As the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana welcomes visitors back for the new winter season, it also prepares for a number of exciting events and new additions that include a family festival, City Ski Championships, Snowcamp Charity Marathon and several new hotel openings.
Highlights for This Winter Season Include
- Bella Lui Family Festival, December 3, 2021 until January 9, 2022.
- Men’s slalom invitational, January 12, 2022.
- Knight Frank City Ski Championships, February 3-6, 2022.
- Snowcamp Charity Marathon weekend, February 3-6, 2022.
- Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Women’s Downhill, February 26-27, 2022.
- Caprices, electronic music festival, April 8-10 and 15-17, 2022.
- New hotel openings.
- New Hotel Lift Pass scheme.
- Expanded ski touring park.
New Openings
Aïda Hotel & Spa, 5*
Hotel Aïda & SPA will offer exclusive adult only accommodation, opening for the 21/22 winter season. With 17 suites, Spa & Wellness with indoor and outdoor pool, and restaurants run by the Michelin-star chef Franck Reynaud, the project promises to be of an extremely high quality.
Alaïa Lodge, 3*
The Alaïa Lodge is a ‘hip’ new hotel located in the heart of the resort and 2 minutes’ walk from the Cry d’Er ski lifts. There will be large communal areas, including a bar with an après-ski terrace and a lounge. The ‘Swiss Lodge’ style hotel will offer 142 beds in several different room categories: doubles, family rooms or shared rooms. The choice will be an ideal fit for a variety of guests: families with children, young sports enthusiasts and group outings. Opening is planned for December 2021.
Hôtel Panorama, 3*
The Panorama will be opening as a completely renovated boutique hotel in Mollens, very close to Crans-Montana. Aimed at guests that are seeking a healthy and active lifestyle, the hotel promises a break centred around nature, wellbeing and sport. Its environmentally friendly restaurant ‘Le Cozor’ will offer healthy and exclusively local cuisine, not just to hotel guests but also to non-residents. Opens for the 2021-22 winter season.
Alaïa Bay
Alaïa Bay is the first wave pool of its kind in continental Europe and probably the most spectacular spot for a surf session, whatever your level. Why not ski in the morning and surf during the afternoon? The facility is open all year round and opened during the summer of 2021.
alaiabay.ch
Event Details
Bella Lui Festival, December 3, 2021 until January 9, 2022
The Etoile Bella Lui festival invites visitors to discover the magic of winter in the heart of Crans-Montana, illuminated by the light of the Lantern Path, and the Ferris wheel. The festival is based on the story of “The Shepherd and the Bella Lui Star” and honours the magic of winter lights in the mountains.
In the snowy streets of the village, winter takes on the delicious flavour of local produce, its taste enhanced by exceptional chefs, bakers, cheesemakers and winemakers. A central gastronomy area invites visitors to share an aperitif. From 3 December 2021 until 9 January 2022, Etoile Bella Lui will illuminate the holiday period in this innovative festival that pays tribute to the magic of winter in the mountains.
etoilebellalui.ch
Men’s Slalom Invitational Race, January 12
Once again the elite group of men’s World Cup slalom skiers will descend on Crans-Montana and compete against each other under the floodlights in this night race that draws local crowds and a fun atmosphere. Last winter the race was won by local skier, Luca Aerni, but expect tough competition in 2022 from the world’s best, including Great Britain’s Dave Ryding (2nd place, 2019).
skicm-cransmontana.ch
Knight Frank City Ski Championships and Snowcamp Charity Marathon, February 3-6
The annual get together for ski enthusiasts working in the City of London returns to Crans-Montana in 2022 following a 7 year gap. The long weekend, from February 3 to 6, will see skiers of all ability levels from beginners to former Olympic racers, compete alongside each other on the Piste National in Crans-Montana – a classic racing piste that is used for the Women’s World Cup races later in the winter. There’s always plenty of opportunities for networking and après ski parties too, often alongside celebrities that are keen to take on some serious ski racing.
cityskichampionships.com
Snowcamp Charity Marathon
A parallel event designed to run alongside the City Ski Championships, will take place during the same weekend. The snowsports charity, Snowcamp, is planning a serious of competitive events with teams of 4 skiers taking on challenges to raise money for the charity that helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds get into skiing and snowboarding.
snow-camp.org.uk/events/ajbell-crans-montana-marathon-2022
Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Women’s Downhill, February 26-27
A double header weekend of top class women’s downhill ski racing from Crans-Montana that has firmly established itself as the blue ribbon event on the women’s Alpine circuit. The regular date in the calendar will take place after the 2022 Winter Olympic Games and will see the top ski racers in the world take on the challenging Mont Lachaux piste, now widely regarded as the toughest race of the year for the women downhill athletes.
skicm-cransmontana.ch
Caprices, April 8-10 and 15-17, 2022
Elected the best international electro festival in the world, Caprices opens its doors once again from 8 to 10 and 15 to 17 April 2022. Be swept away by mesmerizing sounds from some of the best DJs on the planet, in a dream setting at an altitude of 2,200m. A magical experience for festival-goers, in the heart of the ski area.
capricesfestival.com
Other News
New Hotel Lift Pass Scheme
Visitors to Crans-Montana staying in partner hotel accommodation no longer need to purchase a 6 day ski pass to ensure a discounted price. Now, they can decide on the day whether they will purchase a ticket or not – depending on how they feel about skiing or snowboarding on that particular morning. 45% discount is applied to the price of the lift pass on the day.
crans-montana.ch/hotelpass
Marked Ski Touring Park Offers A Slower Pace
Launched in 2019 but expanded last winter, one of the largest marked ski touring parks in Europe now has 15 routes spanning the entire ski area of Crans-Montana and set up for different ability levels. Skiers do not need a guide or avalanche safety equipment and can choose to descend on piste (blue, red or black). For anyone looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy nature at a slower pace, this is a great option for the 2021-22 winter.
