Crans-Montana (), where New Year 2026, is located in the French-speaking part of the canton of Valais, in , built on a plateau above the town of Sierre. From an altitude of 1,500 meters it offers a panoramic view of the Alps and the imposing Weisshorn, combining natural beauty and luxury tourist development.
From James Bond to former presidents
The resort has been synonymous with worldliness for decades. Roger Moore, the ‘James Bond’ of cinema, lived permanently in Crans-Montana until his death in 2017. Claudia Schiffer, Hugh Grant and former French president Nicolas Sarkozy have also passed through the area, boosting the profile of a resort for the few – but also for the many.
The involvement in the Cyprus issue
In 2017, the conference of the same name also took place in the luxury ski resort, with the talks eventually collapsing.
Big events and tens of thousands of spectators
Crans-Montana hosts top international events. The Omega European Masters golf tournament attracted more than 48,000 spectators in 2024, while the Alpine Skiing World Cup events attracted 37,000 visitors, confirming its role as a multi-theme destination.
Three million visitors a year
About three million people visit Crans-Montana each year, a number that far exceeds the permanent population of 10,500. According to official data from the Crans-Montana Tourism & Congress Committee, Swiss travelers account for 66% of overnight stays, followed by visitors from France, Italy, Britain, the US, the Gulf countries, Belgium and Germany.
American funds and international network
Crans-Montana’s ski facilities are now part of the international Epic Pass network of US-based Vail Resorts, which acquired the lift company in 2024. Vail operates 42 mountain destinations worldwide and in its 2025 investment plan, highlights the strategic importance of Swiss resorts in attracting US visitors and increasing European revenue.
Four Seasons Destination
With 140 kilometers of ski slopes, hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as world-class golf courses, Crans-Montana is not limited to winter tourism. Instead, it invests in a four-season model, with high tourist spending and global appeal.
