Over the past few years there has been a bit of a buzz about Crans Montana. At first glance it’s hard to understand why, there’s only one lift, two tracks and the lift pass is very expensive (29CHF ~ £25). However, those two tracks are both fairly decent and if you’re in the area it certainly warrants a visit.
The red run (Mt Lachaux) is a fast open track with a decent smattering of berms and easily clearable jumps, which makes for a good fun and flowy track that also rides well in the wet.
Headcam footage of the red run (Mt Lachaux)
The black is far more technical and challenging and also quite rough in places. In the wet it’s hard to get into the flow of it, but in the dry the challenge becomes a lot more fun and you find yourself hitting the lines that make it flow a bit better.
The tracks are both long, the main top section of the red run took 6 minutes without stopping at a moderate pace, so you get plenty of riding for each uplift which is good. Both tracks have sections that are a little flat and boring as the tracks go from one section of the mountain to the other, but it isn’t a major issue.
In summary, it’s a decent day trip if you’re in the area or passing by, but you wouldn’t want to spend any longer here unless you’re particularly one for going up and down the same tracks a lot.
Practical Information
Website: www.mycma.ch
Day pass: 29CHF ~ £25
Written by: Paul Thomas @ www.riders-retreat.co.uk
Additional photos by: Elliot Tanner