Crans Montana

A sprawling, busy resort with few queues, good mountain restaurants and lovely cruisy runs set against beautiful views South across the Rhone Valley. Needs good snow conditions though, so probably best for January through to February half-term when higher, north-facing resorts can be grim. By road it’s pretty easy to get to, but by public transport you need to transfer from Sierre’s main station to another funicular station then take a bus and make a short walk.

Ski Area Crans Montana
Resorts Crans, Montana, Aminona
Ski Region Valais
Piste (km) 140
Top run (m) 2462
Bottom (m) 1500
Max Drop 962
Snow’n’Rail Y
Black (km) 20
Red (km) 80
Blue (km) 40
Lifts (#/hr) 36520
My Rating 5
Alpine 4
SnowPark 4
Nordic 4
Hiking 3
Family 3
Apres Ski 4
Free Ride Y
Snow making Y
Fun park Y
Snow park
Half pipes
Spa

In Brief

Lenzerheide

Lenzerheide is often overlooked as a ski holiday destination but it’s hard to understand why. There is plenty of skiing for all abilities and excellent infrastructure.

Ski Area Lenzerheide
Resorts Churwalden, Pradaschier, Lantsch, Lenz, Lenzerheide, Parpan, Valbella
Ski Region Graubünden
Piste (km) 155
Top run (m) 2865
Bottom (m) 1230
Max Drop 1635
Snow’n’Rail Y
Black (km) 19
Red (km) 64
Blue (km) 72
Lifts (#/hr) 41308
My Rating 5
Alpine 4
SnowPark 4
Nordic 3
Hiking 4
Family 2
Apres Ski 3
Free Ride Y
Snow making Y
Fun park Y
Snow park
Half pipes Y
Spa

In Brief

Villars

Villars is a pleasant enough resort, and being one of the closest Swiss resorts to Geneva Airport makes it a package holiday favourite. It is low, however, and not as snow-sure as other Swiss resorts except at peak season – and there is little to challenge strong skiers looking for powder.

Ski Area Villars
Resorts Villars, Isenau, Villars, Gryon
Ski Region Vaud Alps
Piste (km) 161
Top run (m) 2120
Bottom (m) 1207
Max Drop 913
Snow’n’Rail Y
Black (km) 14
Red (km) 62
Blue (km) 85
Lifts (#/hr) 37000
My Rating 5
Alpine 4
SnowPark 4
Nordic 5
Hiking 2
Family 5
Apres Ski 3
Free Ride
Snow making
Fun park Y
Snow park
Half pipes Y
Spa

In Brief

Adelboden-Lenk

Adelboden is a lovely village which shares with Lenk an impressive ski area with a very good park for boarders. In addition there are also a number of smaller areas covered by the pass and, from the spa town of Lenk, the opportunity to access the extensive slopes at Zweisimmen.

Ski Area Adelboden-Lenk
Resorts Adelboden, Lenk, Frutigen, Elsigen, Metsch
Ski Region Bernese Oberland
Piste (km) 185
Top run (m) 2671
Bottom (m) 929
Max Drop 1742
Snow’n’Rail Y
Black (km) 22
Red (km) 85
Blue (km) 78
Lifts (#/hr) 52420
My Rating 5
Alpine 5
SnowPark 3
Nordic 3
Hiking 4
Family 5
Apres Ski 3
Free Ride Y
Snow making Y
Fun park Y
Snow park Y
Half pipes  
Spa Y

In Brief