The best walks and hikes around Montana

Crans-Montana offers a diverse range of hiking trails through alpine landscapes and forests. You'll find everything from gentle lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents, characterized by mountain peaks, serene lakes, and historic bisses (irrigation channels).

Yes, Crans-Montana has plenty of easy trails. For a pleasant walk around a natural pond, consider the Lake Miriouges – Natural Pond loop from Crans, which is an easy 6.4 km path. There are 14 easy routes in total, perfect for a relaxed day out.

Absolutely. For a more demanding experience, the Bisse du Ro and Lac de Tseuzier — challenging loop from Crans-Montana is a difficult 24.4 km trail featuring significant elevation gain and stunning views of the bisse and Lake Tseuzier. There are 2 difficult routes available for experienced hikers.

Yes, many trails in Crans-Montana are designed as loops. Popular options include the challenging Bisse du Ro and Lac de Tseuzier loop, the easy Lake Miriouges – Natural Pond loop, and the scenic Lake Grenon loop.

Bisses are historic irrigation channels unique to the Valais region, used for centuries to transport water. Many hiking trails follow these picturesque waterways. The Bisse du Ro – View from Bisse du Ro loop from Crans is a great example, leading through alpine terrain along one of these historic bisses.

The trails in Crans-Montana are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the stunning views of the Swiss Alps and serene lakes.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore various gorges like the Illgraben Gorge or the Réchy Valley. There are also numerous beautiful lakes, including Lake Tseuzier, Lake Grenon, and Lac de Géronde, many of which have trails around them.

There are over 20 hiking routes available around Crans-Montana, offering a wide range of distances and difficulties to suit all preferences. This includes 14 easy, 5 moderate, and 2 difficult trails.

While many routes are day hikes, some, like the Bisse du Ro and Lac de Tseuzier loop, offer a substantial challenge at 24.4 km and over 8 hours of hiking. These longer routes provide a more immersive experience in the alpine environment.

Hikers in Crans-Montana will experience a variety of landscapes, from lush mountain forests and open alpine meadows to dramatic mountain peaks and the serene shores of glacial lakes. The historic bisses also add a unique cultural element to the natural scenery.

The prime hiking season in Crans-Montana typically runs from late spring through early autumn (May to October), when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is most favorable. However, some lower-altitude trails may be accessible earlier or later, and winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing.