Vail Resorts closes on Crans-Montana, Epic passholders will have unlimited access

Vail announced it has closed on Swiss ski resort Crans Montana Thursday. Photo: Screenshot-2024-05-02-at-06.44.03

Vail Resorts has completed their purchase of Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland, the company’s second ski resort in the country. Epic Pass Holders will have unlimited and unrestricted access there starting in the 2024-25 season.

BROOMFIELD, Colo. – Vail Resorts closed on its purchase of Crans-Montana Mountain Resort Thursday. The Swiss resort is a renowned destination ski area with a long history as an outdoor sports haven. This will become the second Vail-owned ski resort in Switzerland, joining Andermatt-Sedrun, which came on board in 2022.

Crans-Montana Mountain Resort spans over 4,593 feet of skiable vertical terrain, and nearly 87 miles of trails. Accessible from five airports and by train, Crans-Montana Mountain Resort is in the Valais canton of Switzerland, approximately two and a half hours from Geneva and less than four hours from Milan and Zurich. The resort is two and a half hours away from the company’s other owned and operated European resort in Andermatt-Sedrun.

Crans-Montana offers mostly intermediate terrain, with spectacular groomers, many of them above-treeline. The views are also jaw-dropping. Many visitors come to Crans-Montana for the classic Swiss vibe, the scenery and the alpine huts that dot the mountainsides.

Vail Resorts also acquired full ownership of 11 restaurants located on and around the mountain. The valuation for the entirety of these resort operations is $130 million, including approximately $7.6 million of debt.

Vail said it plans to invest about $33 million over the next five years to elevate the guest experience. The investments will focus on maximizing dining efficiencies and improving and expanding snowmaking capabilities.

“We are thrilled to add Crans-Montana Mountain Resort as our second owned and operated ski area in Switzerland,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “Crans-Montana is a breathtaking Alpine destination, renowned for its stunning panoramic views, pristine slopes, and vibrant community. We are committed to investing in the resort to support its growth and the vitality of the region. We are also looking forward to including Crans-Montana Mountain Resort on the Epic Pass and welcome skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.”

Epic Pass Access Details for Crans-Montana Mountain Resort 

For the 2024/25 season, Epic Pass Holders will receive unlimited and unrestricted access to Crans-Montana Mountain Resort. Epic Local Pass Holders will receive five days at the resort, and Epic Day Pass Holders with All Resorts Access will be able to visit using any of their days. View passes and prices, on sale now. For the 2024/25 season, the Crans-Montana One Pass and One + Pass will also continue to be available.

The Epic Pass also provides unlimited, unrestricted access to Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, as well as access to European partner resorts, including five days at Verbier4Vallées in Switzerland, seven days at Les 3 Vallées in France, seven days at Skirama Dolomiti in Italy and three days at Ski Arlberg in Austria.