Montana

A sunny alpine resort perched above the Rhône valley with excellent hiking and mountain biking access, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than busier resorts. The panoramic views and peaceful mountain setting make it ideal for those seeking tranquility with outdoor activities.

Things to do

• Hiking to Lac de Tracuit — A moderate alpine lake hike offering stunning glacial views and pristine mountain scenery accessible directly from Montana.
• Mountain biking the Bike Park — Montana operates a dedicated bike park with trails ranging from beginner to advanced, with chairlift access for multiple descents.
• Chairlift ride to Cry d'Er — Take the cable car to this scenic viewpoint above Montana for panoramic Rhône valley vistas and easy walking trails.
• Exploring the Valais wine region — Visit nearby vineyards on the slopes around Montana to taste local Valais wines like Petite Arvine and Humagne.
• Trail running and fell running — Montana's location on the mountainside provides access to numerous single-track trails perfect for trail runners of all levels.
• Visiting Crans-Montana Golf Club — Play on one of Switzerland's most prestigious golf courses with commanding views of the Alps and Rhône valley.

Food to try

• Raclette — A quintessential Valais cheese dish where melted cheese is scraped onto bread and potatoes, best enjoyed at traditional local restaurants.
• Fondue valaisanne — A regional variation of Swiss fondue made with local Valais cheeses, served with crusty bread and pickled vegetables.
• Dried meat (viande séchée) — Local cured beef from the Valais region, thinly sliced and served as an appetizer or in salads, characteristic of alpine cuisine.
• Valais wine tasting — Sample white wines like Petite Arvine or reds like Syrah from the surrounding vineyard slopes that make Valais a renowned wine region.
• Tomme cheese — A semi-hard alpine cheese produced locally in Valais, often found on charcuterie boards at village shops and restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect mountain weather changes — Alpine conditions can shift rapidly; always check forecasts before hiking and carry weather-appropriate gear even on sunny days.
• Learn basic French greetings — While English is spoken in tourist areas, locals appreciate visitors attempting French phrases like 'Bonjour' and 'S'il vous plaît' in this French-speaking canton.
• Plan around local alpine traditions — Montana hosts seasonal events like alphorn festivals and traditional Valais celebrations; check locally for dates to experience authentic mountain culture.
• Use the regional public transport — The Swiss mountain rail and bus network connecting Montana to nearby Crans and Sierre is reliable and scenic; locals prefer it to driving.