Hikes

Centenary walk on the high plateau in Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana aus der Vogelperspektive

Crans-Montana

The «Centenary Walk» traces 100 years of history in Crans-Montana. Highlights include legendary sporting venues, architectural gems and glorious views.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

8.83 km

Duration

2:30 h

Description

Crans-Montana celebrated its 100th birthday in 1993 with a delightful gift for all its guests: the «Promenade du 100ème» or «Centenary Walk». This gently undulating trail offers a timeless journey through the resort’s glamorous history, with fascinating information panels en route.

Located at 1,500 m on a spacious, sunny plateau, Crans-Montana has charmed visitors from its earliest days with magnificent views of snow-capped peaks from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. Today, the superb summer and winter sports facilities, gourmet restaurants, seductive shopping, five swimming lakes, a vast network of footpaths and coveted «Family Destination» status draw visitors from all over the world.

Our trail begins beside the greens of the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, home of the Omega European Masters – and without doubt the most spectacular venue on the whole European tour.

The itinerary leads eastwards to the historical heart of the resort. Overlooking the sparkling waters of the Etang du Grenon, the Bella Lui is a gem of modernist architecture: built in 1930 as a luxury sanatorium, it was recently converted into a youth hostel.

Our route continues into the delightful Ycoor park. This was a favourite haunt of the New Zealand writer Katherine Mansfield, who stayed in the resort for several months in 1921 and 1922 and wrote some of her most famous stories here. The hill to the right, Colline du Parc, marks the site of the resort’s first hotel.

Further east, our trail passes the end of ski slopes that made sporting history: at the World Championships in 1987, Switzerland won its best-ever haul of medals, including 8 of the 10 golds up for grabs. From here, the final stretch of trail leads through fragrant pine forests and alpine pastures to Aminona.

 

Highlights: 

  • Variety: parks, forest, lakes, shopping, architecture and history
  • Two of the world’s most iconic sporting venues: legends of ski and golf
  • Chic alpine town or authentic mountain village? Walk gives a taste of both

Turn-by-turn directions

The trail leads across the whole resort, passing several bus stops en route. Walkers can choose various starting points or opt for shorter sections. The trail’s name is written both as «Promenade du 100e» and «Promenade du 100ème».

It is worth allowing time for diversions along the way; many of the buildings have a fascinating story to tell. The trail passes several large sanatoria, which contributed considerably to the economic growth and fame of the resort. The Clinique Genevoise de Montana provides the setting for a charming nature trail: the Chemin des Ecureuils («Squirrel Trail») leads through the woods just behind the clinic, and offers the chance to spot forest birds and other wildlife, too.

Beyond the Piste Nationale, the trail leads through forest and pasture. A small grotto between Les Barzettes and Aminona displays rocks from the region; a nearby viewpoint offers superb views of the Rhône valley. Aminona is also home to a small museum devoted to crystals and regional wines.

Der Weg führt durch den ganzen Ferienort und an mehreren Bushaltestellen vorbei. Der Wanderer kann aus verschiedenen Startpunkten und Strecken wählen und der Weg ist mit «Promenade du 100e» und «Promenade du 100ème» ausgeschildert.

Start

Crans-sur-Sierre (1450m)

Destination

Aminona (1514m)

Author's recommendation

Allow plenty of time to window-shop and people-watch along the way!

Technical information

Altitude

1525m

1425m

Ascent

+260m

Descent

-196m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Train to Sion or Sierre. From Sion, take bus in direction of Crans-sur-Sierre, dismount at stop «Zier-Régent». From Sierre, travel by funicular and/or buses to Crans-sur-Sierre, bus stop «Zier-Régent». At end of walk, take bus from Aminona to funicular station in Montana, and ride funicular down to Sierre. Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.

Approach

A9 motorway, exit 28 (Sierre-Ouest) if approaching from west or exit 29 (Sierre-Est) if approaching from east. Follow signs for Crans-sur-Sierre (road via Chermignon).

Parking

Large «Régent» car park just east of Lac d’Icogne. Follow the local car park routeing.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)  

For certain walks:

  • Swimwear

 

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

For all hikes:

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on «Print» icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes: 

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Additional information

More information about the destination: 

Literature

The tourist office in Crans-Montana has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1286 St-Léonard / 1287 Sierre

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

View of the Cervo hotel with the Matterhorn in the background, Zermatt. Valais, Switzerland.

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