crans montana tour de france

1984 Tour de France

71st edition: june 29 - july 22, 1984, results, stages with running gc, map, video, photos and history.

1983 Tour | 1985 Tour | Tour de France Database | 1984 Tour Quick Facts | 1984 Tour de France Final GC | Stage results with running GC | The Story of the 1984 Tour de France

1984 Tour de France route

David L. Stanley's book Melanoma: It Started with a Freckle is available as an audiobook read by the author here .

1984 Tour de France quick facts

The 1984 Tour had 23 stages plus a prologue that totaled 4020.9 kilometers.

It was ridden at an average speed of 34.906 km/hr.

170 riders started and there were 124 classified finishers.

Defending Tour champion Laurent Fignon displayed an incredible mastery over all his competitors in the 1984 edition. His teammate Vincent Barteau gained a huge amount of time in a 3-man break during stage 5.

With Barteau in yellow, Fignon had the luxury of riding conservatively and letting the other competitors, notably Bernard Hinault, try to take the lead.

As Barteau faltered in stage 17 with its hilltop finish at L'Alpe d'Huez, Fignon took over. Hinault desperately attacked Fignon in stage 18, but Fignon was riding in a state of grace.

At the end of Stage 16 he was in second place, down 6 minutes, 29 seconds. By the end of stage 18, he had carved a lead of 8 minutes, 39 seconds.

Greg Lemond's third place made him the first American to make the Tour's final podium.

1984 Tour de France complete final General Classification:

• Bernard Hinault (La Vie Claire) @ 10min 32sec
• Greg LeMond (Renault-Elf) @ 11min 46sec
• Robert Millar (Peugeot) @ 14min 42sec
• Sean Kelly (Skil-Reydel) @ 16min 35sec
• Angel Arroyo (Reynolds) @ 19min 22sec
• Pascal Simon (Peugeot) @ 21min 17sec
• Pedro Muñoz (Teka) @ 26min 17sec
• Claude Criquielion (Splendor) @ 29min 12sec
• Phil Anderson (Panasonic) @ 29min 16sec
• Niki Rüttimann (La Vie Claire) @ 30min 58sec
• Rafael Antonio Acevedo (Colombia-Varta) @ 33min 32sec
• Jean-Marie Grezet (Skil-Reydel) @ 33min 41sec
• Eric Caritoux (Skil-Reydel) @ 36min 28sec
• José Patrocinio Jiménez (Teka) @ 37min 49sec
• Gerard Veldscholten (Panasonic-Raleigh) @ 41min 54sec
• Michel Laurent (Coop-Hoonved) @ 44min 33sec
• Alfonso Florez (Colombia-Varta) @ 45min 33sec
• José Antonio Aguldelo (Colombia-Varta) @ 49min 25sec
• Bernard Gavillet (Cilo-Aufina) @ 51min 2sec
• Pascal Jules (Renault-Elf) @ 51min 53sec
• Luciano Loro (Carrera-Inoxpran) @ 52min 37sec
• Fédéric Vichot (Skil-Reydel) @ 53min 18sec
• Guy Nulens (Panasonic-Raleigh) @ 53min 25sec
• Stephen Roche (La Redoute) @ 56min 36sec
• Peter Winnen (Panasonic-Raleigh) @ 58min 14sec
• Luis Alberto Herrera (Colombia-Varta) @ 58min 30sec
• Vincent Barteau (Renault-Elf) @ 1hr 0min 2sec
• Gilles Mas (Skil-Reydel) @ 1hr 5min 38sec
• Joop Zoetemelk (Kwantum) @ 1hr 6min 2sec
• Jonathan Boyer (Skil-Reydel) @ 1he 7min 3sec
• Samuel Cabrera (Colombia-Varta) @ 1hr 7min 17sec
• Dominique Garde (Peugeot) @ 1hr 9min 58sec
• Celestino Prieto (Reynolds) @ 1hr 10min 23sec
• Marc Madiot (Renault-Elf) @ 1hr 13min 3sec
• Jerôme Simon (La Redoute) @ 1hr 16min 33sec
• Marc Durant (Système U) @ 1hr 17min 22sec
• Robert Alban (La Redoute) 1hr 18min 3sec
• Federico Echave (Teka) @ 1hr 22min 59sec
• Henk Lubberding (Panasonic-Raleigh) @ 1hr 23min 52sec
• José Luis Laguia (Reynolds) @ 1hr 24min 2sec
• Jean-Philippe Vandenbrande (Splendor) @ 1hr 24min 13sec
• Beat Breu (Cilo-Aufina) @ 1hr 25min 21sec
• Pierre Le Bigaut (Coop-Hoonved) @ 1hr 26min 51sec
• Francisco Rodriguez (Splendor) @ 1hr 28min 35sec
• Yvon Madiot (Renault-Elf) @ 1hr 29min 39sec
• Alain Vigneron (La Vie Claire) @ 1hr 29min 49sec
• Marc Sergent (Boule d'Or) @ 1hr 31min 13sec
• Charly Berard (La Vie Claire) @ 1hr 33in 15sec
• Kim Andersen (Coop-Hoonved) @ 1hr 33min 23sec
• Anrique Aja (Reynolds) @ 1hr 33min 53sec
• Julian Gorospe (Reynolds) @ 1hr 37min 23sec
• Carlos Hernandez (Reynolds) @ 1hr 37min 30sec
• Dominique Arnaud (La Vie Claire) @ 1hr 37min 50sec
• Pierre-Henri Menthéour (Renault-Elf) @ 1hr 38min 51sec
• Hennie Kuiper (Kwantum) @ 1hr 39min 30sec
• Ludo Peeters (Kwantum) @ 1hr 39min 59sec
• Urs Zimmermann (Cilo-Aufina) @ 1hr 40min 39sec
• Theo De Rooy (Panasonic-Raleigh) @ 1hr 42min 20sec
• Herman Loaiza (Colombia-Varta) @ 1hr 43min 55sec
• Antonio Ferretti (Cilo-Aufina) @ 1hr 47min 24sec
• Maurice Le Guilloux (La Vie Claire) @ 1hr 48min 38sec
• Guy Gallopin (Skil-Reydel) @ 1hr 49min 7sec
• Raimund Dietzen (Teka) @ 1hr 49min 31sec
• Alfonso Lopez (Colombia-Varta) @ 1hr 49min 59sec
• Antonio Coll (Teka) @ 1hr 52min 4sec
• André Chappuis (Système U) @ 1hr 52min 4sec
• René Martens (Teka) @ 1hr 52min 25sec
• Yvan Frebert (Système U) @ 1hr 53min 58sec
• Glauco Santoni (Carrera-Inoxpran) @ 1hr 54min 28sec
• Jesus Hernandez (Reynolds) @ 1hr 55min 17sec
• Lucien Didier (Renault-Elf) @ 1hr 56min 39sec
• Bernard Vallet (La Vie Claire) @ 1hr 58min 23sec
• Alfons De Wolf (Boule d'Or) @ 1hr 58min 36sec
• Leo Van Vliet (Kwantum) @ 1hr 58min 52sec
• Bruno Leali (Carrera-Inoxpran) @ 2hr 3min 40sec
• Marco Antonio Chagas (Sporting Lisboa) @ 2hr 8min 15sec
• Isreal Corredor (Colombia-Varta) @ 2hr 9min 31sec
• Patrick Clerc (Skil-Reydel) @ 2hr 11min 29sec
• Pascal Poisson (Renault-Elf) @ 2hr 11min 37sec
• Giancarlo Perini (Carrera-Inoxpran) @ 2hr 12min 8sec
• Jean-François Rault (La Vie Claire) @ 2hr 12min 17sec
• AlainDithurbide (Sporting Lisboa) @ 2hr 13min 2sec
• Erich Mächler (Cilo-Aufina) @ 2hr 15min 23sec
• Patrick Bonnet (Système U) @ 2hr 17min 18sec
• Bernard Bourreau (Peugeot) @ 2hr 20min 29sec
• Anastasio Greciano (Reynolds) @ 2hr 20min 51sec
• Hendrik Devos (Splendor) @ 2hr 23min 55sec
• Frédéric Brun (Peugeot) @ 2hr 25min 8sec
• Eric Vanderaerden (Panasonic-Raleigh) @ 2hr 26min 14sec
• Sean Yates (Peugeot) @ 2hr 26min 41sec
• Ludo De Keulenaer (Panasonic-Raleigh) @ 2hr 28min 49sec
• Czeslaw Lang (Carrera-Inoxpran) @ 2hr 29min 21sec
• Manuel Zeferino (Sporting Lisboa) @ 2hr 29min 26sec
• Allan Peiper (Peugeot) @ 2hr 31min 28sec
• Patrick Moerlen (Skil-Reydel) @ 2hr 31min 33sec
• Jean-Louis Gauthier (Coop-Hoonved) @ 2hr 34min 10sec
• Bernardo Alfonsel (Teka) @ 2hr 35min 25sec
• Alain Bondue (La Redoute) @ 2hr 36min 45sec
• Frank Hoste (Boule d'Or) @ 2hr 38min 8sec
• Jacques Hanegraf (Kwantum) @ 2hr 44min 4sec
• Jacques Bossis (Peugeot) @ 2hr 44min 26sec
• Gerrie Knetemann (Boule d'Or) @ 2hr 47min 58sec
• Marc Dierickx (Boule d'Or) @ 2hr 49min 20sec
• Francis Castaing (Peugeot) @ 2hr 51min 59sec
• Ferdi Van Den Haute (La Redoute) @ 2hr 52min 48sec
• Henri Manders (Kwantum) @ 2hr 59min 1sec
• Ad Wijnands (Kwantum) @ 3hr 1min 1sec
• Luc Govaerts (Boule d'Or) @ 3hr 1min 39sec
• Christian Levavasseur (La Redoute) @ 3hr 3min 4sec
• Régis Simon (La Redoute) @ 3hr 4min 25sec
• Hubert Linard (Peugeot) @ 3hr 6min 24sec
• Valerio Lualdi (Carrera-Inoxpran) @ 3hr 6min 50sec
• Claude Moreau (Coop-Hoonved) @ 3hr 7min 34sec
• Patrice Thevenard (Sporting Lisboa) @ 3hr 9min 16sec
• Paul Sherwen (La Redoute) @ 3hr 24min 48sec
• Michel Charreard (Sporting Lisboa) @ 3hr 25min 18sec
• Eduardo Manuel Correia (Sporting Lisboa) @ 3hr 25min 37sec
• José Antonio Xavier (Sporting Lisboa) @ 3hr 27min 26sec
• Modesto Urrutbeazcoa (Teka) @ 3hr 30min 11sec
• Dominique Gaigne (Renault-Elf) @ 3hr 35min 39sec
• Carlos Alberto Marta (Sporting Lisboa) @ 3hr 40min 5sec
• Marcel Russenberger (Cilo-Aufina) @ 4hr 0min 30sec
• Gilbert Glaus (Cilo-Aufina) @ 4hr 1min 17sec

Climbers' Competition:

• Laurent Fignon (Renault-Elf): 212
• Angel Arroyo (Reynolds): 140
• Luis Alberto Herrera (Colombia-Varta): 108
• José Patrocinio Jimémez (Teka): 92

Points Competition:

• Sean Kelly (skil-Reydel): 318
• Eric Vanderaerden (Panasonic-Raleigh): 247
• Leo Van Vliet (Kwantum): 173
• Bernard Hinault (La Vie Claire): 146
• Renault-Elf: 336hr 31min 16sec
• Skil-Reydel @ 46min 44sec
• Reynolds @ 57min 58sec
• Peugeot @ 1hr 1min 57sec
• La Vie Claire @ 1hr 15min 59sec

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1984 Tour de France stages and results with running GC

Prologue: Friday, June 29, Montreuil - Noisy le Sec 5.4 km Individual Time Trial. Stage and GC places and times are the same.

Stage 1: Saturday, June 30, Bondy - St Denis, 148.5 km

GC after Stage 1

Stage 2: Sunday, July 1, Bobigny - Louvroil, 249.5 km

GC after Stage 2

Stage 3: Monday, July 2, Louvroil - Valenciennes 51 km Team Time Trial

GC after Stage 3:

Stage 4: Monday, July 2, Valenciennes - Béthune, 83 km

GC after Stage 4:

Stage 5: Tuesday, July 3, Béthune - Cergy Pontoise, 207 km

GC after Stage 5:

Stage 6: Wednesday, July 4, Cergy Pontoise - Alençon, 202 km

GC after Stage 6:

Stage 7: Thursday, July 5, Alençon - Le Mans 67 km Individual Time Trial

GC after stage 7:

Stage 8: Friday, July 6, Le Mans - Nantes, 192 km

GC after Stage 8:

Stage 9: Saturday, July 7, Nantes - Bordeaux, 338 km

GC after Stage 9:

Stage 10: Sunday, July 8, Langon - Pau, 198 km

GC after Stage 10:

Stage 11: Monday, July 9, Pau - Guzet Neige, 226.5 km

GC after Stage 11:

Stage 12: Tuesday, July 10, St. Girons - Blagnac, 111 km

GC after Stage 12:

Stage 13: Wednesday, July 11, Blagnac - Rodez, 220.5 km

GC after Stage 13:

Stage 14: Thursday, July 12, Rodez - Domaine du Rouret, 227.5 km

GC after Stage 14:

Stage 15: Friday, July 13, Domaine de Rouret - Grenoble, 241.5 km

GC after Stage 15:

Stage 16: Sunday, July 15, Les Echelles - La Ruchère 22 km Individual Time Trial

GC after Stage 16:

Stage 17: Monday, July 16, Grenoble - L'Alpe d'Huez , 151 km

GC after stage 17:

Stage 18: Tuesday, July 17, Bourg d'Oisans - La Plagne, 185 km

GC after stage 18:

Stage 19: Wednesday, July 18, La Plagne - Morzine, 186 km

GC after Stage 19:

Stage 20: Thursday, July 19, Morzine - Crans Montana, 140.5 km

GC after stage 20:

Stage 21: Friday, July 20, Crans Montana - Villefranche en Beaujolais, 320.5 km

GC after Stage 21:

Stage 22: Saturday, July 21, Villié Morgon - Villefranche en Beaujolais 51 km Individual Time Trial

GC after Stage 22:

23rd and Final Stage: Sunday, July 22, Pantin - Paris, 196.5 km

Complete Final 1984 Tour de France General Classification

This excerpt is from "The Story of the Tour de France", Volume 2. If you enjoy it we hope you will consider purchasing the book, either print, eBook or audiobook. The Amazon link here will make the purchase easy.

Sports are cruel. L'Équipe describes the 1984 Tour as an intergenerational conflict. Fignon at 23 represented the new guard and Hinault, at the ripe old age of 29 was of an older demographic cohort, close to being ready for the ashheap.

Fignon is an interesting character. He was nicknamed "The Professor" because of his scholarly appearance with his oval wire-framed glasses and his time in college. When interviewed in later years about his cycling accomplishments, he is strangely diffident, saying that what he did wasn't terribly important. He's rather like Marlon Brando in this way. When Brando talked about acting he would ask why there was so much fuss about such an unimportant pursuit. Both men had striven for years to become the best in the world at their craft, yet both were often oddly dismissive of the entire source of their reputations and fame. A pose? In Fignon's case, I think not. Fignon is an intelligent, thoughtful man who always had a prickly edge to his personality.

But for a couple of years, god, could he ride a bike, his own oblique, non-denial of drug use in later years notwithstanding.

Coming to the Tour, he was sporting the tricolor jersey of the Champion of France. He came in second in the Giro, losing the leader's Pink Jersey to Francesco Moser on the final day, a time trial. The Giro was clearly stolen from Fignon. The highest mountain stage was cancelled in order to keep Moser from losing gobs of time to Fignon, the superior climber. The Giro organizers claimed that snow was blocking the pass, but pictures were produced showing clear roads. Then in the time trial, Fignon was the victim of another outrage. The television helicopter flew low and in front of Fignon, creating a headwind, while Moser was followed by the helicopter, creating a tailwind. The numerous pushes Moser received from the fans when he was climbing in the high mountains were also ignored by the officials.

And that, in a nutshell, explains why the Giro is only an important regional race and the Tour de France is the Holy Grail of cycling.

Hinault switched teams. He left Cyrille Guimard and Renault and went to a new team, La Vie Claire, which sported very distinctive Mondrian-inspired jerseys. After his knee operation Hinault had told Renault to choose between himself and the team manager Cyrille Guimard. With Guimard's stunning record as a manager, they intelligently made the long-term decision to stick with Guimard. Hinault said that a major reason for the change was the desire to have a greater say in team management. Given the strong-willed Breton's temperament, this is not hard to believe. Further, either Hinault or Fignon had to change teams. It would be impossible for 2 of the finest racers in France to be on the same team, competing for the same victory. That never works, as we will see in a couple of years.

Hinault's spring racing seemed to say that he had not returned with his old punch. The time out of competition while his knee was repaired was not without cost. Returning to the highest levels of sporting fitness takes time. He did win the 4 Days of Dunkirk, but he came in second in the Dauphiné Libéré and third in Paris–Nice. His Classics placings weren't inspiring either.

Round 1: Hinault. Hinault won the Prologue for the fourth time, beating his former teammate Fignon by 3 seconds. Jacques Anquetil said that if he were Hinault, he would not have tipped his hand and let the others know that he was in such fine form by winning something as unimportant as a Prologue. For Hinault, I don't think there was ever an unimportant Tour win.

But wait, who's this at ninth with the same time as Zoetemelk and Stephen Roche? American racer Greg LeMond finished only 12 seconds behind the finest living time trialist and beat one of the only men to ever best Hinault in a time trial when he was at the top, Gerrie Knetemann. LeMond was riding his first Tour this year and was on Guimard's Renault team with Laurent Fignon. Showing signs of first-Tour jitters, LeMond had forgotten the mandatory sign-in and was still tightening his toe straps when the starter finished his countdown.

LeMond had entered his time of glory. The year before he won the Dauphiné Libéré in the spring, and in the fall became World Champion. His victory in the Worlds was a stunning solo win after more than 7 hours of racing. He showed both extraordinary strength and endurance and the ability to read a race. LeMond often displayed a superb understanding of the psychology of the peloton. He could also be caught strangely unaware and flat-footed, a defect that would cost him dearly later in his career.

Round 2: Renault and Fignon. Renault won the stage 3 team time trial. Hinault's La Vie Claire team was a distant seventh at 55 seconds. The stage victory wasn't enough to give a Renault rider the Yellow Jersey, but it put Renault riders Fignon, Madiot and LeMond well up in the General Classification. The Colombian team, inexperienced in the highly technical and precise event, was last in the 51-kilometer stage. Their manager joked that the Colombian team fell apart in the final 50 kilometers.

The General Classification after the team time trial stood thus:

Stage 5 had one of those dopey early breaks that no one expects to succeed, unless success is defined as time on the world's televisions. 3 riders took off in search of TV time: Paolo Ferreira, Maurice Le Guilloux and Vincent Barteau. Ferreira was a member of the unimportant (to this story, at least) Sporting Lisboa team. But Le Guilloux was a member of Hinault's La Vie Claire squad and Barteau was a Renault. The 2 most important teams in the Tour were neutralized because they would not chase down their own team members. Moreover, the politics of Northern European racing had created an intense rivalry between the Raleigh-Panasonic team and Kwantum. This intensity paralyzed them and strangely prevented their chasing the break because neither had a rider up the road and they often, as in this case, only worried about each other. The break's lead grew. At the end of the stage they were 17 minutes, 42 seconds ahead of the listless peloton. It was thought that Barteau would easily win the sprint but Ferreira stunned everyone by crossing the line first.

This gave the crafty Guimard (and he was probably racing's finest tactician) another card to play. His Vincent Barteau was now the Yellow Jersey. Le Guilloux was 1 minute, 33 seconds behind Barteau. Round 3 to Guimard.

Stage 6 was a sprinter's stage but it did have a lasting effect. Sean Kelly threw an elbow at Gilbert Glaus in the sprint and was relegated to one-hundred-fortieth place. The loss of the second-place points in the Green Jersey competition cost him dearly. At the end of the Tour, Frank Hoste ended up beating Kelly by only 4 points for the Green Jersey. With a cleaner sprint in stage 6 Kelly would have had the 1984 Green Jersey in his collection.

The first real contest to see who was ready to race was the 67-kilometer individual time trial of stage 7. Riding better than he had dared hope, Fignon beat Hinault where he lived, winning the stage and putting Hinault another 49 seconds back. The General Classification was already starting to sort itself out.

Hinault's third place in the time trial (Sean Kelly also finished ahead of him) brought about a change to Hinault's attitude and tactics. He understood that this Tour would be tough to win. He started to fight hard for the intermediate sprint bonus seconds. In stage 9, Hinault and Kelly had dueled for the third of the intermediate sprints. After Hinault had won the sprint they looked back at the peloton and saw that they had created a sizable gap. They put their heads down and pressed on with several other riders who had also detached themselves in the sprint. Caught napping because they expected the sprinters to slow and rejoin the peloton were LeMond, Fignon, Zoetemelk and Stephen Roche. A chase was organized and the 2 groups hammered down the road to Bordeaux at 60 kilometers an hour. Finally, facing a headwind and realizing that the gain would be too small for the effort, the Hinault/Kelly group sat up. But Hinault had once again shown that he was always willing to attack any time and any place. And Guimard, with his young team, had also proven that he could respond to the Badger's best efforts.

No one expected Barteau or his breakaway companions to come out of the mountains with their lead intact. But Barteau had some steel in his spine.

There was only 1 Pyrenean stage, 226 kilometers that went over the Portet d'Aspet, the Core, Latrape and a first category ascent to Guzet-Neige. Robert Millar was the angel with wings, winning stage 11 and leaving his closest follower, the Colombian Luis Herrera, 41 seconds behind. LeMond, getting over a cold that had been bothering him, had trouble and got dropped on the first climb. Being a superb descender he regained contact and through sheer determination, managed to finish sixteenth, not far behind Hinault. Fignon, sensing weakness in Hinault, wanted to attack well before the finish. Guimard, wary of the Badger, told Fignon to hold his fire until 3 kilometers from the summit, thus making it unlikely that Hinault would be able to regroup and respond. It worked perfectly and Fignon took almost a minute out of Hinault. Barteau stunned almost everyone by finishing only a little behind LeMond. He was still in Yellow.

Stage 11 results:

That left the General Classification thus:

Round 4 to Renault.

Barteau was proving to be rather strongly attached to the Yellow Jersey. He survived the Pyrenees with a loss of only 2 minutes. With their teammate in Yellow, Fignon and LeMond could sit on. If someone wanted to take the Yellow from Barteau, he would have to attack and get past Fignon, who was riding as he normally did, coolly, with no unneeded expenditure of energy.

Hinault now seemed unworried about such plebian concerns as conserving his strength for the best possible, most efficient moment to take back the needed time and went on the offensive. He has often said that his normal way was to attack if he felt weak or at a loss. It's a noble sentiment, but sometimes, just as when Lee sent Pickett and his brave Confederates to charge men in a fortified position, nobility on those terms can be suicidal. As Tour founder Henri Desgrange said, it's la tête et les jambes (head and legs). It didn't seem that Hinault had the legs and he damn sure wasn't using his head.

Stage 14 went through the rolling countryside of the Massif Central. Faded Belgian hope Fons de Wolf, in an extraordinary exploit, went on a long solo break. At one point he had put 25 minutes between himself and the peloton. By the time the stage was over he still had 17 minutes, 40 seconds and had temporarily lifted himself to fourth place in the General Classification. The next day he paid for his effort and finished 23 minutes behind the stage winner Frédéric Vichot.

While Hinault may have been riding with a touch of an air of desperation, Fignon had also changed. He seemed to be getting stronger and was obviously growing more confident. On the day that de Wolf won, Hinault had attacked hard for second place in the stage. Fignon easily sped by the Badger causing Raymond Poulidor to pronounce himself astonished at Fignon. The next day Fignon won the field sprint.

The coming days held a 22-kilometer time trial and the Alpine stages. Even though he was riding in a state of grace, Fignon said that with only a 2-minute lead over Hinault, the slightest weakness would cost him dearly.

Stage 16 was an individual time trial with a tough 800-meter climb in the final half. Seeming to fly up the final kilometers of the mountain, Fignon beat Hinault, this time by 33 seconds.

Stage 17 was when things really got sorted out. It was a trip to the top of l'Alpe d'Huez passing over 3 other highly rated climbs on the way. Hinault had hoped that he could wear down his young rival. This seemed like an empty hope as Fignon was demonstrating a mastery that was Hinault's only a few years ago.

Hinault attacked 5 times on the penultimate climb, the Laffrey. Each time Fignon rode back to him. After the fifth assault Fignon was without teammates and the front group had been reduced to the climbing elite of the Tour. Then it was Fignon's turn. Fignon and Luis Herrera separated themselves from the others. They did this without specifically attacking. They just rode faster than any other rider could. Over the top and on the descent Hinault chased like a madman. Riding through the valley leading up to the steep hairpins of l'Alpe d'Huez Hinault caught the duo. Like a shark with the smell of blood in the water, the furious Hinault attacked and put some distance between himself and the Fignon/Herrera pair.

Looking back, Fignon said that the attack in no way concerned him. He said he thought Hinault's effort laughable. Herrera set a blistering pace up the mountain with Fignon, Millar and Arroyo on his wheel and caught Hinault. As Herrera raced for the summit, Fignon was the last man dropped by the flying Colombian. Looking at the stage results below, one can see that Robert Millar was over 3 minutes behind Herrera. Fignon's superiority to a specialist climber like Millar on what should be his ideal terrain gives an idea of the magnificent form Fignon enjoyed in 1984.

Round 5 and the fight to Fignon. Herrera’s stage win was the first by a Colombian, non-European, and amateur.

Stage 17 results:

The consequences of the stage were immense.

Barteau's dream was over. He had to give up the Yellow Jersey to Laurent Fignon.

Luis Herrera became the first Colombian in Tour History to win a stage. Herrera was having a fabulous year with a near win in the Red Zinger Classic. After his L'Alpe d'Huez stage victory the president of Colombia called him. The entire country had watched the stage at night (Colombian time) as their countryman showed that he was as good as Europe's best. Since then, Herrera's life in today's war-ravaged Colombia has been tough. He's been kidnapped twice and has to pay protection money regularly just to be left alone.

The angry, raging Hinault had lost 3 minutes to Fignon, but he was in no way subdued. He was looking for another opportunity to try to savage his competitors. Fignon, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy tormenting Hinault in press interviews. Samuel Abt put Fignon's attitude nicely, "If you couldn't kick a man when he was down, when could you kick him?"

The General Classification after stage 17:

The next stage was challenging. It included the Galibier, the Madeleine and a finish at La Plagne. All 3 were Hors Category climbs. Hinault was soon dropped by the leaders and chased back on. By this point Hinault was so reduced in circumstances that he, the Patron of the peloton, attacked in the feed zone. He was soon brought up short for that move by Fignon and LeMond's Renault team. He was again dropped on the Madeleine and chased back on the descent

Ever the patient man, Fignon assumed command on the final climb to La Plagne, dropping everyone, even the Colombians. This was the last element Fignon needed both to put the icing on the cake of this Tour and to silence those critics who carped that Fignon had not yet won a high mountain stage. He did this time, completely dominating his competitors. Hinault finished the stage in tenth place, almost 3 minutes behind Fignon. LeMond finished third in the stage, lifting him from fifth to third place in the Overall, only 1 minute, 13 seconds behind second place Hinault. Hinault trailed the flying Fignon in the General Classification by a giant 8 minutes, 39 seconds.

Two days later Fignon did it again, winning stage 20 alone on the hilltop finish at Crans-Montana.

Stage 22, the Tour's penultimate stage was a 51-kilometer individual time trial. Fignon won again, although Sean Kelly, when the times were rounded to the nearest second, finished with the same time. Hinault lost another 36 seconds.

The final General Classification of the 1984 Tour de France:

Bernard Hinault earned the admiration of cycling fans for his refusal to give up. Every day he went out looking for some chink in Fignon's armor, some way to break his young rival. It wasn't to be. In 1984 Laurent Fignon was vastly superior to any other rider and was never seriously challenged. With complete command of the race, he could and did ride patiently, opening up time on his rivals when it suited him.

© McGann Publishing

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Crans-Montana Must–Read Guide

Crans-Montana Must-Read Guide

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here .

Check no more! Here is your must-read guide to Crans-Montana:  Crans-Montana is a world-renown ski and summer resort in the Valais area of Switzerland, celebrating its 125th year this year. Easily accessible by train and a funicular, the resort has two big towns, Crans and Montana that are almost now linked into one bigger town.

Crans-Montana is a lively town, with lots of people that live there year-round. This is not the classic resort that opens only for the season and then nothing happens anymore; it is pretty big and busy.

Crans and Montana are located in a wide sunny valley, perched at 1500m, with magnificent south views of the mountains of the Rhône Valley in Valais, from the Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn- 19 peaks over 4,000 meters are facing Crans-Montana.  Hotels and condominiums are dotted in town amongst hotels, from 3 stars to deluxe 5 stars with all the services.

Crans-Montana has been a magnet for stars, from Roger Moore who had a house there, Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo, who used to stay at the Grand Hotel du Golf & Palace. The Kennedy’s family and Mr Bourvil used to holiday in Crans Montana. Also David Guetta comes for a discreet winter holiday to Crans-Montana.

People go to Crans-Montana for the vistas, they are magnificent; for it’s skiing, with nice sunny pistes to all type of skiers, and in the rest of the year for its golf. With an 18-hole golf course by Severino Ballesteros and a 9-hole by Jack Nicklaus, and many hotels offering direct access to the golf course (or the cross country trails in winter), it is the best you could get in Switzerland! Plus the biking is pretty big now, lots of hiking and water sports around, to make it a year-round resort.

It is said that Crans Montana has the cleanest air in Switzerland which is great news; as many ski resorts suffer from pollution. But as this is an open valley, they do not have this problem. Plus with the opening of the new Summit Clinic, Crans Montana is looking to become a hub on health tourism. The clinic is aimed especially at those who would like to reverse the signs of aging and improve their quality of life, as well as for the local inhabitants, who will benefit from the cutting edge equipment as far as orthopaedic medicine is concerned, and the high quality of cosmetic treatments and surgical procedures.

Getting there:

The easiest way to come to Crans Montana is to fly into Sion or Geneva. Swiss flies into Sion during the ski season on the weekends in January and February (check with Swiss.com dates for this coming season) and from there you can take a bus into Crans-Montana.

If you fly into Geneva, just take the train from the airport up to Sierre, then get off the station and walk along the red line painted on the floor of the road outside the train station, and in 7 minutes you’ll be at the base of the funicular which takes you up every half an hour into Montana Gare. At the Gare you can get a taxi to your hotel (if your hotel does not pick you up at the station), and/or get any of the free red buses going around and get down in the stop nearest to your apartment or hotel.

Crans is THE place for the high fashion boutiques, all the brands are here, from Hermes, Prada, Luis Vuitton, Dior, Moncler- you name it! And they are all together in a road where you can spend your bonus in a couple of hours!

Montana has some shops too, but here you don’t need to spend that hard-earned bonus, giving an option for all guests coming to the resort. This is except DAVID chocolates shop that is a must go when visiting Crans-Montana. David was chosen Switzerland’s best  chocolatier in 2013.

Crans could be a bit quiet mid week in lower seasons, but Montana atrracts a bit younger crowds and is busy all the time.

From Valaisane to Japanese, Argentine to Italian there are options for everyone. If you can indulge yourself, go to the restaurants in the 5* hotels, such as:

• Le Mont Blanc at Le Crans Hotel, with amazing views of the Mont Blanc. French/Swiss restaurant with a Michelin star and 17 out of 20 Gault & Millau points.
• MiZUKi by Kakinuma is the restaurant of the 5 stars hotel Guarda Golf, from the same chain Kakinuma of Japanese Restaurants in Geneva has 15 out of 20 Gault & Millau points.
• L’Ours at L’Hostellerie du Pas de L’Ours– another Michelin star restaurant which has also 18 out of 20 Gault & Millau points.
• L’Etrier, from L’Hôtel de L’Etrier has 14 out of 20 Gault & Millau points.
• La Desalpe offers good Swiss dishes, such as Raclette and Fondue with a nice selection of wines. Near the Cry d’Er gondola. It features beautiful pictures of Crans-Montana in the old days.

• La Piccolina is where you would go if you are a seasonnaire. The Valaisanne pizza is famous, with its toppings of mozzarella, raclette, tomatoes and Parma ham.
• Other favourites to try are Burger Lounge and Chez Chico that offers Argentine empanadas.
• The Plage, at the edge of Lake Moubra is a lovely cabin where to have dinner. I went in the summer but it is opened in winter as well. Food was very nice and the place is a small rustic restaurant, with amazing views and nice service, worth visiting!
• Another of my favourites, for coffee or quick lunch if in town, is Taillens Salon de Thé in Crans. There is another one in rue de la Gare in Montana center.

Eating on the pistes:

• Chetzeron, for eating on the pistes, is an upmarket restaurant with 12 out of 20 Gault & Milleau points, offers also 16 beautiful designed hotel rooms. A must if you are looking for a unique alpine experience. Your reward for staying there is having the fresh tracks at 8.30 AM prior to the lifts opening. You can find it from top of the mountain to the right (skiers’ right).
• Go for a great raclette or goulash to the rustic Cabane des Taules. Note that there is not inside seating here, but service is fast, and seating on one of the sun loungers is bliss- as life should be!
• At “Plaine Morte” there are different types of cheese fondue. For a more fast service, maybe you can go to the selfservice at Les Violettes, with choices of pizzas and pasta, or if you have more time, go to their restaurant.

Après ski on pistes:

“L’aprés ski” at Signal and “Le Seven” at Les Barzettes, plus of course the amazing Cry d’Er club. Check out the program for late afternoon parties. This place hosts the MDRNTY festival on early April.

Après ski in town

At the bottom of the Cry d’Er gondola you find Zerodix, where you can always find great music and good drinks.

Other favourites are Monkis bar, which is a great place for an evening party, with DJ’s party events, and concerts for clients between 16 and 35 years old.

Le Pub, just across Monki’s is a nice place for young party goers.

For those from 25 to 60 years old, the place to go is Constellation. Just next to the Cinema on top of Rue Centrale in the Crans side. This is a nice and cozy place, offering winter cocktails, champagne and DJs for après-ski and a good place for a night cap.

Also try the Amadeus bar just below “Le Mayen” restaurant in the Montana side of town.

Sky Club attract very big DJs and the disco-goers.

Le Pacha is the place to go dancing, or go to Leo’s Bar for late drinks (23 rue Centrale)

Also Cry d’Er, at 2,220 m stay opened some nights with DJs playing electronic music and capacity for 500 partygoers.

Other entertainment in town:

Cinema in Crans

Ice Rink at Stade Y-coor in Montana.

Cross country in the two golf courses. You can rent your equipment at Alex Sports that is next to trails.

Cross country is also available – weather permitting, at Plaine Morte at 3,000 people, only for those fit to exercise at altitude.

Snow shoeing in the Grandeur Nature Park, at the Aminona end of Crans-Montana- which is a pristine area of alpine pastures and wild forests.

The Ski Area:

Bottom of lifts: 1500m

Top of Lifts: 3,000

140 km of slopes

24 modern ski lifts

South facing slopes attract all the sun, which is great for a good tan. Even though in a bad year of snow, you can go up high to the glacier of Plaine Morte and be sure you’ll work on your tan while you do some turns.

In the morning the red runs from Plaine Morte across Tubang and Les Violettes are sunny and empty.

You can ski the longest run of 12 km from Plaine Morte to Les Brazettes, with magnificent views on the way and good powder.

Piste National is another favourite cruiser.

Those looking for more adventure can go up to Bella Lui at 2543 meters and ski or ride down a red groomer to the village. The views from here are incredible!

To the far eastern edge of the resort, you will find the tougher reds and some off-piste options at Petit Bonvin, where there is also a toboggan alongside. Les Faverges is a pleasant off-piste sector that feeds into Aminona. It is best to hire a mountain guide at ESS Crans-Montana ski school as this sector can be dangerous.

Beginners have excellent learning areas at the resort level on the Severino Ballesteros golf course ,  and there is a Jardin des neige at Arnouva which is  accessed with the free Signal Gondola. Pedestrians are also welcome there.

There is a piste called Hornet and is named after a Swiss army aircraft crashed in 1998 in Crans Montana during a training exercise.

The Kandahar black slopes refer to British soldier Robert of Kandahar. He initiated the first Crans Montana Alpine ski descent in 1911.

Crans Montana has great snowparks with 100,000 sq m. It includes an Olympic size halfpipe – more info: www.crans-montana-parks.ch/parks

Crans-Montana lauched 15 ski touring track last winter. This is the only resort offering marked tracks allowing ski tourer to enjoy nature at it’s best far from skiers traffic. More info on www.crans-montana.ch/en/randoparc

In the summer it offers 378 km of hiking paths and 2 biking ways plus 210 km of MTB trails. The snowpark is converted on two Downhill bike slopes and is used also to practice endure.

Plus Crans Montana has 7 lakes, and lots of activities planned for the summer.

The sand beach is opened with lots of loungers, a good bar beach with loud music, and the possibility of doing water sports, including a mechanical pulley that allows you to waterski.

Ski School: ESS

With offices in Montana, also in Crans by the lifts and next to the Golf Course (that is the cross country trails and the beginners’ area in winter).

They give private and group lessons and take kids from 3 years old. From 4 years old you can leave the kids at the office and the ski instructor will take them to the slope and back to the office for an extra CHF 10.

They also offer guiding services. http://esscrans-montana.ch/en/contact/ 

Another option, is to pre-book your ski or snowboard school with the new App CheckYeti, or online via  https://www.checkyeti.com/  . Here you look for Crans-Montana, and then you have a lot of different options, from group lessons to private lessons, with different ski schools.

Rental shops:

Three shops: one in Crans, one in Les Barzettes and a Stöckli test-center in Cry d’Er directly on the slopes. https://www.swissrent.com/fr/location-de-velos/crans-montana

There are lockers next to where you buy the ski pass. A locker per night that handles 2 pair of skis costs CHF 10 and CHF 20 for a locker that accepts 4 pairs of skis.

Where to Stay:

Crans-Montana has very excellent deluxe hotels and also some options for those that prefer not to spend too much.

There are a couple of new hotels being built as I write this guide: the new 6 Senses by the slopes, a 5 stars deluxe hotel, and also four stars condominiums next to it.

These are the hotels we recommend for your next stay in Crans Montana.

Pretty much ski in/out- it is located up from Crans and boasts magnificent views of the Valais and its peaks. You can see from the Mont Blanc, to the Matterhorn and the Monterosa massif.

A Leading Hotels of the World and Swiss Deluxe Hotels hotel with 15 suites and prestige apartments offering a private terrace. Each bedroom has a different style, with names such as Annapruna or Sierra Nevada.

Rooms offer Whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and a natural water fountain fed by nearby glaciers. There are plasma screens in the bathrooms.

Le Mont Blanc restaurant offers modern and French cuisine with 17/20 Gault&Millau and 1 Michelin Star. A Brasserie operates in the panoramic terrace with jaw drop views of the mountains. They offer also a Table d’hôtes in the hotel kitchen. A lovely vinothèque offers lots of Swiss and international vintages. Their wine cellar, called LeCellier offers wine tastings. A Cigar Lounge has a selection of the finest puros for guests.

The spa has a heated indoor and outdoor pool, infinity Jacuzzi, Sauna, Hammam and solarium, cabins for massage and spa treatments, fitness area with trainers and offering healthy cuisine.

More info: Le Crans

Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences

Located walking distance from the pedestrianized centre of Crans, near all the haute-couture shops. Another Leading Hotels of the World, Leading Golf and Swiss Deluxe Hotels establishment with a Japanese restaurant: MiZUKi by Kakinuma.

Last season the hotel residences opened with seven suite apartments, each one with over 225 m2 and allowing 6 guests, with up to 3 bedrooms, living and dining table with fireplace, a spacious terrace with loungers and dining furniture, enclosed kitchen, elegant décor and panoramic views of the Valais Alps.

Also new this past season was the 15-seat Sir Roger Moore cinema, which honours the actor and friend of Nati and Giancarlo Felli, owners of the hotel. A Billiard room, a library, and a Cigar lounge complements this area.

A 600 square meters spa awaits hotel and residences guests, with a heated indoor pool with a separate whirlpool, a sauna, steam room and fitness centre. This area has four treatment rooms for massages and beauty treatments, including oxygen-based treatments to rejuvenating the skin.

More on the Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences.

Hotellerie du Pas de L’Ours:

A 5* Relais et Chateaux property, linked to sister 4* Hotel L’Etrier, it is located up the road of the pedestrianized village of Crans, and offers majestic views of the Valais mountains. A true mountain chalet with natural stoned walls, exposed wooden beams and open fireplaces.

The hotel has 3 rooms, 11 suites and 1 apartment of three rooms, mostly of them with south facing views and balconies, with beautiful décor. It shares the spa area with Hotel L’Etrier via a connecting corridor. The spa has an indoor and outdoor pool with south views, sauna and Hammam, and a small gym.

Chef Frank Reynaud commands the acclaimed Restaurant Gastronomique l’Ours with a creative cuisine and also the Bistrot des Ours.

Menus go from 35-40 CHF and you can expect to spend around 77-104 CHF a la carte at the Bistrot des Ours and Menus for 145-195 CHF and a la carte from 120 to 158 CHF.

It is possible to also try a Gastronomic experience by eating in the heart of the kitchen – what is called a Table d’Hôtes by the side of Chef Franck Reynaud. And try the wines from Le Cellier selected by Sommelier Carlo Alberto Cogno.

More on Hostellerie du Pas de L’Ours.

Crans Ambassador:

Another 5* hotel perched up a hill with magnificent views of the valley and mountains.

Very well appointed rooms, the majority with south facing views and Nespresso coffee machine.

The hotel has a grand terrace, heated in winter, with amazing views of the Valais.

Le Carnotzet restaurant with its typical ‘montagnarde’ interior design offers mature cheeses and charcuterie from the best local producers and artisans and fondue or raclette in a cosy Alpine setting.

The Spa Nescens offers innovative cosmeceutical treatments focusing on anti-aging. There is a fitness area with big windows to view the Alps, a 17-meter panoramic pool and a 1,300 square meters space with sauna, steam room and a solarium. This is the largest spa in Crans Montana.

The hotel has a small cable car crossing the road in the back of it, so you are in the cabin in 2 minutes from the hotel.

More info on the Crans Ambassador .

Crans Luxury Lodges

A group of 5 deluxe chalets ski in/out for families, group of friends or business colleagues of 8 up to 10 guests, with elegant rooms and en-suite bathrooms. All chalets offer open plan kitchens, dining room, plenty of leisure and lounge space, wine cellar and a large terrace with stunning views, plus fireplaces and a private spa, with an infinity Jacuzzi and dry sauna over 250 square meters over two or three floors.

Guests are offered continental breakfast each day at their chalet, and services of a complimentary concierge with a service of housekeeping for longer stays and for doing the final cleaning.

More info on the Crans Luxury Lodges

Hotel Royal

  The Hotel Royal is well located near the centre of Crans in a quiet side road. The Southern faced rooms have the best view. The hotel has been completely refurbished in 2012 and it looks cosy as a mountain chalet.

Very nice decorated rooms, some with balconies and a very agreeable bar to go to unwind after a day hiking or skiing. A full spa with products of L’Occitane offers a pool, steam bath, massage parlour and a small fitness centre.

More info on Hotel Royal.

Grand Hotel du Golf et Palace

Located by the Étang Long and the golf course where the Omega European Masters is celebrated each summer, and used for cross-country in winter.

The hotel seems to be from another era, where the rich as famous, such as Alain Delon and Jean Paul Belmondo used to visit Crans Montana. A big decadent bar with a terrace towards the golf course, a big restaurant and a very big spa with a heated indoor pool complement the common areas.

The elegant rooms and suites look over the golf course. The likes of Theresa May and Boris Johnson stayed recently there. (Not sure if this is good or bad, depending what side of politics you have!)

More info on the Grand Hotel du Golf & Palace

Hotel L’Etrier 4*

Sister hotel of Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours. Both hotels are connected through a corridor. Located in a quiet spot, 10 minutes from downtown Crans and 15 minutes from the lifts. Big 4 stars hotel, which has most of the rooms looking south towards the Alps, and some smaller ones looking to the other side.

Lovely living area to sit down with a bar, the breakfast and main restaurant with Italian gastronomy, plus the traditional smaller “La Fer a Cheval” with raclette and cheese fondue.

It has a heated open-air pool and a covered swimming pool, which is the only one opened in winter. The spa has also a sauna, fitness, steam bath free of charge for guests. Animals are accepted. Free outside parking.

More info on the Hotel L’Etrier

Helvetia Intergolf Hotel Apart Hotel 4*

A 4 * establishment 10’ away from the pistes in Montana. The hotel boasts views of the Alps, from the Simplon Pass to the Mont Blanc. Laid back hotel with apartments that can be used as hotel or self-catering. Main restaurant with Italian and French dishes which also serves breakfasts, The Carnotzet, a typical Swiss restaurant and a cosy wooden bar. The terrace is opened in the summer, with magnificent views of the Alps.

Rooms can be double, or apartments with two double rooms with double beds or twin beds and folding beds, and balconies with nice mountain views.

Apartments can be for 4 to 6 guests with kitchenettes.

The Wellness area has a steam bath, sauna, whirlpool and a swimming pool.

More information on the Helvetia Intergolf.

Art de Vivre

Located in a quiet road of Crans Montana, some minutes away from the golf course and the lifts, and from the stations of Crans and Montana. Rooms are well appointed. Their Wellness area has two steam baths, a sauna, a cold-water pool and an ice fountain.

The restaurant is excellent with Mediterranean style dishes. They offer great value for money package for residents.

More information on the Hotel Art de Vivre.

Hotel Elite

A newly refurbished family 3 stars hotel, next to the Guarda Golf, near the pedestrianized area of Crans and the lifts, and by the golf course. All rooms have been done new, with en-suite bathrooms featuring showers with Crans Montana ski map splash back. All have balconies and are south facing, with incredible views of the Valais Mountains.

The restaurant, living room and bar will be modernised for the upcoming ski season 2018-19.

More info on Hotel Elite

Hotel du Lac

A 3* hotel recently renovated by the lake and the Forum d’Ycoor, offering 30 well appointed bright rooms. The restaurant serves a 5-dishes dinner each night, and on Wednesdays they serve Raclette.

More info on Hotel du Lac. 

Swiss Youth Hostel Crans Montana

Built in the old Bella Lui building (that means ‘beautiful light’) in 1930, this new Youth Hostel in Crans Montana is perched up in the mountain with lovely views of the valley and the Valais Mountains. It was inaugurated as a luxury sanatorium; it served as a spa and holiday hotel.

Today, the youth hostel invited you to linger in all the sitting areas and terraces with lounges. All double and family rooms face south with incredible views of the mountains, and have a shower room and WC. A unique room is located in the ground floor that is staged as it was historically in 1930.

More information on the Swiss Youth Hostel Crans Montana.

If you fancy staying in the Italian Alps, in the Valdigne, the Valley of the Mont Blanc, in a great spot for skiing Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila, I have an apartment worth taking a look: Il Cuore della Valdigne in Morgex, just outside Courmayeur

Being in the middle of Morgex, just 10’ outside Courmayeur, 3 minutes from the Pré Saint Didier terme (natural hot springs) and 20’ from La Thuile, and to the other side, 25’ to Aosta and the gondola of Pila, the chalet is located in a great strategic location for going skiing, cross country skiing (in Arpy, Val Ferret or Cogne), mountain biking, snow shoeing, winter walking, white water rafting and relaxing in the hot springs.

The apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms with showers in two floors, a living room with a double-sided chimney that also opens to the dining room. The wooden kitchen with the slate kitchen top is a delight, with all you need if you fancy doing a big meal. If you don’t, no worries, you are a stone throw away from many bars and restaurants in Morgex: Mont Blanc Café, Café de l’Archet, La Locanda, Trattoria da Bepe, and if you fancy something much more deluxe, the renown Casa Quinson, all within two blocks from the apartment.

The apartment has a garage box for one car, it can be a high car with a roof box but is a bit tight. Our C4 Grand Picasso makes it in just!

This apartment is for four, but can accommodate up to 6 passengers, with one extra bed on the double twin bedroom that can be pulled out, and a sofa bed in the living room.

It has lovely details as lots of wood and stone, the roofs of the living room and kitchen and shower room in the first floor are made of  pan-de-bois , and the ones of the second room have lovely beams.

It is located 200 m from the bus stop to Courmayeur, Pré Saint Didier and La Thuile and 100 m from the bus stop to Aosta/Pila.

If you want to holiday in this home, click  here .

View on Airbnb    Il Cuore della Valdigne in Lo Ponton

The-Ski-Guru travel offers holidays to Crans Montana- To get more information and register your interest click here https://www.the-ski-guru.com/ski-guru-travel-with-us/

For more information on Crans Montana click here. https://www.crans-montana.ch/index.php?lg=en

You can also read our other Must Read Guides:

Val di Fiemme

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05 - 08 Sep 2024

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Crans Montana Ski Resort

Switzerland

Hotels in Crans Montana

  Confirmed dates

Crans Montana Ski Season 2022/2023

10th december 2022 - 16th april 2023.

Stretching from the Rhone valley (altitude: 500m) to the Plaine Morte Glacier (altitude: 3,000m), Crans-Montana ski resort is a sunny region with a breathtaking view over a string of mountain peaks that unfold from the Dufourspitze to Mont Blanc via the Weisshorn and the Matterhorn.

With its lakes, forests, glacier and vineyards, the region has something to offer every nature lover. Sports fans, too, will be delighted to discover a large array of amenities dedicated to sporting activities, whilst cultural devotees will enjoy the wide range of museums, events and festivals.

In fact, Crans-Montana combines all the benefits of the urban lifestyle within a mountain setting, with a wide selection of eateries ranging from mountain huts to award-winning restaurants, numerous boutiques and shops, a wellness centre, a variety of entertainment and a vibrant nightlife. 

People visiting Crans-Montana are unanimous about the four major attractions of the destination which, together, fully satisfy their expectations, their curiosity and their desires, enabling them to enjoy THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE .  And this since 125 years now !

NATURE lovers like to “get away from it all” and enjoy the scenery in all its beauty and diversity.  The wide range of SPORTS available across the region no matter what the season encourages sporty types to “get into the swing of things ” and express their emotions through their passion. The pleasant combination of tradition and modernity arouses curiosity about a unique CULTURE where “hidden treasures await”. A genuine haven of peace conducive to rest and relaxation, the area’s healthy attitude to life encourages people to take “time to relax ” with a real sense of CARPE DIEM .

Best hotel deals

In crans montana.

LeCrans Hotel & Spa ★★★★★

800 m from ski lift, ski-to-door access

Luxuriously furnished rooms and suites

Crans Ambassador  ★★★★★

150 m from ski lift, ski-to-door access

Spa area with indoor pool and panoramic views

Guarda Golf Hotel  ★★★★★

350 m from ski lift

Indoor pool, invigorating whirlpool, Finnish sauna...

Crans-Montana

Image gallery.

Top things to do

In crans-montana, ski, snowboard, parks and nature.

Located near Sierre in the heart of the swiss Alps, Crans-Montana ski area offers exceptional views over the Alps and the Rhone Valley. The ski resort welcomes you to enjoy over 140km of pistes and many sunny days. For over 15 years, the Crans-Montana Snowpark has welcomed the best Swiss and international riders on its 100,000 m2 snowpark which, spread over 2 sites, also offers modules for beginners.

It has been judged the best of its kind in western Switzerland as well as the finest in the Alps. The main snowpark is aimed at confirmed and expert freestylers and consists of rails and boxes, jumps, an airbag and, above all, the single olympic half-pipe in French Switzerland with 7m-high walls. The only one of its kind in Valais, the half-pipe is frequented by countless serious riders as they prepare for various competitions. The second zone, the Easy Snowpark, situated close to Chetzeron, is dedicated to novice freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

Winter & Summer Golf

Four courses, one prestigious club, an indoor centre open year round and host to the OMEGA European Masters, this is what’s on offer to golfers from all over the world on the Crans-Montana plateau overlooking the Rhône Valley. Over a century of tradition has established the worldwide reputation of the destination, with its famous courses:  the Severiano Ballesteros (18 hole) and the Jack Nicklaus (9 holes).

In winter, the golf course is covered by a beautiful white coat of snow and offers lots of activities for all tastes. Snow Island, Bibi’s home quarters, invites families to take part in different activities, games and entertainment. This is also where beginners can try skiing thanks to the very gentle slope and magic carpet which will take them back to the top of the run, or you can hurtle down the snowtubing piste at top speed.

Enduro, Downhill, Bikers Paradise

With a network of 200 kilometres of road cycling routes, 177 marked mountain bike, cross-country and enduro tracks, a total vertical height difference of 2,350 metres, two downhill tracks which end at one Northshore zone, Crans-Montana offers a variety of possibilities for all cyclists. Several «Swiss Bike Hotel» certified establishments welcome visitors in search of a cycling holiday in a sunny region surrounded by rich natural surroundings.

Crans-Montana has always had close links with cycling over the years. In 1984, it welcomed a stage of the Tour de France and since then, the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de Romandie have come here regularly. With several Swiss Bike Hotels and key events such as Le Tour des Stations, the region could not better suited to cycling enthusiasts. Steve Morabito himself, the professional cyclist is responsible for the design of several routes around Crans-Montana. Furthermore, the awesome Bikepark opened in 2001 and has quality descents for all levels.

Carpe Diem, Chill & food

Crans-Montana is a place where you can forget your daily stress and live fully in the moment. Designated a “family destination”, the area caters to families with its numerous activities and entertainments. Wellness and shopping enthusiasts are invited to relax in one of the beautiful spas and treat themselves in the rue du Prado, the street that brings together the finest luxury brands.

As for gourmets, they can savour a varied and international cuisine, from the mountain huts offering traditional dishes to award-winning restaurants. A casino, a bowling alley, a 3D cinema and many bars and clubs make Crans-Montana a popular spot for visitors looking for a dynamic and vibrant destination. With its exceptionally high sunshine hours and air purity, Crans-Montana is an ideal place to look after yourself.

With indoor and outdoor swimming pools, both fresh and saltwater, massages, hammams and jacuzzis, visitors to Crans-Montana in search of wellbeing will find a wide range of spas with different facilities and attentive service. Beauty salons, yoga lessons and natural therapy centres will complete your fitness break.

of Crans Montana

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Northern Europe´s leading alpine sport resort.

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Crans-Montana

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Travel to the majestic ski resort of Crans-Montana in the heart of Swiss Alps

• Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana is one of Switzerland’s typical famous ski resorts. It is situated just in the heart of the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 1500 Meters.

This resort is one of the gorgeous parts of the dreamland Switzerland. Crans-Montana is a holiday resort full of sunshine because it boasts a sunny weather, which charms all its visitors. Crans-Montana is emphatically a luxurious city rather than a rustic village in wooded settings.

The Alpine resort is made up of two featured centers, whereas Crans from the west and Montana from the east. They are linked to each other by a linear, mountainside path and offers stunning views across the Valais Region of Western Switzerland.

Crans-Montana is the very rich part of Switzerland with the famous brand shops in the pedestrian-friendly center, luxurious accommodation, gourmet restaurants, which present the real Swiss high-quality services. The mountain huts are an exciting opportunity to try and enjoy the tasty traditional wine and dishes, especially the delicious Swiss fondue.

This resort offers its tourists a wonderful opportunity to admire the spectacular panoramic views. Particularly on a clear day, the views extend from the landmark of Switzerland - Matterhorn to the most photographed mountain - Mont Blanc in France, which is the highest peak in the Europe.

It is also considered a perfect holiday resort for families, where all generations will find an interest suits their tastes among the plenty offered activities all year round.

In order to get away from your daily routine, attempt the different taste of relaxing in one of the wellness and spa centers during health care treatments.

Crans-Montana, being a venue for different sporting events, attracts tourists from all over the world. Here you can find almost all types of outdoor and indoor sports activities you are interested in. Starting from Golf, hiking or biking in the mountain forests, five swimming lakes, canyoning, water-skiing and ending with paragliding and ballooning.

Overall, Crans-Montana is a lovely Swiss town characterized by the surrounded massive Alpine peaks in every direction. The little cozy town is very attractive, beautiful and very fancy, which aims to fulfil your journey with peacefulness, love and happiness.

Switzerland Tour invites all the tourists to delve into the world of relaxation and regeneration during a private trip to this wonderland.

Here is some sightseeing among the things to do in Crans-Montana:

• - Plaine Morte – The highest and sunniest point almost at 3000 meters, is a challenging area to proof your skiing skills.
• - Pierre Arnaud Foundation – The art museum that is home to the highest peaks of culture. It also hosts many cultural events and exhibitions.
• - Crans-Montana golf – No better exciting opportunity to enjoy your favourite golf sport in nature's embrace just in the heart of Swiss Alps. In September, Crans-Montana hosts the European golf championships.
• - The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park – An ideal place for nature lovers to interact and innovate their natural experiences.

Useful Information

• Speaking languages: French
• Altitude: 1500m - 3000m
• Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport

Weather in Crans-Montana

Destinations

• Grindelwald
• Jungfraujoch
• Lauterbrunnen
• The Rhine Falls
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Haute Route Crans-Montana 2023

• What's Included

Itinerary 2023

Haute route crans-montana 2023 travel package-tour operator.

As Tour operators for Haute Route Crans-Montana 3 day we are excited to see Crans-Montana back on the Haute Route calendar. Be assured of leg burning routes with heart stopping veiws and memories you will keep forever.

Our Travel package includes all those special Alpcycles touches that allow you to EAT - SLEEP - RIDE and REPEAT ........be supported by the Premier Tour Operator. Experience that "ride like a pro" feel but with just one base, so no need to pack your bags every morning. We are based in the heart of Crans-Montana for 3 nights in SUPERIOR ACCOMMODATION which makes this weekend great for non-riding partners to enjoy, as well as top-class support from the Alpcycles team. An epic trio of stages and something not to be missed by any rider intrigued by the Haute Route cycling challenges:

3 Night Package: Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th June 2023

Haute Route Crans-Montana 3 Night Travel packages:  Thursday 08/06/23 to Sunday 11/06/23

Full Accommodation & Logistics Package with Entry = €1,859 per person

Single Supplement = €350 per person

• Full HR Entry is included in the package
• Single room supplement €350 per person and subject to availability - book early
• Based in Crans-Montana
• The event dates: Registration Day is 08/06 then Stages 1-3 are 09/06 to 11/06
• Alpcycles Travel Package: - 3 Nights

Travel packages & prices for this event include FULL EVENT ENTRY and twinshare & single room options. Single rooms are limited and subject to a suplement and availability. Prices coming soon - we recommend you pre-register.

Please contact Shelley at [email protected] to secure your package for this event

Haute Route Crans-Montana 2023 Alpcycles package:

• The Alpcycles team there for the full event to support you all the way - benefit from our expreience & passion for Haute Route events
• Full HR Crans-Montana event entry
• 3 nights Half Board hotel accommodation located in the heart of Crans-Montana
• Twin share & single rooms (book early for single room availability - carries a supplement)
• Breakfast, riders lunch (included in your entry)  & dinner everyday
• Secure bike storage
• The Alpcycles logistics team there to see you off and welcome you in every day.
• Mechanical staff team & logistical whizzes to support our riders
• A member of the team to visit the briefing every evening and feedback the race info to our guests
• Exclusive Alpcycles feed stations out on the course each day & Day Bag service to ensure you have what you need, where you need it.
• VIP tent in the Finish Village each day with the best hospitality for our riders
• The knowledge, enthusiasm & support of the Alpcycles team throughout your stay to ensure you have the best experience ever….so if anything else needs thinking of, we have probably already have.

What's not included in our package:

• Your flights & travel to Crans-Montana
• Insurance for you and your bike
• Some drinks where specified and anything not outlined above

Full itinierary to come

Please contact Shelley at [email protected] to book this package or sign up to our newsletter (right).

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Giro 2023 Route stage 13: Le Châble - Crans-Montana

[Underneath the route description with the Gran San Bernardo. The new race start is in Le Châble, at the base of the Croix de Coeur.]

Crans-Montana hosted its last stage finish of a major cycling contest ten years ago. Bauke Mollema climbed to victory on the Tour de Suisse. The Dutchman finished 11 seconds ahead of a chase group featuring among others Thibaut Pinot and the late Michele Scarponi.

The route from Borgofranco d’Ivrea to Crans-Montana is fairly straightforward. The riders traverse the Po plain in northerly direction. The only obstacle is a 5 kilometres climb at 4% to Saint-Vincent. The route then turns west to head for Aosta, which is where the sheer endless haul up the Colle del Gran San Bernardo starts.

The Saint Bernard Pass peaks out at 2,472 metres, but the riders don’t go that high. After 25.7 kilometres of climbing at 5% they enter a tunnel to descend 7 kilometres later. Back in the valley it goes back up again from Le Châble. The Croix de Coeur is a giant of 15.4 kilometres at 8.8%. The last 4 kilometres are averaging 10.3%.

The route descends to Riddes and 23 kilometres on the flat later the finish climb kicks in. The ascent to ski resort Crans-Montana is 13.1 kilometres long and averaging 7.2%.

The second intermediate sprint comes with time bonuses of 3, 2 and 1 seconds, while 10, 6 and 4 seconds are awarded to the first three riders on the line.

Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 13 2023 Giro d’Italia (original route over the Gran San Bernardo).

Another interesting read: results 13th stage 2023 Giro.

Giro d’Italia 2023 stage 13: route, profile, more

Click on the images to zoom

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Your Event Options Giro d'Italia - Stage 13: Dante Finish Experience - Crans Montana - Prices from £220.00pp

Giro d'Italia - Stage 13: Dante Finish Experience - Crans Montana

Book today from only £220.00 deposit per person.

Example payment plan below based on the from price.

Total price will vary based on options selected during checkout.

For full payment terms and conditions please read our terms and conditions .

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Giro Club  is the service that takes guests “inside” the Giro d’Italia...and as a proud Premium Tour Operator of the Giro d'Italia we can help to give you an exclusive perspective on the sport, the passionand excitement.

Finish line Experience

The Giro d’Italia offers a number of restricted-access enclosed finish experience areas, along the final straight, from where enjoy the end of the race from a front row seat.

The finish line marks the end of the competitive efforts of the day. All around, the essence of the Giro d’Italia: fun, joy, entertainment. A hearty mix of celebration and passion.

The Giro d’Italia offers a number of restricted-access enclosed finsih line experience areas, along the final straight, from where enjoy the end of the race from a front row seat.

TASTE THE JOY OF VICTORY

After collecting your pass, you will have access to your selected Experience Area, reserved for the top stars – a superb vantage point along the final straight – offering in-suite non-stop finger food/open bar service. Plasma TV screens will broadcast the race until the riders come into view live.

Choose from  Leonardo  or  Dante  finish experience. 

Leonardo  is the top level finish area experience, a multi-story privileged truck, close to the finish line.

Dante offers a great view of the closing moments of each stage and consists of a experiencetent on the final straight.

This package is for  Dante finish experience

This package is for the DANTE Finish Area Experience and Includes :

• Guest reception, and collection of the pass for the reserved experience area

• Access to a sheltered experience area with a unique vantage point on the final straight

• Non-stop catering/ open bar service

• Live stage broadcast on plasma TV screens

Check out what amazing extras we have on offer for this event below. For latest prices and availability, simply click 'Book Now' at the right of your page.

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The Destination Sport Experiences team have a combined experience of over 100 years and we have a passion for all things sports and travel. As keen runners and cyclists, our heart is put into each an every event, meaning you can be rest assured that you are in safe hands.

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Crans-Montana Calendar and Results 2024