Living in Crans-Montana

Prepare well for your season or your career in the resort.

Working in Crans-Montana means discovering a unique alpine quality of life.
Between the mountains, conviviality and professional opportunities, this page brings together all the useful information you need to settle in and enjoy local life.

Where to stay in Crans-Montana?

Finding accommodation is often the first step to a successful season.
There are seasonal residences, shared accommodation and private rentals in the Crans, Montana, Lens, Icogne or Sierre area.

Useful tips :

  • Start your search early: places go quickly before each season.

  • Ask your employer directly if they offer accommodation or help with finding it.

  • Check out local Facebook groups and websites (eg. “Seasonal workers Crans-Montana”, Anibis, Facebook Marketplace).

  • Don't forget the neighbouring communes (Sierre → 15 min, Montana → 5 min).

Indicative budget :

  • Chambre staff : CHF 400-600/month

  • Shared flat : CHF 700-900/month

  • Studio / small apartment : CHF 1000-1300/month

💡 Tip Some accommodation includes meals or transport - check with your school.

Before or on arrival:

Working in Switzerland requires a few administrative formalities, but they are simple if you are well informed.
To find out the exact procedure depending on your situation (Swiss, European or non-EU/EFTA citizen), visit the official website :

🔗 valais4you.ch/en - the complete cantonal guide for :

  • The work and residence permits (L, B, G)

  • L’compulsory health insurance (and affiliation deadlines)

  • Le AVS number and social security

  • The opening of a Swiss bank account

  • Registration with the commune of residence

Documents required:

  • Valid passport or identity card

  • Employment contract or certificate of employment

  • Health insurance certificate (or current application)

  • Passport photo and Swiss contact details (address, telephone)

💡 Tip: always keep a digital copies of your documents (on your phone or in the cloud).

Medical care

Crans-Montana has several health facilities:

  • Crans Medical Centre
    Rue du Pas-de-l'Ours 5C, 3963 Crans-Montana
     
  • Montana Medical Centre
    Rue Louis Antille 15, 3963 Crans-Montana

    027 481 23 71

  • Pharmacies in Montana and Crans-centre

  • Dentist: Dentalps Crans-Montana
    Rue Centrale 64, 3963 Crans-Montana

    027 480 14 30

  • Cabinet vétérinaire Bonvin Rose-Marie
    Rue du Grand-Place 2, 3963 Crans-Montana

    027 480 23 45

     
  • Sion Hospital (Emergency 24/7)

  • Sierre Hospital (15 min by car or bus during the day only)

Emergencies and useful numbers :

  • 🚑 144 Medical emergencies

  • 🚒 118 Fire service

  • 👮 117 Police

  • ☎️ 1414 Rega (air rescue)

Health & accident insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for anyone working in Switzerland.
If you are an employee, your employer will often take out accident insurance, but not sickness insurance.
👉 Visit valais4you.ch/en/life/health/insurance/health-insurance to choose a health insurer and understand your rights. Ask your employer for advice on choosing your health insurance. 

💡 Remember to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you if you come from an EU country.

Getting to Crans-Montana :

  • 🚆 Train to Sierre, then SMC funicular to Montana Gare (approx. 12 mins).

  • 🚗 By car: quick access via the A9 motorway, Sierre-Ouest exit.

  • 🚍 Bus from Sion, Sierre or the Rhône plain.

Getting around :

  • Sierre-Montana-Crans funicular (SMC) - practical, ecological and panoramic!
  • SMC bus linking the resort's neighbourhoods.
  • Staff shuttles available for certain hotels.

Parking :

  • Public car parks in Crans and Montana

  • Buses in Crans-Montana are free during the season.

  • Monthly passes available for residents or seasonal workers

💡 Tip SMC: the SMC season ticket provides unlimited travel between Sierre and Crans at a reduced rate for local employees.

Shopping:

  • Supermarkets : Coop, Migros, Denner, Aldi, and small local shops.

  • Weekly market on Wednesdays during the summer in Montana (local produce, cheese, fruit, etc.)

  • Village grocery shops in Lens, Chermignon and Icogne.

Telephony & Internet :

  • Main operators : Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt

  • Mobile packages from CHF 25/month

  • Numerous free Wi-Fi points in the resort

Languages spoken :

  • French: main language

  • English and German have a strong presence in tourism

  • Italian spoken in several establishments

Cost of living (approx.) :

ProductAverage price
Restaurant mealsCHF 30-40
Café4-5 CHF
Mobile subscriptionCHF 25-40/month
Beer in bars6-8 CHF

💡 Tip: prepare a small budget for the first few days (food + accommodation deposit).

Here, we work, but we also enjoy ourselves!
Crans-Montana is full of activities and events to help you unwind after work:

Sports & nature

Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, cycling, golf, paragliding... it's hard to get bored.
Le lac de la Moubra is perfect for relaxing in summer.

Culture & events

Golf Open, Alpine Ski World Cups, Etoile Bella Lui, winter markets, seasonal evenings...
Every week has its surprise.

Community

  • A warm atmosphere among seasonal workers: aperitifs, outings, helping each other out.

  • Meet new people on Facebook pages like Seasonnairs de Crans-Montana.

💡 Staff benefits : discounts on ski passes, meals and certain partner activities.

Useful tips

  • Arrive 2-3 days before the start of your season to settle in peacefully.

  • Keep a copy of your contract and your papers on your phone.

  • Be curious: the locals love to share their good tips!

  • Learn a few words of French if you're from abroad 😉

  • And above all... benefits A season at Crans-Montana goes by fast!

They're recruiting in Crans-Montana

Ready to experience Crans-Montana?
Here are some of the offers available now at our partner establishments.
Whether it's for a season or a career, there's bound to be a job for you.