When you hear that Six Senses has just one Swiss property, you might expect the hotelier’s alpine debut to fit seamlessly into Verbier or Zermatt’s lineup of ultra-luxe accommodations. You would be forgiven for questioning why the luxury giant chose Crans-Montana, a French-speaking resort that, for the most part, flies quietly under the radar.
Swiss ski resort Crans-Montana comprises two mountain villages, Crans-sur-Sierre and Montana, easily accessible via a straightforward rail journey from Geneva Airport, though those traveling with luggage or children may prefer to forgo this romantic route for guaranteed seats in a private transfer. Spread across a broad, south-facing plateau above the Rhône Valley, the mountainous ski resort boasts 300 days of sun a year. Over a cold but sunny January weekend we quickly found that what Crans-Montana lacks in immediate name recognition, it more than makes up for in quiet pistes, breathtaking views and a refined, unhurried sophistication.
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Six Senses Crans-Montana is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the resort’s charm. Perched slopeside next to one of the resort’s main gondolas for seamless ski-in-ski-out access, the luxury hotel is just a ten-minute walk from the village town of Crans below. The design of the hotel blends effortlessly into its alpine setting, combining timber, stone and glass to evoke a Bond-esque mega chalet. Inside, the hotel’s sophisticated ambiance and chic interiors echo the quiet luxury of Crans below, which boasts its own selection of gourmet restaurants, luxury boutiques and fancy jewelers. As the ski destination starts to garner increased international attention – thanks in part to a majority takeover and forthcoming $30m investment from Vail Resorts – we suspect this hidden gem will not remain a secret for long.
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Stay
Six Senses Crans-Montana offers guests 78 guestrooms and suites, each blending alpine tradition with modern elegance. Local, natural materials like quartzite stone, larch, oak and slate are used throughout, creating a zen-like atmosphere, enhanced by bespoke furniture, neutral tones and minimalist decor.
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We stayed in a one-bedroom Terrace Suite which featured a sprawling L-shaped layout, with a spacious living room leading into the bedroom, centered around a gigantic, handmade bed. A double-doored balcony, overlooking the final turn of the Chetzeron piste, ran the length of both rooms, large enough to host an oversized round sofa swathed in warm blankets and a full outdoor dining setup.
The suite was perfectly equipped for dreamy alpine days. Chilly mornings began with espresso on our private terrace, watching the skiers fly past, while long days on the slopes were remedied by the in-room sauna and peaceful soaks in the large bathtub.
For larger groups, the three-bedroom Prestige Apartment offers a luxurious homely escape with a full kitchen, three en-suite bathrooms and multiple lounge areas on the terrace. Additionally, 16 private residences are available for purchase, allowing guests to make Six Senses Crans-Montana a second home.
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Dine
Dining at Six Senses Crans-Montana caters to every occasion. Upon our late arrival, we instantly relaxed into The Ora Bar & Lounge while our check-in was seamlessly handled and enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails while eyeing up the next-door cigar and cognac lounge.
Wild Cabin provides guests with a relaxed brasserie setting where they can enjoy elevated Swiss classics. Potato rösti was reimagined with a Japanese twist, transforming into a Swiss salmon crispy rice. The warm atmosphere was complemented by craft cocktails and a mix of couples, families and even a few furry friends.
The next morning, breakfast at Wild Cabin offered up European indulgence with a Californian health-conscious edge, with counters of fresh pastries and creamy local cheeses sitting alongside a juice counter and fiery health shots.
Even for a weekend visit, dinner at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Byakko, is a must. We skipped Après-ski for a late spa session, so when we arrived for dinner, we were delighted to find a DJ and live saxophonist creating a lively atmosphere. Cloaked in red velvet and moody lighting, the restaurant buzzed with both guests and locals, offering a nightclub vibe alongside fresh, tasty food. We opted for the seven-course omakase with wine pairings, with the chef’s nigiri and mochi dessert as standout highlights.
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Relax
The spa is the heart of the Six Senses experience, and the Crans-Montana location is no exception. The state-of-the-art wellness area combines modern technology with ancient healing traditions, incorporating local Alpine ingredients into its treatments. The spa features nine treatment rooms, a yoga studio and a biohacking suite equipped with NormaTec and Hyperice technology. For post-ski recovery, guests can unwind in the Finnish sauna, bio-salt sauna, or cold plunge pool.
The hotel’s heated outdoor pool provides a stunning spot for morning laps, while inside the spa guests can find an expansive indoor pool that flows into an outdoor courtyard framed by birch trees. The spa is flawlessly designed, with touches of wood and slate and plenty of cozy, dark corners to relax and enjoy moments of peace.
While sustainability is a term often overused in the hospitality sector, Six Senses has long been at the forefront of eco-conscious guest experiences, prioritizing mindful architecture and local sourcing. Staff at the hotel were proud to inform me about the hotel’s 100% carbon-neutral heating system, which utilizes recovered wood waste and repurposed excess heat from the kitchen, spa, and technical spaces. Thanks to its Alpine location, the hotel’s entire electricity needs are met by renewable Swiss hydroelectricity and on-site south-facing solar panels. These eco-conscious measures extend to the wellness offerings, as the pool filtration system is fitted with UV and active carbon filters, reducing chemical use by up to 50%.
Explore
Taking full advantage of Crans-Montana’s south-facing position and some fantastic January snowfall, much of our weekend was spent enjoying the sunny slopes. Even though it was a quick trip, the efficiency of the hotel’s ski rental and storage meant we were able to get on the piste quickly and enjoy the slopes, offering expert advice, ski rental, valet storage, ski tuning and, most importantly, lashings of Swiss hot chocolate. The large resort caters to every level; advanced skiers can descend the Plaine Morte glacier, while intermediates will appreciate the resort’s long, red-carpet runs.
The picturesque surroundings can be enjoyed year-round, as in summer the slopes transform into trails for hiking and mountain biking, with activities like paragliding, horseback riding, and even wakeboarding on offer. For those who prefer exploring the town rather than the mountains, below Crans-Montana offers a sophisticated après-ski scene alongside a selection of designer boutiques and gourmet restaurants. The area also hosts a range of international events such as the Omega European Masters golf tournament and a roster of art exhibitions, which provide plenty of reasons to visit beyond the ski season.
The hotel offers a variety of Six Senses signature wellness and eco-focused activities. At one of the EarthLab workshops, I crafted a zero-waste candle using discarded kitchen oil and locally sourced herbs and flowers. I also learned about the Six Senses Crans-Montana Sustainability Fund, which channels a portion of hotel revenue into meaningful local initiatives, from food banks to seed banks to wild wolf protection programs, and was markedly impressed by the hotel’s thoughtful approach to fostering genuine partnerships with local charities, ensuring mutual benefit without creating dependency.
