Crans-Montana, perched high above the Rhône Valley in the Valais canton, is more than a luxury ski resort. In summer, its panoramic ridgelines, bisses (historic irrigation channels), alpine lakes, and glacier views turn it into a paradise for hikers. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trekker, you’ll find trails combining comfort, culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Here’s a selection of the best hikes in Crans-Montana — each with distance, elevation gain, estimated time, and highlights to help plan your adventure.
🌊 1. Bisse du Ro
⏱️ Duration: 2.5–3 hours
📏 Distance: ~7 km
🧭 Difficulty: Easy
⛰️ Elevation gain: ~150 m
📍 Starting point: Crans-Montana center
Description: One of the region’s most iconic walks, this trail follows a cliff-hugging bisse (irrigation channel) through forests and rock faces with dramatic drop-offs. Rails and bridges make it safe, but it’s not for those afraid of heights.
🏔️ 2. Plaine Morte Glacier Trail
⏱️ Duration: 4–5 hours (loop)
📏 Distance: ~10 km
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
⛰️ Elevation gain: ~400 m
📍 Starting point: Plaine Morte cable car summit station
Description: Start at nearly 3,000 meters and circle around a lunar glacier plateau. High alpine views and rock formations define this unique trail. Good footwear and acclimatization are important due to altitude.
🌲 3. Crans to Aminona via Panorama Trail
⏱️ Duration: 2.5 hours (one way)
📏 Distance: ~8 km
🧭 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
⛰️ Elevation gain: ~250 m
📍 Starting point: Crans-Montana Golf Course
Description: A pleasant traverse above the valley with views of the Matterhorn and Dent Blanche on clear days. Gentle rolling terrain and traditional hamlets make this a relaxing route.
🌅 4. Lac de Tseuzier via Bisse d’Ayent
⏱️ Duration: 4–5 hours (round trip)
📏 Distance: ~12 km
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation gain: ~450 m
📍 Starting point: Les Rousses or Botyre
Description: Follow a narrow channel carved into steep cliffs and forests to the turquoise Tseuzier reservoir. One of the most scenic and dramatic bisse trails in Valais.
🌿 5. Etang Long and Lac Grenon Loop
⏱️ Duration: 1.5 hours
📏 Distance: ~4.5 km
🧭 Difficulty: Easy
⛰️ Elevation gain: ~100 m
📍 Starting point: Crans-Montana town
Description: A peaceful circuit around two alpine lakes near the town center. Ideal for a morning or sunset stroll, with benches and cafes along the route.
🐐 6. Aminona–Chemin des Mayens
⏱️ Duration: 3 hours
📏 Distance: ~7.5 km
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation gain: ~350 m
📍 Starting point: Aminona
Description: This scenic forest trail passes alpine chalets and open pastures with wide views toward the Val d’Anniviers. Great for spotting marmots and enjoying shaded sections on hot days.
⛰️ 7. Bella Lui to Cabane des Violettes
⏱️ Duration: 3.5–4 hours
📏 Distance: ~9 km
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate
⛰️ Elevation gain: ~500 m
📍 Starting point: Bella Lui lift top station
Description: A high alpine route across ridgelines to a mountain hut with stunning glacier views. Popular with photographers and hikers looking for a challenge without technical difficulty.
🌾 8. Col de Pochet–Tsa Bonna Loop
⏱️ Duration: 4.5 hours
📏 Distance: ~10 km
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
⛰️ Elevation gain: ~650 m
📍 Starting point: Crans-Montana or Lens
Description: A more remote circuit through larch forests and hidden pastures with panoramic ridgeline views. Less frequented than the popular bisse routes.
🧳 Hiking Tips for Crans-Montana
🌦️ Weather: Sudden storms are common in the mountains. Check forecasts and start early.
🥾 Footwear: Lightweight trail shoes work for most hikes, but bring boots for glacier terrain.
🚠 Lift Access: Many hikes start near cable car stations — check summer schedules.
🗺️ Trail Info: Tourist offices in Crans and Montana offer printed maps and advice.
💧 Water & Food: Bring a refillable bottle. Many trails have fountains or mountain huts en route.
Crans-Montana combines the ease of a resort town with the richness of Alpine nature. From lakeside strolls to glacier plateaus, every trail is an invitation to discover the beauty of the Valais — one step at a time.
