Winter hikes

Chemin Cry d’Er-Crans-Montana

Aussicht auf der Winterwanderung Cry d'Er - Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana

2/8°

Closed

This hike takes you downhill from the Cry d’Er cable car station into the centre of Crans. The highlight of the walk is undeniably its consistently beautiful view, which can be enjoyed from a number of sunny terraces.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

7.33 km

Duration

2:00 h
Aussicht auf der Winterwanderung Cry d'Er - Crans-Montana
Hotel Chetzeron am Weg der Winterwanderung Cry d'Er - Crans-Montana
Sonnenterrasse des Hotel Chetzeron
Sonnenterrasse Merbé
Sonnenterrasse Cry d'Er Club d'Altitude
Winterwanderer auf der Tour Cry d'Er - Crans-Montana

Description

Take the cable car up to Cry d'Er and stop by the Cry d'Er Club d’altitude and its restaurant, whose lively terrace offers a fantastic view of the Alps. Head down in the direction of Chetzeron. The hike runs alongside the ski pistes for a good stretch, so you’ll rub shoulders with skiers from the start of the walk. On your right you’ll see the Lac de Tseuzier, an artificial lake formed by the Rawyl dam, whose water is used to produce the region’s electricity. You’ll also notice the extraordinary Hotel Chetzeron, whose terrace offers a truly unbeatable view.

Continue your descent down to Merbé, the middle station of the Cry d’Er cable car. (You could cut the walk short here by taking the cable car down to Crans.) Merbé restaurant has a beautiful terrace where you can grab a bite to eat. Continuing on your way, you’ll reach the Lac de Chermignon, where there are several picnic spots. The walk ends when you arrive in the centre of Crans.

Turn-by-turn directions

The walk begins at Cry d’Er, which can be reached by cable car. It then continues downhill in the direction of Chetzeron, following the ski pistes for the first stretch of the trail. After pausing to admire the Lac de Tseuzier on your right, carry on until you reach the remarkable Hotel Chetzeron and its panoramic terrace. Continue downhill to Merbé, the middle station of the Cry d’Er cable car. (You can cut the walk short at this point by taking the cable car down into Crans.) Continue walking until you reach the Lac de Chermignon, then carry on into the centre of Crans, where the walk ends.

Start

Cry d'Er (2251m)

Destination

Crans-Montana (1501m)

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Author's recommendation

During the walk you'll pass by the Hotel Chetzeron, an extraordinary building located in a former cable car station that has been tastefully refurbished. Its terrace offers a magnificent view of the surrounding 4,000m peaks.

Technical information

Altitude

2252m

1501m

Ascent

+1m

Descent

-751m

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
  • Cableway ascent/descent
  • 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.

Approach

A9 highway exit at Sierre-Ouest, follow the national road via Chermigon until Crans. From there, take the cable car to Cry d’Er.

Parking

Parking at the cable car Crans-Cry d’Er. Follow the local car park routeing in Crans.

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

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