Crans-Montana at a glance
Crans-Montana lies on a wide, sunny plateau at about 1,500 metres, above the Rhône valley and the town of Sierre, in the canton of Valais. From its terraces, the view stretches across the valley to a long line of summits, from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. The resort combines a ski area, golf courses, lakes, forests and a lively centre with shops, hotels and restaurants.
For Geneva Transfer Booking, Crans-Montana is a classic transfer from Geneva Airport, for skiers in winter and for golfers, families and event visitors in summer.
A short history
At the end of the 19th century, the plateau welcomed its first sanatoriums and hotels, attracted by the sun and the pure air. Skiing developed in the early 20th century, and golf arrived in 1906 with the first course. Crans-Montana hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships in 1987 and has been chosen to host them again in 2027. Every summer, the Crans-sur-Sierre golf course hosts a major European professional tournament.
When to come
The ski season usually runs from early December to mid-April. The plateau is known for its sunshine, even in winter. Summer is the season of golf, hiking, mountain biking and lakeside walks, with the great golf tournament at the end of August or the beginning of September. Spring and autumn are quieter; the vineyards below the plateau turn gold in autumn.
From Geneva Airport to Crans-Montana: the route
The trip covers about 180 kilometres. Google calculates about two hours and ten minutes without traffic. The motorway follows Lake Geneva to Lausanne and Montreux, continues up the Rhône valley past Martigny and Sion to Sierre, then a road climbs through the vineyards to the plateau. The whole route is in Switzerland: no border to cross.
Our vehicles run on winter tyres and carry chains, and our chauffeurs check the road reports before leaving.
The ski area
The ski area of Crans-Montana stretches from the plateau to the Plaine Morte glacier, at about 3,000 metres, with long, sunny slopes and views over the Alps. It suits all levels, with wide pistes for families and the demanding race slopes used for World Cup events.
The funicular from Sierre
A funicular links the town of Sierre, in the valley, to Montana on the plateau. Travellers arriving by train can take it, but with luggage and skis, a car to the door of your hotel or chalet is much simpler.
What to see and do
- The Plaine Morte glacier and its panorama.
- The golf courses of Crans-sur-Sierre in summer.
- The lakes of the plateau, such as Lac Grenon and Lac Moubra, for walks and swimming.
- The bisses, old irrigation channels with flat paths along them.
- The vineyards of Sierre and Salgesch below the plateau.
At the table
Valais specialities are on every menu: raclette, the assiette valaisanne with dried meat, cheese and rye bread, and dishes with apricots in summer. The vineyards below the resort produce Fendant, Petite Arvine, Cornalin and Humagne Rouge.
Advice by type of traveller
Families. Ask for child seats with the children's ages; the resort offers gentle slopes for beginners.
Golfers. Tell us about golf bags when booking so we choose the right vehicle.
Event visitors. Book early for the golf tournament and the World Cup races, when hotels and cars are in demand.
Chalet guests. Give us the exact address; the plateau is large and the chalets are spread out.
Vehicles
A Mercedes E-Class suits one to three passengers with ski or golf bags; the S-Class offers the most comfort; the V-Class takes up to six or seven passengers with equipment; the Sprinter is available on request for groups.
Booking
The prices on this page are calculated by our booking engine for a one-way trip from Geneva Airport to Crans-Montana. Book online to see the exact price for your chalet or hotel. Book the return at the same time and the booking engine applies a 10% reduction to the round trip.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the transfer from Geneva Airport to Crans-Montana?
About two hours and ten minutes for about 180 kilometres without traffic.
Do we cross a border?
No. The whole route is in Switzerland.
Can you carry golf bags?
Yes. Tell us the number of bags when booking.
Are your vehicles equipped for snow?
Yes, with winter tyres and chains on board.
Is Crans-Montana sunny in winter?
The plateau is known for its sunshine, which makes it pleasant even in the middle of winter.
