For me, luxury hospitality is a careful balance between the intentional and the effortless– and the Crans Ambassador hotel in Crans Montana has not only found it, but expresses it in perfect harmony.

Carina and her dog Gigi on the terrace of their suite at Crans Ambassador

The village of Crans Montana has maintained an air of classic Swiss alpine charm for more than a century, and it continues to become increasingly popular with international travelers for its accessibility, reliable snow conditions, and wide variety when it comes to accommodations, shopping, and dining destinations. But if you are seeking an exceptional 5-star experience, my top recommendation is Crans Ambassador.

If you are planning a ski trip to Crans Montana, continue reading to discover what I loved most about my experience staying at Crans Ambassador, along with my recommendations to make the most of your visit.

Recreation & Relaxation at Crans Ambassador: The Best of Both Worlds in Crans Montana

A ski and spa combination may be the best itinerary for a winter getaway, and the Crans Ambassador is a wonderful place to experience it. While I’m a solo traveler who loves both types of activities (dynamic and restorative) in tandem, a stay at Crans Ambassador is also a great fit for families or couples where some may prefer one type of travel over the other. With an exceptional and expansive spa built into the property, and a prime location just 200 meters from the world-renown ski area, the Crans Ambassador hotel offers convenient access to both relaxing activities as well as exhilarating ones.

Carina by the indoor pool at Crans Ambassador’s Spa Nescens

Staying at Crans Ambassador for a ski trip to Crans Montana

As an American skier living in Europe, I was especially eager to discover and explore Crans Montana. The ski destination is an EPIC Pass resort, and pass holders have unlimited and unrestricted access all-season-long to ski its 140km of terrain and 1400m of vertical.

Crans Ambassador is the perfect home base for a ski trip to Crans Montana

I spent two days exploring as much of the expansive ski area as I could, and after every piste that I would ski, I found myself declaring that each one was my new favorite. The terrain was varied and thoroughly maintained, and I especially loved skiing Kandahar (19) from the summit of Plaine Morte– it’s designated as a black run and is considerably long, but it could be suitable for motivated intermediate skiers on a day with great conditions. In addition to the world-class ski terrain, Crans Montana is also known for the incredible views it offers across the Alps, including easily recognizable peaks like the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. I was certainly impressed by the ski experience overall, and am looking forward to someday returning because I felt like there was still so much more terrain for me to discover.

The Crans Ambassador proved to be the perfect home base for a stay centered around skiing, with convenient access to the Signal-Arnouva gondola located just 200m from the hotel’s entrance. For skiers who aren’t already an EPIC Pass holder, single-day and multiple-day ski passes can conveniently be purchased at Crans Ambassador’s concierge desk before heading to the slopes.

The ski center at Crans Ambassador felt more like a living space than a storage area or a locker room, and it also doubled as a gear and accessory shop so skiers can choose to upgrade their experience or replace any items that may have been forgotten at home. I chose to bring my own ski gear for this trip, but guests can easily rent equipment directly in the hotel’s ski center from the friendly staff and technicians.

The ski room at Crans Ambassador doubles as a shop and rental center for ultimate convenience

The ski slopes at Crans Montana feature views across the valley and the Swiss Alps

Carina Otero skiing in Crans Montana, an Epic Pass destination

Spa Nescens at Crans Ambassador

For many skiers, the best part about ending a tiring day on the slopes is being able to look forward to a relaxing spa session back at the hotel.

The indoor pool at Crans Ambassador’s Spa Nescens is a heavenly oasis set against a backdrop of wintry mountains visible through the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows enclosing the space. The view alone is enough to inspire relaxation, but the soothing sounds of water, the soft aroma of spa products, and the warmth you feel as you enter the pool will melt away any inch of tension that you may have arrived with.

Spa Nescens is a signature concept by Michel Reybier Hospitality, which centers around a holistic and scientific approach toward long-term well-being. Their products are developed to focus on specific skincare needs, and treatments are customized for each spa guest. I thoroughly enjoyed my deep tissue massage, which not also helped my muscles recover from the mileage I put on my skis, but also from the tension I tend to hold while transporting and carrying my luggage and ski gear on long travel days.

My spa session was informative and rejuvenating, and I learned about the specific Nescens products that were used to combat the dryness my skin usually suffers from during the cold winter months. The effects were long-lasting, and my skin continued to feel significantly more hydrated in the following days.

If you prefer to balance your ski days with more activities or maybe some stretching, the impressively-equipped gym and yoga room at Spa Nescens are also beautifully designed and especially inviting spaces. Whether you are seeking an active experience or a restorative one, I whole heartedly recommend that you make time to visit the spa during your stay at Crans Ambassador. You can view their treatment menu and other offerings on their website here.

A double treatment room at Crans Montana Spa Nescens

Spa treatments at Crans Ambassador are developed with Nescens products, for an approach tailored to each guest’s needs

Crans Ambassador: A Pet Friendly Hotel in Crans Montana

While traveling, nothing gives me greater peace of mind than knowing that my dog Gigi is happy. Whether she’s by my side while we’re enjoying the hotel together, or she’s waiting peacefully for me in the suite while I’m out skiing, a sincere welcome for a pet is one of the greatest amenities a property can offer.

Gigi immediately settling into our suite at Crans Ambassador after our journey by train from Paris

The kindness and warmth was felt as soon as we arrived to Crans Ambassador– I couldn’t help but notice a couple with an adorable French Bulldog, and a family with a playful and friendly long-haired Chihuahua were also checking in at the same time as me. With smiles all around, the mood at Crans Ambassador was light, familial, unmistakably welcoming.

Gigi and I continued to be delighted as we entered our suite and found carefully arranged dog bowls, a branded Michel Reybier carton of water, and a plush bed that was immediately tested for softness and comfort– see the photos for Gigi’s smile of approval! Along with the thoughtful amenities I already mentioned, I also found a card that I could place on the suite’s door handle that would signal to the staff any time my pet was left alone in the room. The kind gesture was just another example of Crans Ambassador’s fine attention to detail, and made it clear that Gigi was welcomed and treated like a part of the family.

The suite itself was incredibly spacious, and featured a perfect balance of modern conveniences and authentic design details. Wood-paneled walls and textured tartan textiles inspire the sense of coziness that the Swiss Alps are known for, while refined finishes, a luxurious bathroom, and thoughtful touches like hand-selected reading materials remind guests of Michel Reybier’s elevated Hospitality.

Both the bedroom and the living room of our suite had large sliding glass doors that opened to an extended terrace overlooking the village of Crans Montana, the valley below, and a horizon of seemingly endless mountaintops. Gigi and I both slept peacefully during our stay, and having access to the terrace was lovely as it made it easy to step outside for some fresh mountain air first thing in the morning.

Gigi taking a nap in our peaceful suite at Crans Ambassador

Enjoying the sunshine and the views from La Terrasse Valaisanne at Crans Ambassador

Having A relaxing morning and in-room breakfast at Crans Ambassador

A Michel Reybier Hospitality property with Small Luxury Hotels distinction

The name Michel Reybier is synonymous with outstanding hospitality, and the Crans Ambassador hotel holds true to their highest standards. I’ve also been blessed with opportunities to visit other Michel Reybier Hospitality properties in Zermatt and in Paris where I live, and the experience is consistent throughout– cultivated, authentic, and exceptionally refined. From the smallest detail during your stay to the overall emotion you feel when reflecting on your visit even long after you’ve departed, the signature elements of Michel Reybier Hospitality are delightfully memorable and you’ll likely soon be inspired to discover their other establishments. For me personally, scent is one of the strongest elements that draws connection to a place I’ve visited. The signature aromas of the lobbies, the spas, and even the in-room bath products at Michel Reybier properties are fully immersive, and instantly remind me of the wonderful experiences I’ve had in Zermatt, Paris, and now Crans Montana.

Dining at Crans Ambassador

On the evening of my arrival to Crans Ambassador, I dined at Le Carnotzet and it was the perfect introduction to my Swiss alpine experience. The meal started with a flavorful salad and continued with a traditional Swiss fondue for one, complete with fresh bread, potatoes, and my favorite garnished cornichons. Paired with a lovely local wine chosen from Le Carnotzet’s extensive wine list, the meal was instantly comforting and was everything I wish for when I’m craving mountain cuisine.

*Le Carnotzet* Restaurant at Crans Ambassador features an extensive menu of traditional Swiss cuisine and local wines

The theme of classic, comforting cuisine continued throughout my stay at Crans Ambassador– the next night I opted for a simple but perfectly prepared club sandwich in Le Lounge just beside the hotel’s bar. Though the Crans Ambassador hotel is centrally located and nearby to many of Crans Montana’s other famed dining destinations, the fact that you don’t have to leave the property to have a wonderful meal makes for an even more relaxing stay. In fact, Crans Ambassador is a dining destination in itself, with many locals and travelers often visiting the hotel simply for its restaurants as well as its popular Sunday brunch.

The menu at Crans Ambassador’s Le Lounge and bar offers comforting classics in an equally comforting and cozy setting

The most lively restaurant at Crans Ambassador is La Muña, a signature dining concept by Michel Reybier Hospitality that can also be found in their establishments in London, Zurich, Davos, and Zermatt. Named after the Peruvian plant that has a soothing effect especially at altitude, La Muña’s menu features inventive Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine in a chic alpine setting. Advanced reservations are highly recommended for dinner, as there’s no other place that matches its vibe in all of Crans Montana.

Another spot at Crans Ambassador that’s beloved for either lunch or dinner is La Terrasse Valaisanne– especially when the sky is clear, the outdoor terrace is a dreamy setting for Swiss fondue overlooking the surrounding Alps. And due to the hotel’s proximity to the base of the Arnouva gondola, La Terrasse Valaisanne is also a popular spot amongst skiers for an apéro. I suggest staying at least until sunset for the most spectacular views over the valley!

Because most of my time in Crans Montana was spent either on the ski slopes or in the Crans Ambassador’s Spa Nescens, I opted for in-room breakfast so I could spend more time enjoying my spacious suite. (And I was also grateful for the amenity because I was able to enjoy more time in bed, and with my dog!)

Overall, when I think of my dining experience at Crans Ambassador, the word comfort comes to mind first. Not only was my trip the perfect blend of rest, relaxation, and recreation, but I also felt recharged and replenished in the form of nourishing food, great wine, and outstanding hospitality.

Getting to Crans Ambassador in the Valais Canton of Switzerland

The most common way to arrive to Crans Montana is by train to Sierre/Siders from Geneva, which is the closest airport regularly servicing intercontinental flights. The concierge team at Crans Ambassador can also easily coordinate pick-ups and transfers from the Geneva Airport, from the Sierre/Siders train station, or from the Crans Montana funicular station which is not far from the hotel. It’s also possible to reach Crans Ambassador by car, with parking available on and nearby the property.

With so much to explore in the region, I’ve had great experiences arriving to Crans Montana both by car and by train on different occasions. If you’re in search of inspiration, I would suggest pairing your stay at Crans Ambassador with a visit to Zermatt– where you ski iconic slopes and discover two other Michel Reybier Hospitality properties I love to recommend: Mont Cervin Palace and the Schweizerhof Zermatt.

The Façade of Crans Ambassador reflects the views on both sides of the Valley and the roof line honors the surrounding Swiss Alps

Are you planning a ski and spa trip to Crans Montana and wondering if the Crans Ambassador hotel is the right choice for you? Leave me a comment below with any questions about my experience staying here!

View rates and availability for Crans Ambassador here
Crans Ambassador’s Pet Policy

Carina and Gigi at the entrance of Crans Ambassador

About the author

Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:

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CARINA OTERO, AUTHOR OF THE SKI IS NOT LOST BLOG

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Crans Ambassador: A Ski and Spa Resort in Crans Montana