read more
Post a Comment