Crans Ambassador

Completely renovated in 2013, this contemporary five star hotel has a distinctive triangular shape that intends to mimic and merge into the nearby mountains. Overlooking the village of Montana and a short walk (or ski, when the snow descends to the village) from the Montana-Cry d’Er ski lift, it’s a well-positioned 60-room hotel whose use of glass, balconies and sunny terraces makes the most of its location to offer superlative views across the valley and the mountains beyond. This is a thoroughly modern place with slick yet understated decor, clean lines, airy bedrooms and a bar and restaurant that luxuriate in a floor to ceiling glass frontage – the perfect spot for a sophisticated après-ski cocktail as the sun goes down. The views extend to the basement spa, whose 16m indoor pool overlooks the mountains. Take a dip, opt for massage and hydrotherapy treatments and have a stint in the fitness suite – or forget all that and settle down for a gourmet meal in the classy restaurant instead before working it off on the slopes the next day.