Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana (French: [kʁɑ̃ mɔ̃tana]) is a municipality and ski resort in the predominantly French-speaking district of Sierre in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. The municipality was formed through the merger of Chermignon, Mollens, Montana and Randogne municipalities on 1 January 2017. The ski resort Crans-Montana was created through the fusion of the two centres of Crans and Montana, and is split between three municipalities, namely Crans-Montana, Icogne, and Lens.

History

Chermignon

Chermignon is first mentioned in 1228 as Chermenon and Chirminon. It became an independent municipality in 1905 when it separated from Lens.

Mollens

Mollens is first mentioned about 1250 as Molaen. In 1286 it was mentioned as Moleing. The municipality was formerly known by its German name Molei; however, that name is no longer used.

Montana

Montana is first mentioned in 1243 as Montana. In 1905 it separated from Lens to form an independent municipality.

Randogne

Randogne is first mentioned in 1224 as Randonni.

Ski resort

The resort is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps in the French-speaking part of the canton of Valais. It is located on a plateau above Sierre at an elevation of about 1,500 m (4,920 ft) above sea level, allowing a panoramic view over the Valais Alps and Weisshorn in particular. The resort is a fusion of the two centres of Crans and Montana and belongs to six municipalities (Chermignon, Icogne, Lens, Mollens, Montana and Randogne).