Crans-Montana is a Historic Swiss Ski Resort Town Popular With International Tourists
The Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, where it is suspected that a fire at a bar led to numerous fatalities and around 100 injuries, boasts a rich history spanning over a century. Renowned as an upscale getaway favored by families and visitors from around the globe, the town is located roughly 120 miles east of Geneva in the French-speaking Valais region. It provides panoramic vistas from a plateau overlooking the Rhone Valley. Crans-Montana is celebrated for its fine dining establishments, luxury boutiques, and its role in hosting significant sporting events, including World Cup skiing competitions and major golf tournaments. The area was set to host the men’s and women’s World Cup races later this month. Former James Bond actor Roger Moore resided there for many years. The Crans-Montana Resort does not manage the bar where the fire occurred. The resort’s managing director, Pete Petrovski, issued a statement expressing, “We are deeply saddened by last night’s tragedy,” and mentioned that the resort would assist local authorities. Amin Momen, founder of Momentum Experiences, a London-based travel firm that specializes in corporate ski events, noted that the bar, Le Constellation, served as a “casual” venue, distinct from the glamorous nightlife typically associated with the town. He described the bar as spacious, featuring both an upper and lower level, and added that international guests often visited to enjoy sports like Premier League soccer. Mr. Momen noted that December would have attracted many families for vacation in the town. Additionally, according to SRF, Switzerland’s public broadcaster, the bar was a favorite among young crowds. Authorities indicated that the fire victims were likely of diverse nationalities. Approximately three million people visit Crans-Montana annually, as reported on its website. While the majority hail from Switzerland, about 20% of its visitors are international tourists, predominantly from Italy and France. Aurelien Breeden and Christopher F. Schuetze contributed reporting.
Published: 2026-01-02 07:28:00
source: www.nytimes.com
