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Crans-Montana vs Grindelwald & Wengen vs Zermatt: at a glance

Side-by-side comparison of Crans-Montana, Grindelwald & Wengen and Zermatt based on Alpe Match data: ski area, altitude, size, prices and access.

Crans-MontanaGrindelwald & WengenZermatt
CountrySwitzerlandSwitzerlandSwitzerland
RegionValais/WallisCanton of BernValais
Price level––€€€€
Best forFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellersFamilies, Groups of friends, Couples, Solo travellersFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellers
Car-free centrePartlyPartlyYes
Nearest airportsGeneva Airport (GVA) - approx. 180 km (2 hours drive); Sion Airport (SIR) - approx. 30 km (45 minutes drive, limited flights)Zurich Airport (ZRH) - approx. 190 km (2.5-3 hours); Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL) - approx. 170 km (2-2.5 hours)Geneva Airport (GVA) - approx. 235 km; Zurich Airport (ZRH) - approx. 250 km
Ski area140 km160 km360 km
Blue slopes55 km52 km74 km
Red slopes70 km82 km227 km
Black slopes15 km26 km20 km
Ski lifts243352
Village altitude1,660 m1,034 m1,620 m
Maximum altitude2,927 m2,500 m3,899 m
Hiking trails320 km300 km400 km
Population10,4965,1256,099
Accommodation beds50,00012,00012,909

Key differences

  • Zermatt has the largest ski area: 360 km, compared with Grindelwald & Wengen (160 km) and Crans-Montana (140 km).
  • Grindelwald & Wengen has the most black slopes: 26 km, compared with Zermatt (20 km) and Crans-Montana (15 km).
  • Zermatt has the most ski lifts: 52, compared with Grindelwald & Wengen (33) and Crans-Montana (24).
  • Crans-Montana has the highest village: 1,660 m, compared with Zermatt (1,620 m) and Grindelwald & Wengen (1,034 m).
  • Zermatt has the highest top altitude: 3,899 m, compared with Crans-Montana (2,927 m) and Grindelwald & Wengen (2,500 m).
  • Zermatt has the most hiking trails: 400 km, compared with Crans-Montana (320 km) and Grindelwald & Wengen (300 km).
  • Crans-Montana has the largest accommodation capacity: 50,000, compared with Zermatt (12,909) and Grindelwald & Wengen (12,000).

Crans-Montana

Year-round high-end destination on a sunny south-facing plateau with panoramic views of 18 peaks over 4,000m. Major center for elite sports including World Cup skiing and championship golf, featuring luxury shopping and diverse cultural events.

Full guide to Crans-Montana JSON

Grindelwald & Wengen

World-renowned alpine scenery with Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks; home to the legendary Lauberhorn World Cup run and the modern Eiger Express cableway.

Full guide to Grindelwald & Wengen JSON

Zermatt

Zermatt is a world-renowned car-free destination famous for the iconic Matterhorn, year-round glacier skiing, and high-altitude luxury. It offers a massive interconnected ski area with Italy and a blend of authentic alpine charm and modern infrastructure.

Full guide to Zermatt JSON