Centenary walk on the high plateau in Crans-Montana

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