Switzerland is often associated with winter Рsnow-covered chalets, ski lifts climbing mountainsides and apr̬s-ski drinks beside roaring fires. But when summer arrives, the landscape transforms. The slopes turn green, alpine lakes sparkle in the sunshine, and mountain towns settle into a slower pace.
Perched on a sunny plateau above the Rhône Valley, Crans-Montana is one of the best places to experience that seasonal shift. The resort takes on a different character in summer, with hiking trails, outdoor adventures, lakeside walks, and long afternoons spent soaking up the mountain views.
Here’s how to spend a few perfect summer days in Crans-Montana, when the wildflowers are in bloom, and the Alps are at their most inviting.
For a contemporary, active base: Alaïa Lodge
A stay at Alaïa Lodge sets the tone for an energetic, outdoors-focused summer break. With its minimalist industrial design and laid-back atmosphere, it attracts hikers, cyclists, and surfers looking for a stylish but unpretentious base.Â
The shared spaces are ideal for relaxing after a day in the mountains, and its connection to the Alaïa Action Sports Centre gives it a distinctly youthful edge.
For alpine luxury: Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences
If you’re looking for something more refined, Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences offers a completely different experience.
Located close to the fairways and with panoramic mountain views, this five-star boutique property feels intimate and quietly luxurious. Interiors blend traditional alpine warmth with polished elegance – think wood, stone, soft lighting and impeccable service without any stiffness.
Summer here is less about skiing and more about long terrace lunches, spa afternoons, and slow mornings overlooking the mountains. The hotel’s restaurants focus on seasonal ingredients, and the atmosphere feels calm and grown-up, ideal for couples or travellers wanting a more indulgent mountain stay.
E-biking into the mountains
One of the best ways to get a feel for Crans-Montana is by e-bike. The electric boost makes the steep alpine routes a little more accessible for a scenic, enjoyable ride.
The paths wind through forests and along ridgelines with sweeping views across the valley. It’s the kind of journey where you naturally stop often – partly to catch your breath, partly because the scenery keeps demanding your attention.
The Swiss mountains in the summer are one of the few places in the world where I have felt truly free and carefree. Granted, an up-mountain bike ride is not for the faint-hearted, but the mountains are welcoming, open, and incredibly photogenic. You’re not racing down ski slopes; you’re gliding through wildflower meadows and quiet woodland paths.
The Colombire Museum
To understand the region properly, a visit to the Colombire Museum is essential.
This open-air museum recreates the traditional mayen life – the seasonal settlements where families would move with their cattle during the summer months. Inside the wooden huts, you can see how people have lived, cooked, and made cheese high in the mountains.
Watching authentic Swiss cheese being produced here feels less like a demonstration and more like a continuation of a way of life that hasn’t entirely disappeared. It’s a quiet, grounding experience that adds depth to the landscape around you.
Hiking the Bisse du Tsittoret
Switzerland’s historic irrigation channels, known as ‘bisses,’ are some of the country’s most scenic walking routes. The Bisse du Tsittoret is one of the most accessible near Crans-Montana.
The trail follows the gentle flow of water along the mountainside, winding through forests and open clearings. It’s not too strenuous a hike, but it offers constant views and the soothing sound of running water. Pack a picnic full of Swiss cheese and meats to allow you to fully embrace Swiss culture when you need a rest.
Along the route, keep an eye out for La Tièche waterfall, where the calm of the bisse suddenly gives way to a dramatic drop. It’s a small but memorable highlight.
Wakeboarding at Etang Long
Crans-Montana isn’t all hiking boots and mountain trails. In the centre of town, Etang Long lake offers a completely different energy.
Here, the alpine setting meets summer-holiday fun. Wakeboarders skim across the water, while others lounge on the shore or take a leisurely stroll around the lake. It’s the sort of place where you might spend an hour and end up staying the whole afternoon.
La Marmotte Brewery
For a taste of the town’s modern side, head to La Marmotte Brewery, a local brewery that brings a contemporary edge to the alpine setting.
The beer tasting and brewery tours here feel informal and welcoming, with a focus on small-batch brews and creative flavours. It’s a reminder that Crans-Montana isn’t just about tradition – it also has a younger, evolving culture shaped by new businesses and ideas.
Alaïa Chalet
If the mountains and lakes aren’t enough, the Alaïa Club/Chalet action sports centre adds another layer of activity.
This indoor facility is dedicated to freestyle sports, with ramps, skate areas, and training zones for everything from skateboarding to skiing. They have also recently opened a padel court for experienced and beginner padel players.Â
Even if you’re not taking part, it’s an interesting place to see how Crans-Montana balances its traditional alpine identity with a modern, youth-focused sports culture.
Why Crans-Montana works so well in summer
What makes Crans-Montana so compelling in summer isn’t just the scenery, it’s the balance. One moment, you’re gliding across a mountain lake or wandering through quiet alpine trails; the next, you’re chasing adrenaline on a bike descent or teeing off against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
In contrast to the winter ski destination many travellers know well, the warmer months reveal a completely different side to the Crans-Montana region. As the snow retreats, the mountains give way to flower-filled meadows, bustling terraces and a thriving outdoor lifestyle that feels every bit as vibrant as the ski season itself. It’s a season that invites visitors to slow down, stay a little longer and discover a side of the Swiss Alps that often goes unseen.
Disclosure: This article is based on experiences from a hosted press trip to Crans-Montana with Ski Press. All views expressed are our own.
Kelsey Haslam is the founding editor of Magenta Adventures Travel Publication and a freelance travel writer with a focus on community-based travel, culture-led experiences, and theatre tourism. She is passionate about spotlighting lesser-known destinations and connecting travellers with meaningful, human-centred stories.
Her published work includes destination features and luxury hotel reviews for leading travel outlets such as A Luxury Travel Blog, Beau Monde Traveler, and Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.
Explore more about Kelsey’s background on the About Page.
