Hiking

About 301 km (187 miles) of well-marked trails branch out from both villages, sometimes intersecting but more often leading in opposite directions. Unless you want to scale higher peaks, all that is needed is a good pair of boots and a map to guide you to signed pathways through open terrain, forests, or along the bisses (irrigation channels), beloved by butterflies and wildflowers in the summer. Keep an eye out for fast-paced Nordic walkers (power hikers using ski poles).

One of the more popular hikes in Crans-Montana between June and October is an easy 10-km (6-mile) trail that follows the irrigation channel built in the 15th century, leading you upstream from Vermala, just to the west of the Barzettes-Violettes cable car station. Enjoy the panoramic views along the way before stopping at the Colombire Hamlet for some fresh local cheese. Then head along another gentle slope to end up in Aminona, where you can catch a bus back to Montana. The whole hike takes about three hours.

Swiss Mountain Sports. If it's an extreme hiking or climbing challenge you're looking for, contact the pros at Swiss Mountain Sports for guidance. They also offer ski and snowboard school in the winter. 3 rte. du Parc, Crans-Montana, Valais. 027/4804466; www.sms04.ch.