Crans Montana, Switzerland: A New Dimension
By Bob McErlean, Holidaze Ski Tours

Crans-Montana prides itself on offering a new dimension among ski resorts. Located about halfway between the Swiss Resorts of Verbier and Zermatt, it’s only two hours from the Geneva International Airport. Arriving in Crans-Montana, you’ll find yourself on a sun-drenched plateau, 4,950 feet above the valley floor, facing a huge array of runs with lots of lifts offering access to up to 9,900 feet and right up to the foot of the glacier.

On the opposite side, you’ll see Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn plus other alpine peaks bathed in sun and fresh mountain air. You get the feeling that you can almost touch the sky.

Skiing and snowboarding
Who can resist freshly fallen snow when the first rays of the sun start to play on the alpine scene early in the morning? The race is always on to be the first to leave tracks in the virgin snow, stretching endlessly out under the gaze of the rising sun. The joy of descending is heightened by the grandeur of the backdrop…

There are more than one hundred miles of wide, sun-covered runs as far as the eye can see, facing a magnificent panorama, especially from the 10,000-foot-high Plaine-Morte Glacier. At over seven miles long, the longest run of the resort takes skiers from the permanent snow-covered glacier to a little village in an enchanting setting. A single day lift ticket costs about $44 for adults and $27 for kids -- and families get 10% off. Even better rates are available for multiday passes and for groups.

Snowboarders will enjoy the snowpark well as an abundance of new snow sports that your members have probably never tried before, such as the airboard, snowbike, and snowkite and, for those who can’t get enough during the day, there is also 2.2 miles of lighted skiing.
Crans-Montana has also been in the spotlight of the international sports scene many times by playing host to many ski and snowboard competitions.

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Non-ski activities
There are lots of activities for non-skier and skiers to enjoy on their day-off. You could take a “sledge” (a Swiss wooden sled with curved runners) down a 3.75 mile track starting at 8,000 feet above sea level and sled your way down to 4,900 feet -- a truly breathtaking experience! There are also sixty kilometers of hiking trails and another ten kilometers of snowshoeing trails.

Entertainment and nightlife
The quality and quantity of Crans-Montana’s gourmet international restaurants are exceptional. More than 80 restaurants pamper the guest’s palate -- regardless of budget or taste! Of course there are also plenty of restaurants offering typical Swiss dishes. Crans-Montana is situated nearby the famous vineyards of the Valais, so enjoying a fine wine and great meal after an exhilarating day on the slopes is a perfect ending to the day or a prelude to an interesting evening ahead. The area also offers a vibrant nightlife after a day full of activities and a delicious meal. Lean back and listen to a professional jazz concert or enjoy partying in one of the numerous discos or clubs, literally, until the crack of dawn. A casino is also available for those looking for even more excitement. There are also four spas in town.

Ski packages
Packages to Crans-Montana start at $1,099 for individuals from Holidaze Ski Tours including round-trip air from NYC, transfers to/from the resort via Swiss Rail, seven nights accommodations in a four-star hotel, breakfast buffet and dinner daily, and all local taxes. Special arrangements and prices are available for groups.

For more information, contact:
Crans-Montana
41(0)27-485-04-44
41(0)27-485-04-60 fax
reservations@crans-montana.ch
www.crans-montana.ch

Contact Holidaze Ski Tours
800-526-2827
732-681-357 fax
sales@holidaze.com
www.holidaze.com

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