Altus Crans-Montana 2025
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Edito – Altus Crans-Montana 2025

“The mountains offer man everything that modern society tends to forget.” (Boris Vian)

Altitude has never been so alluring, so captivating. The last bastion of freedom, the mountains provide the possibility of escape, far from the fast-paced rhythms of daily life. Nature reveals itself in all its strength, inviting humility and authenticity. This makes it also a place conducive to reunions, whether with family or friends. Some have childhood memories tied to their heart-station, creating a sense of belonging. Everyone comes seeking the unforgettable, those precious moments that are only experienced in the mountains.
The mountains are a muse, inspiring athletes and artists, like the photographers we followed on the journey to the summits over 4,000 meters in this issue. They capture moments of rare intensity with remarkable talent. More than just a vacation destination, the mountains offer a plural experience. Skiing and snow sports remain essential, but other challenges and ways of enjoying the altitude also exist. Everyone can go at their own pace, drawing from the wide array of activities offered according to their desires.
Like the high-altitude guides we met in this issue, adaptability is the key quality of mountain dwellers—adapting to the climate, the expectations of visitors, and current trends. From this positive dynamism emerge new projects, fresh inspirations, and other ways of reinventing a constantly evolving ecosystem. Everyone is a participant in this change. Interactions between locals, visitors, and professionals are uncovering unexplored paths, gradually shaping a new version of the mountains—alive, true to its roots, and looking towards the future.

Roland Claude Durand-Terrasson
Editor-in-Chief

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NEWS

THE CALL OF NATURE
IN SAUVAGES

Claude Barras, the Swiss director and animator from the canton of Valais, has established himself as a notable figure in contemporary animation cinema. With his latest film, Sauvages, released in 2023, he takes us on a poignant journey through childhood, guided by the sensitive gaze of his young hero, Zachary, aged 11. This vibrant and emotional animated film explores universal themes such as solitude and the quest for identity.
Zachary, confronted with a difficult reality, uses his imagination to escape his everyday life. Barras, already known to audiences for My Life as a Zucchini, invites us to rediscover the beauty and complexity of childhood, while exploring delicate subjects such as abandonment and the search for love. Sauvages is a touching work that underscores the importance of empathy in a often harsh world.

VAF: RISING STAR OF GLOBAL STREET ART

The Vision Art Festival (VAF) in Crans-Montana has been ranked among the top ten street art festivals in the world by Urbaneez, a platform dedicated to contemporary art. This recognition places VAF alongside prestigious events like the Nuart Festival in Norway and Upfest in Bristol.
Founded in 2015 by Grégory Pages, VAF stands out for its unique mountain setting, offering an unprecedented artistic experience away from the urban metropolises. As the highest-altitude street art festival, VAF continues to captivate with its spectacular murals, blending nature and creativity. VAF is redefining the boundaries of urban art, drawing passionate and curious audiences.

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AURÉLIEN COUBÈS, RISING PRODIGY FROM CRANS-MONTANA

At just 16 years old, Aurélien Coubès, the young ambassador of Crans-Montana, is already emerging as a rising star in freestyle skiing. After a season marked by injury, he made a strong comeback by securing third place in slopestyle at the World Rookie Fest in Livigno in January 2024. Coached by his brother Louis, who shares his passion for skiing and biking, Aurélien also excels in half-pipe and aims to compete among the best in the Swiss championships. The young athlete is putting Crans-Montana on the map with his achievements. The two brothers, identified at an early age, represent the future of freestyle skiing and continue to make progress together. Aurélien skillfully balances his studies in hospitality with his athletic career, supported by a team and sponsors of renown.

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THE ASCENT OF CHRIST-ROI: 15 YEARS OF CHALLENGES

An iconic event, the ascent of Christ-Roi celebrated its 15th anniversary on October 12, 2024. The course is a challenge of 6.2 kilometers with 620 meters of positive elevation gain, starting from Flanthey and climbing to Lens. This anniversary edition attracted 650 participants, featuring innovations such as a “Fines Bouches” category that delighted participants’ taste buds, and a spectacular final sprint of 70 meters on slopes reaching 20%. A “Schlager-turn” added to the ambiance along the course. The children’s race also set a record for participation with 256 young athletes. The event has firmly established itself in the mountain race calendar and celebrated its success with various activities.
See you on October 11, 2025, for the 16th edition!

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STREET ART, A MUST-HAVE IN CRANS-MONTANA!

Vail Resorts, the global leader in ski resorts, recently acquired the lifts of Crans-Montana, thus expanding its network in Europe. This acquisition includes 84% of the lifts and 80% of the ski school. It aims to enhance the station’s attractiveness, notably through integration into the Epic Pass program, offering access to a wide range of resorts.
Vail Resorts plans to invest 30 million Swiss francs over five years to modernize infrastructure, improve the skier experience, and optimize the energy efficiency of the lifts. This acquisition is expected to boost the local economy and attract an international clientele while preserving the authenticity of Crans-Montana.
Vail Resorts will also support the station during major events such as the 2027 Alpine Ski World Championships.

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Event

Eclectica, a festival of fine machinery

In August 2022, Eclectica made a notable entrance onto the summer scene of the Haut-Plateau of Crans-Montana. The fourth edition of this event, focused on the passion for automobiles, will be held next summer on Rue du Prado. A look back at an unexpected success with its founder. 

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Sport

Valais, the global capital of mountain biking!

Everything pointed to this since the invention of mountain biking… From August 30 to September 14, the canton of Valais will host the UCI 2025 Mountain Bike World Championships in seven disciplines across nine venues. A first!

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Tradition

Grand-Père Cornut’s syrups and liqueurs

Originally from Vouvry in the plains, Yves Cornut, also known as Grand-Père Cornut, is a lover of nature. Starting his career with an apprenticeship as a lumberjack, he will eventually transition into the role of a liquorist. In Randogne, in his garage transformed into a plant and elixir workshop, he devotes himself to his passion: blending new flavors and delighting the palates of his visitors! 

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Ski

Custom White Coat

An essential addition to the white gold of our mountains for several decades, artificial snow—simply a mix of air and water—is a true guarantee for vacationers. Thanks to snow machines, resorts can offer quality skiing throughout the season.

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