Crans-Montana is a Vail Ski Corp property, which means it’s one of the most expensive places to ski in Switzerland, has extremely long lift lines, and fast lane stupidity. It’s also the most crowded place we’ve skied in Switzerland. In short, it’s like skiing in California! It’s fairly big and low elevation with lots of terrain, excellent views. Fairly advanced, unfortunately attracting a not-advanced crowd, making for a lot of out of control people and a generally stressful experience. The backside on Mount Bonvin is a long and impressive ride.

Our lunch at the rather expensive, mid-mountain **Merbé was very good. Reserve in advance. We also had an expensive cocktail at the Six Senses Crans-Montana, which can be a quiet oasis near the main lift (at least before the afternoon DJ starts). Parking was 28 CHF (this is not normal).

For a non-winter activity, Barrage de Tseuzier is the start of #10, ***Bisse d’Ayant hike. It’s great, not too strenuous if you walk downhill and very scenic. Check your transportation options in advance – very limited buses that stop early in the afternoon. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/25/travel/switzerland-alps-hiking-bisses.html

There are several offbeat museums in the area:

• **Fondation Suisse des Trains Miniatures: If you love trains, don’t miss this. It’s charming and surprisingly entertaining. The Silverton railroad section is the best. Probably a skip for non-enthusiasts.
• ***Saint-Léonard Underground Lake: Short and sweet. It’s exactly what it claims to be. A nice quiet adventure for a hot day.