Crans-Montana, the Swiss resort in the French-speaking Valais region of the Alps, prepares for its summer season with a number of new events including major cycling competitions as it looks ahead to the Mountain Biking World Championships in 2025. Other major events include the family favourite festival, Am Stam Gram, the Omega European Masters golf tournament and the Wildstrubel UTMB trail running race.
Pierre-Henri Mainetti of Crans-Montana Tourism said: “Crans-Montana continues to lead the way with new events in 2024 to add to our diverse programme that includes mountain activities such as hiking and mountain biking, but also food and drink events, cultural events and unique mountain experiences like our water sports park and world-class golf facilities. With the town’s altitude at 1,500m the views here during the summer are incredible and the temperature is just right – with warm days and cool nights. The train journey of around two hours from Geneva is one of the most spectacular train rides in the world, ending with a 12-minute funicular journey through the famous vineyards below the town. Summer in Crans-Montana is spectacular and we look forward to many weeks of events and festivals.”
Cycling events in Crans-Montana
Nova Eroica (15 June 2024): Two races (La Via Alpina and La Via Rodano) take place around the area of Crans-Montana, in the valley below, with challenging courses designed to push riders to their limits, but with refreshment points at local farms and vineyards.
WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series (21-23 June 2024): The Crans-Montana crowds get to watch the world’s elite compete on a course where some sections will also be used for the Cross-Country World Championships in 2025. As the event takes place in the centre of Crans-Montana, access is easy, allowing everyone to enjoy the spectacle and cheer on the athletes.
GRAAALPS (16-21 July 2024): GRAALPS is an ultra-distance gravel race, which crosses 700km through the Alps, with 18,000m of ascent. Starting in Mandelieu (France), the cyclists will cross the Alps on roads through three countries – France, Italy and Switzerland – to reach Crans-Montana. The invitation is open to any elite racers and enthusiasts. The Gravel Festival will also be held in Crans-Montana over three days, from 19-21 July. The programme features a variety of discovery distances, bike tests, introductions for children and a variety of events throughout the weekend.
Tour des Stations (31 August 2024): The Tour des Stations aims to conquer the most difficult passes in the heart of Valais, where amateur road cyclists push their limits. This competition is an endurance race offering an exceptional sporting challenge linking the region’s resorts in a characteristically grandiose environment. Several different distances are available for riders, including the Ultrafondo. This legendary route offers an altitude gain as high as Everest (8,848m of positive height gain) in a day.
Other major events in Crans-Montana
Am Stam Gram (11-14 July 2024): Theatres, workshops and circus acts as well as a number of other activities for children.
Omega European Masters (5-8 September 2024): One of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Europe – the world’s best golfers gather in Crans-Montana for the coveted trophy. Past winners include Severiano Ballesteros, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood.
Wildstrubel by UTMB (12-15 September 2024): Trail running race with various categories for elite and amateur runners including a 113km course, 70km, 50km and 25km as well as a kid’s race.
About Crans-Montana
Located around two hours by train from Geneva Airport and sitting on a high plateau above the Rhone Valley, the views from Crans-Montana are spectacular, especially from higher altitudes where it’s possible to see Mont Blanc in the west, through to the Matterhorn and way beyond to the east. During the winter, the skiing is well suited for intermediates, with a wide range of blue and red runs, but there’s excellent beginners areas as well as some more challenging slopes for experts, including some interesting off-piste and ski touring terrain. During summer, the resort is a haven for both road cyclists and mountain bikers as well as hikers and adventure seekers.
Images: Crans-Montana Tourism; crans-montana.ch