All about Crans-Montana: The Swiss ski town rocked by deadly New Year’s Eve bar fire
Crans-Montana, the picturesque Swiss ski town shaken by a deadly bar explosion during New Year’s Eve celebrations, is one of Switzerland’s most popular alpine holiday destinations, known for its skiing, golf courses and panoramic mountain views.
Several people were killed and many others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through the Constellation Bar at around 1.30 am local time, police said on Wednesday. The bar, a well-known nightlife venue in the Valais region, can accommodate up to 300 people. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many were inside at the time of the blast, and investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing.
Where is Crans-Montana?
Crans-Montana is located in the south-west of Switzerland in the French-speaking part of the canton of Valais. It sits on a sunny plateau above the town of Sierre, at an elevation of around 1,500 metres (4,920 feet), offering sweeping views of the Valais Alps and peaks such as the Weisshorn. The resort lies about 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn and is roughly a two-hour drive from the Swiss capital, Bern.
The town is a fusion of two centres — Crans and Montana — and spans six municipalities: Chermignon, Icogne, Lens, Mollens, Montana and Randogne.
A major ski and holiday destination
Crans-Montana is best known as a year-round resort, attracting large numbers of international visitors, including many British tourists. Its ski area features around 140 kilometres (87 miles) of marked pistes, ranging in altitude from about 1,500 to nearly 3,000 metres (9,840 feet). The slopes are largely south-facing and extend from the Plaine Morte Glacier down to the resort’s high plateau.
In winter, the resort offers alpine skiing, cross-country trails, toboggan runs, a snow park and one of the largest ice rinks in Switzerland, located in the heart of the town. During summer, Crans-Montana is known for its nine lakes, alpine forests, hiking trails and outdoor activities.
Sporting reputation
Crans-Montana has a long-standing reputation in international sport. It hosted the Alpine Skiing World Championships in 1987 and regularly features on the World Cup circuit, particularly for women’s speed events. According to the BBC, the resort is also scheduled to host a FIS World Cup speed skiing event later this month.
The town is equally famous for golf. The Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club hosts the Omega European Masters each year, one of the most scenic stops on the European Tour, and the resort also offers a golf academy and a year-round indoor golf centre.
The deadly explosion has cast a shadow over what is usually a festive period for the resort, which is known for its lively après-ski scene, restaurants and bars during the holiday season.