Each winter, like so many other skiers, I say: “This is the year I’m actually going to use my unlimited access to all those amazing international resorts listed on my ski pass,” and then proceed to spend another season lapping my favorite local mountains.
This story was created in partnership with Crans-Montana.
And while there’s something to be said for skiing familiar terrain, this is your sign to make this the season you finally get off the beaten path (and the skied-out runs) by booking a trip to every snow lover’s dream: Switzerland.
Crans-Montana is a sunny plateau high above Switzerland’s Rhône Valley, where world-class terrain meets that distinctly European mix of charm, culture, and après ski that no stateside resort has been able to re-create.
And here’s the magic phrase that’ll have you searching flights ASAP: if you already have an Epic Pass, you can ski Crans-Montana for free.
Crans-Montana’s Unique Alpine Experience
Crans-Montana isn’t a single mountain so much as a sprawling, interconnected resort spread across five sectors: Cry d’Er, Violettes, Bellalui, Aminona, and Plaine Morte. The terrain stretches across gentle beginner zones, wide-open cruisers, and steep leg-burners so good that the World Ski Championships will be hosted here in 2027.
There’s a reason professional skiers train here and why it’s a mecca for those chasing wide-open runs and deep snow: Crans-Montana is truly a slice of heaven where lift lines are a rarity and the snow is as plentiful as the sunshine. Compared to better-known Switzerland destinations it’s less crowded, less pretentious, and often more affordable.
The resort is big enough to spend a week exploring new runs every day, yet compact enough to feel personal—a mix that’s hard to find at both U.S. and European resorts alike.
Set between roughly 5,000 and 10,000 feet, the ski area receives reliable snow but is uniquely positioned on south-facing slopes. This translates to over 300 days of sunshine each year, paired with an average snowfall of about 200 inches. Locals joke that you’re more likely to get a goggle tan than frostbite in Crans-Montana, and after a week of bluebird days, you’ll understand why sunscreen is a winter essential on the mountain.
International Ski Trip on a Budget
While an international ski trip may sound expensive, lift tickets at Crans-Montana are well under $100 USD. This means you can rack up more ski days and save the extra change for a stay in one the area’s picturesque slopeside lodges, like the LeCrans Hotel.
And because Crans-Montana is owned by Vail Resorts, it’s also an unbelievably seamless gateway to the Swiss Alps. For the more than 2.3 million skiers who hold an Epic Pass, you can get anywhere from five days to an entire season of lift tickets already covered by the pass you’re using at your local mountain.
Crans-Montana Ski Culture
Imagine a resort that pairs world-class skiing with the relaxed energy of a small Colorado mountain town. That’s Crans-Montana. Locals and visitors alike spend their mornings carving fresh groomers off Plaine Morte Glacier, taking a cappuccino (or fondue) break on one of the many sunny decks overlooking the Matterhorn, and still have time for an afternoon of tree skiing.
The ski culture here isn’t about skiing the gnarliest lines followed by chaotic après parties (though you’ll find both of those if you look). It’s about soaking in a beautiful day on the mountain, followed by long meals, good wine, and amazing local company. You’ll find sleek, modern hotels alongside traditional chalets, plus a dining scene that rivals some of Europe’s best cities (including everything from Michelin-star menus to cozy wood-fired pubs).
It’s Easier To Get There Than Sitting in Weekend Ski Traffic
From the U.S., you’ll likely fly into Geneva and will have a few options to get into town. Our preferred method is a scenic two-hour train ride along Lake Geneva that brings you directly to Crans-Montana via a mountain funicular. This set up makes for a seamless link from city to slopes without ever touching a rental car.
For U.S. skiers used to sitting in hours of mountain traffic, this is a game changer. Instead of factoring in half-day commutes and endless lift lines, you can step off the plane in the morning and be sipping espresso in the Alps by lunchtime.
A Destination For All Snow Lovers
For days when you want a break from the slopes, Crans-Montana still delivers the full alpine experience. The region maintains more than 60 miles of winter hiking and snowshoe trails that wind under larch forests, along frozen lakes, and through quiet alpine meadows with postcard-worthy views of the Valais peaks. The best part? The trails are groomed and maintained all season, so you can skip the postholing and actually enjoy the scenery.
There are also miles of daily-groomed cross-country ski loops that range from gentle valley circuits to higher-elevation routes winding past glacier views. And if your legs truly need a rest day, you can book a mountainside spa session or ride the Plaine Morte Glacier cable car to the Chetzeron viewpoint for panoramic vistas without strapping into ski boots.
Trust Us, It’s Worth the Trip
Sure, it’s farther than your usual weekend getaway, but Crans-Montana is absolutely worth the effort. It’s big enough to ski new runs all week, beautiful enough to feel cinematic, and sunny enough to keep you smiling through tired legs. Add in the convenience of Epic Pass access, and you’ve got one of the most underrated international ski trips for U.S. skiers.
