Skiing

Crans-Montana is known for its sunny slopes—which can be a great thing during the early part of the season, which runs from late November to late April—but may cause problems as the snow starts to melt. Nevertheless, it's especially good for intermediate skiers, with 140 km (87 miles) of slopes, and cross-country skiers, with 24 km (15 miles) of trails within the resort, including several classic circuits across snow-covered golf courses and around the village lakes, plus a lovely trail atop the glacier. Begin your ascent up the mountain with a cable car leaving from one of four locations: Crans or Montana, which both reach Cry d'Er (via a second lift); Barzettes-Violettes, which reaches Les Violettes and then Plaine Morte; or Aminona, which ascends to Petit Bonvin. Lift tickets cost 69 SF for one day and 349 SF for six days.

Plaine Morte. The pearl of the region is the Plaine Morte, a flat glacier that's perched like a pancake at an elevation of 9,840 feet. A 6-km (3½-mile) cross-country ski trail is open seven months of the year, although there's snow year-round. Crans-Montana, Valais.

Violettes Plaine-Morte. The views during the ascent on the gondola from Les Violettes to Plaine Morte, virtually under assault by crowds during the high season, in themselves justify your stay in Crans-Montana, either in winter or summer. Crans-Montana, Valais.

Les Bosses. The incredibly steep-pitched Les Bosses is a challenge for pros. Reach it by chairlift from Les Violettes. Crans-Montana, Valais.

Piste Nationale. Expert skiers may prefer the Piste Nationale—a 7-km (4½-mile) descent, the longest in the region—site of previous world championships. Get here from the Cry d'Er cable car station. Crans-Montana, Valais.

Petit Bonvin. The eastern section of the ski area connects to Aminona, where a park for snowboarders and a 6-km (3¾-mile) bobsled run drop from 7,874-foot-tall Petit Bonvin. Crans-Montana, Valais.