Crans-Montana Ski Resort advanced

Advanced and Expert

With most of the ski area designated red and just one easy black run, the on piste skiing is best suited for intermediates and although advanced skiers are unlikely to find on piste conditions very challenging, the marked runs are nonetheless very enjoyable and good for working on technique.

The new Nationale Piste is a fun red run descent with a comfy and fast ride back up on the new 6-seater Nationale Express chairlift which allows time to spot interesting deeper snow possibilities, on Pas de Loup which holds good snow, skiers right of Nationale Piste, switching to skiers left below the middle station and cutting down in the gap between the forest underneath the chair lift.

In good snow conditions there are plenty of good itineraries off-piste for advanced and expert skiers in the upper reaches in the centre of the ski area, beneath the Glacier Plaine Morte 3000m down to Les Violettes 2,250.

The glacier itself is flat and good for cross country skiing with 360° panoramic views in the Alps, but below it along Tubang 2826m, Mont Bonvin 2995m and La Toula there are wide open pitches and opportunities to traverse high to find a steep line and the best available untracked snow.

The slopes off piste below Bella Lui between Mont Lachaux, Col du Pochet and Les Violettes feature many ridges and cliffs and it’s tempting while riding the lifts to contemplate drop off descents when the powder is fresh and deep enough.

Looking north from the ridge running between Plaine Morte, to Mont Bonvin 2995m and Petit Bonvin 2400m and back country possibilities in the direction of Les Faverges 2968m for ski touring with a guide including sections of the route followed by the demanding Défi des Faverges ski mountaineering race which is held in Crans Montana every 2 years, www.defidesfaverges.ch.

Less serious racing for most participants is the Crans-Montana Mont Lachaux Trophy open downhill ski race at the end of March each year. The downhill race from Bella Lui to Crans is open to all ages from 14-99 years with team races on Saturday and individual races on Sunday, 24 categories including snowboard, telemark, snowbike, fancy dress and according to age. The event concludes mid-Sunday afternoon with prize giving, entertainment, eating and drinking at Crans Cry d’Er cable car station.