Crans-Montana

Skiing

Plaine Morte. The pearl of the region is the Plaine Morte, a flat glacier that's perched like a pancake at an elevation of 9,840 feet. A 12-km (7½-mile) cross-country ski trail is open seven months of the year, although there's snow year-round. Valais.

Violettes Plaines-Morte. The ascent on the gondola from Violettes Plaines-Morte, virtually under assault by crowds during the high season, will in itself justify your stay in Crans-Montana. Valais.

Expert skiers may prefer the Piste Nationale, site of previous world championships. Valais.

The incredibly steep-pitched La Toula is a challenge for pros. Valais.

Petit Bonvin. The eastern section of the ski area connects to Aminona, where a park for snowboarders and a bobsled run drop from 7,874-foot-tall Petit Bonvin. A one-day lift ticket costs 63 SF; a six-day pass costs 307 SF, permitting access to 160 km (100 miles) of runs and more than 30 ways to ride to the top. There are several classic cross-country ski circuits atop the golf courses and around the village lakes. Valais.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Biking
• Boating
• Golf

• Hiking
• Skiing