Crans-Montana: piste guide - Telegraph The slopes are spread over a broad mountainside, with lifts from four valley bases. Gondolas from Crans and Montana meet at Cry d'Er - an open bowl descending into patchy forest. A third gondola accesses the next sector, Les Violettes. A six-pack from the mid-station here links with Cry d'Er. Above Les Violettes, a jumbo gondola goes up to the Plaine Morte glacier. The fourth sector is served by a gondola from Aminona. Some runs down to the valley are narrow paths. A few slow lifts remain; the slow chair up from La Barmaz to Les Violettes is a particularly weak point. None on our recent visits. The 100,000-square-metre main park, with features for all levels, plus a beginner park, half-pipe and boardercross are all at Cry d'Er. There's a lot to do, including some notably long runs. The 12km run from Plaine Morte to Les Barzettes starts with top-of-the-world views and powder, and finishes among pretty woods. The Piste Nationale downhill course is a good fast cruise. There are excellent nursery areas at resort level (on the golf course) and at mid-mountain but no special beginner passes. Snowboarding Despite the resort's mature image, boarding is popular. Avalanche Pro is a specialist shop and school. There are few draglifts. There are 17km of trails, plus a glacier trail (limited opening).