Practical info
How to get here, getting around, weather, funicular from Sierre, free shuttles and useful maps.
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By plane
- Geneva (GVA) is the main gateway: a direct train from the airport to Sierre in ~2h15, then the funicular. About 2h30 door-to-door.
- Zurich (ZRH): ~3h by train, with one change at Visp.
- Sion, the closest airport, is ~10 min by train from Sierre.
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By train
- Every CFF mainline reaches Sierre/Siders in the Rhône valley (direct links from Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Zurich).
- At Sierre station, follow the red line painted on the floor (~5 min) to the SMC funicular.
- The funicular climbs 927 m in 13 minutes — the longest in Europe, fully rebuilt in 2022.
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By car
- A9 motorway from Geneva/Lausanne, exit Sierre (~2h15 from Geneva). From Italy: the Simplon Pass then the A9.
- From Sierre, ~15 km of switchbacks through the vineyards climb to the plateau (1,500 m) in ~25 min.
- Plenty of parking: P1 Chetzeron, P2 Grand Garage, and free lots (Étang Long, Régent, Aminona).
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Getting around
- The SMC shuttle buses are free for everyone inside the resort, year-round, about every 15-20 min.
- Four gondolas rise to the summits (Cry d'Èr, Les Violettes → Plaine Morte glacier, Aminona).
- Crans and Montana form one flat, walkable resort: you don't need a car.
Want to live it?
An interactive experience: choose your route, from the first flight to the final ascent.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get from Geneva to Crans-Montana?
- Take the direct train from Geneva Airport to Sierre (~2h15), then the SMC funicular up to the resort. About 2h30 door-to-door. By car, the A9 plus the mountain road also take ~2h30.
- Is there a funicular to Crans-Montana?
- Yes: the SMC funicular links Sierre to the resort, 927 m of climb in 13 minutes — the longest in Europe. At Sierre station, just follow the red line painted on the floor.
- Do I need a car in Crans-Montana?
- No. Free shuttle buses, gondolas and a fully walkable resort make a car unnecessary once you're there.
- Are the Crans-Montana shuttles free?
- Yes, the SMC shuttles are free for everyone inside the resort. The regional buses between Sierre and Crans-Montana, however, are paid.
- Can I rent a car when arriving by train?
- Yes: Europcar has an office in Sierre (Garage Olympic), and you can also rent a car directly in the resort.