Winter hikes

Chemin Crans-Montana-Aminona

Aussicht auf der Winterwanderung Crans - Aminona

Crans-Montana

-3/2°

This walk overlooks the resort and takes you from Crans to Aminona, crossing the lower part of the ski area from west to east. The trail alternates between stretches of forest and open areas, offering an unbeatable view of the Valais Alps.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

12.27 km

Duration

3:30 h
Kapelle von Aprili
Aussicht auf der Winterwanderung Crans - Aminona
Aussicht auf der Winterwanderung Crans - Aminona
Aussicht auf der Winterwanderung Crans - Aminona
Aussicht auf der Winterwanderung Crans - Aminona
Sonnenterrasse auf der Winterwanderung Crans - Aminona
Winterwanderer in Crans-Montana

Description

Much of the route runs alongside the ski slopes and you’re never far from a ski lift – some of them even pass right above your head! There are a number of sunny terraces along the way where you can stop for a bite to eat and enjoy the breathtaking panorama.

The hike begins with a climb up to Plans-Mayens and continues on to the Arnouva restaurant and its children’s snow park, a winter paradise where kids can learn to ski. The hike then passes through Vermala, with its iconic tower. No need to climb the tower to enjoy the magnificent view of the Rhône valley, though – it’s already right before your eyes.

To reach the next stage of the walk at Marolires, you can use the two tunnels to cross the Piste Nationale, a former world championship piste. Once in Plumachit, you can enjoy the large, sunny terrace before starting the descent to Aminona, where you will pass by the little rural chapel of L'Aprili. From Aminona, you can return to Crans-Montana by public transport.

Turn-by-turn directions

This winter hike begins at the Pas de l’Ours and continues on to Plans-Mayens before arriving in Arnouva, the winter sports paradise for kids. The hike then passes through Vermala, with its iconic tower. The next stage of the walk takes you to Marolires, where two tunnels allow you to cross the Piste Nationale. You will then reach Plumachit and its sunny terrace, before heading down to Aminona, where the walk ends. From Aminona, you can return to Crans-Montana by public transport.

Start

Crans-Montana, summit station of Cry d'Er gondola (1472m)

Destination

Crans-Montana (1515m)

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Author's recommendation

The Piste Nationale has been famous in Switzerland ever since its skiers picked up all the medals at the downhill event of the 1987 World Championships. Today, the world’s best female skiers can also be seen tackling the slopes at Mont-Lachaux’s World Cup piste.

Technical information

Altitude

1804m

1473m

Ascent

+466m

Descent

-422m

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
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Way cleared
  • Groomed snow
Getting there
Information

Public transport

By bus or by funicular from Sierre to Crans-Montana. Follow the red markings on the floor to reach the funicular from Sierre train station. In Crans-Montana, take the local bus to “Pas de l’Ours”.

Approach

A9 highway exit at Sierre-Ouest, follow the national road via Chermigon until Crans.

Parking

Parking Régent (congress centre). 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
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)

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.

  • 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.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals. Do not leave any waste in nature.
  • 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.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide. Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.

  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible, avoid going alone.

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 1:50'000: 273S Montana

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

Other itineraries

5.64 km 2:30 h Intermediate
Snowshoeing

Aminona-Aprili Trail

Crans-Montana

Schneeschuhtour von Aminona zur Cave du Scex
7.33 km 2:00 h Easy
Winter hikes

Chemin Cry d’Er-Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana

Aussicht auf der Winterwanderung Cry d'Er - Crans-Montana
The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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