Things To Do

OUR FAVORITE HIKES

We've included a hiking map in everyone's welcome bag, which provides more details on each hike!

Bisse du Tsittoret (#4 on map)

This is one of Crans' most beautiful hikes, as you follow a babbling bisse through alpine pastures, past grazing cows, over gushing waterfalls, starting in town and ending at Cave du Sex for a traditional Swiss BBQ lunch. This is a long hike (5 miles / approx. 2.5 hours each way, if you walk at a good clip!), but it's not very intense; just a few steep uphill sections, and the rest of fairly flat. With kids, drive or take the free shuttle bus to Colombire; from there, it's an easy 30-minute walk along a flat path. You'll end at Cave du Sex, a working cheese dairy farm, for a traditional Swiss BBQ lunch. Some menu highlights: the grilled veal sausage + rösti + salad plate; cheese rösti (from the cows that are grazing in the neighboring pasture!); homemade pie or a meringue (a local delicacy) for dessert; a bottle of Petite Arvine, of course! No reservations, so get there early as it gets very busy; otherwise wait in line for a table. CASH ONLY!

Sentier des Marmottes (#1 on map)

Starting from town, this hike takes you up a fairly steep ski slope, ending at Cabane des Violettes for a well-earned drink and lunch (our favorites are the fondue, the polenta, and the bolognese) with breathtaking views across the valley. Be sure you have lunch at "CABANE des Violettes" (the log cabin), not "Violettes" (the gondola station restaurant). Reservations recommended via the link below. Credit cards / ApplePay accepted. To go down, either hike down or take the gondola (it's right there!).

Plaine Morte (#10 on map)

Hike through the snow, even in August! This is a full-day excursion to the very top of the mountain, hiking through snow on the Plaine Morte glacier. Get there via gondola, enjoying a late lunch on the way down at Cabane des Violettes (not "Violettes"!), the half-way point of the gondola. Check the link below for more info to plan your day.

Hike to Chetzeron

This is not an official hike on the map, but there is signage on the mountain to get you there. It's an intense hike up steep ski slopes, through flowering mountain pastures, and past grazing cows, and you can hear the church bells from town in the distance — I feel like we're in The Sound of Music whenever we do this hike! The lunch at Chetzeron is one of the best on the mountain, with incredible terrace views. Reservations recommend. (NOTE that Chetzeron will be CLOSED on the wedding day, Thursday, August 7.)

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Golf

The Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club has two different courses: the Severiano Ballesteros course is where the European Masters is held every year; it's 18 holes, epic views, a bit more formal. The Jack Nicklaus course (Dan's favorite!) is 9 holes, also beautiful, a bit more laid back. Tee times and rates available via this link. You can also indicate if you need to rent clubs. Book through your hotel for 20% discount!

Biking

Impeccably well-signposted, varied natural landscapes and breathtaking panoramic views — from mountain biking to road biking to e-bikes, Crans-Montana offers a limitless playground for every cyclist. Bike rentals (same day or book ahead) are available in town through Alex Sport or Specialized Bike Shop.

Racquet Sports

The Crans Montana Sports Center is the largest sports center in the Swiss Alps, offering tennis (2 indoor carpet courts and 6 outdoor clay courts), padel, pickleball, a climbing wall, and more. Check out the website below for rates and booking info.

Water Activities

Thanks to its high plateau, Crans-Montana offers many lakes and ponds, the perfect way to relax during the summer. Whether it’s swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, water skiing, or just lounging poolside, there is something for everyone.

Spas & Wellness

With indoor and outdoor swimming pools, massages, hammams, jacuzzis, yoga, and more Crans-Montana boasts a wide range of spas for ultimate relaxation. Great options include the spas at Aida and Six Senses, with additional spots listed via the link below.

WHERE TO EAT

Burger Lounge

This is our first stop every time we arrive to Crans — the perfect post-arrival lunch. Sit outside on the terrace, enjoy a glass of Petite Arvine (local wine of the Valais region) and a delicious burger, all with mountain views. Don't forget the fries — they're not to be missed!

La Piccolina

Our go-to pizza spot in Crans, perfect for casual takeaway or eating outside. Artisanal wood-fired pizza made with the freshest ingredients, located in the heart of Crans.

Le Mayen

Fondue, raclette, rösti, oh my! This is the place to go for all the specialties of the Valais region. Reserve ahead of time, as this is one of the more popular restaurants in town.

Le Thai

One of our favorite spots in town! Eat on the enclosed outdoor patio for a nice vibe and delicious food. Reserve ahead, since it's a very popular spot.

Casy

A modern brasserie serving everything from pizzas straight from a wood‑fired oven to tartares, burgers, and more. A slightly elevated vibe, but still relaxed and welcoming. Also great for enjoying a coffee or drink outside on the terrace.

Gerber

Italian restaurant on the charming Montana side of the resort. Pizza, pastas, and salads, with nice outdoor seating on the terrace (or laid back seating inside as well).

Taillens

Bakery for pastries, bread, and pre-made sandwiches. A great option for breakfast, lunch, or a snack! A few locations throughout town.

To-go sandwiches

If you're packing for a hike or picnic, both Coop (the grocery store) and Taillens (the bakery) have excellent pre-made sandwiches and more.

La Marmotte Brewery

Relax with a refreshing post-hike beer at Crans-Montana's local brewery, La Marmotte. Tours + tastings are provided as well (additional info on website).

Cabane des Violettes

One of our favorite mountain-top restaurants, with spectacular views of the Valais and featuring traditional Swiss cuisine (fondue, rösti, and more). The perfect end to a hike or easily accessible via gondola. (This was the first hike we did together on our first trip to Crans and is also where we had a celebratory lunch right after getting engaged!) Accessible via hike (see instructions above) or the Violettes gondola.

Cave du Sex

This alpine cheese dairy and rustic mountain-side restaurant is as authentic Switzerland as it gets — and our favorite place to eat in the mountains, at the end of our favorite hike. Enjoy a cheese rösti and grilled veal sausage with incredible Valais views, in the middle of a cow pasture. For dessert, try their homemade pies or a meringue (local delicacy) with homemade whipped cream. Cash only. Accessible via hike (see instructions above), car, or free shuttle bus.

TRIP ITINERARIES (OTHER PLACES IN EUROPE)

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Located in the center of Europe and with excellent trains and airports, Switzerland is an easy jumping-off point for add-on trips — either within Switzerland or beyond! Crans-Montana is near to iconic Swiss mountain towns like Verbier, Zermatt, Wengen, Interlaken, Monteaux, and Grindelwald, among many others. With its unparalleled beauty and generally temperate and sunny summer weather, there is nothing like summer in Switzerland : ) Need some trip ideas? We've compiled recommendations based on our travels together these past few years — check the link below!