King of the backcountry

Crans-Montana is one of those rare Alpine gems where summer activities blend with winter adventures on the same day. Nicolas Masserey, who has served as Director of the Swiss Ski School for the past 20 years, was born here. Speaking to him, you can see why there is little reason to leave. There’s something fun to do every day.

All-year mountain action

“The mountain biking stops mid-November, and we start skiing straight away. Last year, I went out on my bike on November 15. A week later, I was skiing up on the glacier. Later in March and April, you can ski one day and play a round of golf the day after. By May, you can combine morning skiing with an afternoon of wakeboarding on the lake. Last year, we were able to ski until the beginning of June. In the summer months and into October, there are a lot of hiking and biking trails to discover, and you can combine outdoor activities with cultural activities such as the wine harvest and gastronomy. There is a very smooth transition between the seasons.”

The 3,000-meter Plaine Morte glacier at the top of the resort ensures plenty of snow. The pistes also please just about everyone, from the sunny south-facing cruising trails for families of all abilities to the more adrenaline-fueled snowpark and vast off-piste terrain.

Backcountry basics

If you are considering off-piste skiing, you should always go with a guide. It is better for the resort, as the guides understand the safety requirements and regulations. And it’s better for you, as the guides will know where and when to go for the best conditions on the day.

“Every day is different. The mountain is an exceptional environment, but it demands respect! I love skiing in the less-busy areas, so I like Plaine Morte glacier and the secret couloirs down towards Aminona. The backcountry is extraordinary as you can be separate from the main stations. It is a way to experience heliskiing without the helicopter. Everyone who does the Aminona descent falls in love with it and wants to come back. It’s a bit like the Vallée Blanche in Chamonix but without the queues. It’s way more exclusive – it’s proper backcountry.”

Where beginners are winners

Just as Nicolas’ ski school adapts to a mountain bike school with a full program of summer and winter activities and lessons, it also adapts to all abilities. For beginners, there are two dedicated areas, one in the middle of town.

“Our learner ski areas are another unique benefit. A real plus for nervous first-timers are the gentle slopes of the golf course in town. The slopes are easy to get to, so non-skiing parents can drop their children off for lessons and then walk into town to visit the shops. Up on the mountain are some excellent beginner areas beneath Cry d’Er. The slopes face the south, so it tends to be warmer and sunnier, and therefore the conditions are kinder for children to learn!”

Elevating the experience

Crans-Montana has a modern and highly efficient lift system, and continued investment is paying off. It boasts an Adrenaline snowpark and Olympic-sized halfpipe and has been awarded the 2027 Alpine Ski World Championships in addition to its current status hosting the Women’s Downhill and Super-G. Ski touring, where you place skins on the bottom of your skis and walk them uphill, has become popular in recent years, and is also well catered for.

“People are always looking to do something different, and ski touring has really taken off. Crans-Montana has responded by creating Europe’s largest ski touring area with 15 marked tracks and varying grades of difficulty.”

Easing hassle and muscles

To make your ski experience even more delightful, our Six Senses Crans-Montana ski concierge and team are on hand to arrange lift passes or lessons with Nicolas and his team. They’ll also store or service your skis. As you ski off the mountain at the end of the day, they’ll even whisk off any wet boots or clothes to dry while you settle back and relax in our lounge.

Our 2,000 square-meter Six Senses Spa greets and treats tired legs with a Recovery Lounge featuring the latest Normatec compression boots, multiple sauna and steam facilities, state-of-the-art floatation pod, and even a Stretch Pod. This is where dedicated therapists will use deep stretch movements to increase maneuverability, strength, and injury prevention. They’ll ease any muscle knots and release fascia stiffness, ready for you to get up and go again the next day.