Crans-sur-Sierre

The attractive resort of Crans-sur-Sierre (1,480-1,500 m/4,856-4,922ft), to the west, lies around a number of small lakes, the Etangs de Lens. For over 45 years the resort has been equally famous in summer for its "Open" on the two splendid golf courses (nine and 18 holes), hang-gliding, hot air balloon meetings and other sporting events as for its marvelous skiing in winter.

From Crans a cableway 4,480 m/14,699ft long ascends in 25minutes, via Merbé (1,900 m/6,234ft) and Cry d'Err, to Bella Lui (2,543 m/8,344ft: restaurant), from which there are superb views. Another cableway, roughly parallel to the first, takes 13minutes to reach Chetzeron (2,100 m/6,890ft), from which there is a ski-lift to the Cry d'Err.