Summer in the Alps: Top 3 things to do in Crans Montana
The sprawling, busy resort of Crans-Montana in Switzerland stretches out along a sunny plateau, high above the Rhône Valley. We round up the best things to do in this part of the Swiss Alps. By Maggie O'Sullivan
This ski resort is made up of two towns that have merged over the years. Crans is the smarter of the two, with the best hotels, restaurants and designer shops, while Montana is livelier, with a great nightlife, including Leo's Bar -- the place to see and be seen.
But wherever you are in Crans-Montana you'll have an impressive 360 panoramic view of a range of mountain peaks, from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc, not to mention a wide choice of activities all year round. Swim in the crystal-clear lakes, walk through aromatic mountain forests, or tuck into a fondue in a cosy rustic inn - many resorts claim to offer something for everyone, but Crans-Montana actually delivers. It's the sunniest resort in Switzerland, too.
What to do:
Alpine Meadow Museum, Colombire
The museum, in the hamlet of Colombire, offers a fascinating
insight into Alpine life in the 1930s, from how they milked the
cows to how they made the cheese. Accessible by snowshoe in winter
and by foot or car in summer. Further information, 0041 (0)79 880
87 88
Swiss Model Train Museum
Five minutes' drive from Crans-Montana, this astonishing museum
retraces 150 years of railway history, with more than 1,300 models
on display, including working models of Swiss and American steam
trains. 0041 (0)27 565 47 47
The St Bernard Dog Museum, Martigny
This charming museum houses the works of art and documents relating
to the history of the Grand St Bernard hospice and pass, but it's
the dogs and the legends surrounding them that are the real
attractions. 0041 (0)27 720 4920; Musée et chiens du
Saint-Bernard
