 "Inside Crans-Montana, the ski resort town at centre of deadly New Year’s fire")
What began as a New Year’s celebration soon turned into a tragedy as a devastating fire ripped through Le Constellation, a popular bar at a plush ski resort in Switzerland’s Crans-Montana. Located in the Swiss Alps, the municipality is a popular tourist destination and was buzzing this holiday season. Now a pall of gloom descends as the town mourns one of the country’s deadliest tragedies.
More than 40 people were killed, and around 115 were injured in the fire at the New Year’s Eve party at the Le Constellation bar. Many of the victims were tourists; among those missing is a teenager who was celebrating with his friends.
Le Constellation bar: The site of the fire
The bar is one of Crans-Montana’s most popular nightlife destinations. It attracts both locals and international visitors in large numbers.
With curated DJ sets and creative cocktails, Le Constellation was said to be the place to be for Crans-Montana’s nightlife. The bar was known for regular themed events, and locals would vouch for its sophisticated late-night experience and music reputation, The Telegraph reports.
“Le Constellation, was a casual spot, rather than the type of luxury nightspot that the town is known for. The bar was big, with an upstairs and downstairs area. The foreign visitor often went there to watch sports, like Premier League soccer,” Amin Momen, the founder of Momentum Experiences, a London-based travel company responsible for conducting corporate ski events, was quoted as saying by The New York Times (NYT).
According to the report, the Crans-Montana Resort does not operate the bar where the fire broke out. Pete Petrovski, the resort’s managing director, said in a statement, “Last night’s tragedy deeply saddens us. The resort would support the efforts of local authorities.”
Quick Reads
View AllCrans-Montana: The century-old resort town
The Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana is a century old. It’s a high-end destination popular with families and international visitors. Located in southwestern Switzerland, in the French-speaking part of the canton of Valais, Crans-Montana offers breathtaking views and unforgettable holidays in every season.
It lies on a plateau above the city of Sierre, around 1,500 metres (4,920 feet) above sea level. It is about 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn and is approximately a two-hour drive from the Swiss capital, Bern. The picturesque destination offers views of the Valais Alps and peaks, including the Weisshorn.
It is famous for hosting big sporting events like the World Cup ski competitions, golf tournaments, and luxury stores and gourmet food.
A big hit among hikers, skiers and golfers
Crans-Montana’s vast skiing areas are a significant attraction. As reported by Financial Express, it has 140 km of marked ski runs, 24 modern ski lifts and 16 sunny terraces. It offers 16 ski touring routes for all levels, and these routes have been created in collaboration with ski-mountaineering champions and others.
There is something special for women skiing enthusiasts. Each year, the Mont-Lachaux hosts the Ski World Cup, which brings together the best female skiers in the world, reports the Financial Express.
According to the resort’s official website, it attracts visitors not only during ski season but also year-round. From skiing and cycling to winter hiking and ice skating, it offers a wide range of options to make holidays unforgettable.
In winter, the town hosts 140 kilometres of ski runs for beginners and intermediates, along with winter hiking, curling, and ice hockey in the town centre. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. Its world-class golf courses are a big draw for golf enthusiasts.
For hiking, from short strolls to remote excursions at altitude, there are numerous paths awaiting families and walkers. Enthusiasts often discover scenic lakes while hiking. Beautiful mountains, cafés, and restaurants dot the town for hikers to pause and enjoy a meal or a drink.
Crans-Montana boasts of three quality golf courses for golfers from around the world: a prestigious club, an indoor centre open year-round, a golf academy for all levels and ages, and the annual host of one of the most prestigious tournaments on the European Tour, the Omega European Masters, according to its website.
The town is also popular among cyclists, with options for mountain biking, road cycling, or winter sports.
In the summer, water activities take centre stage. Crans-Montana’s lakes and ponds offer young and old a chance to refresh themselves at the water’s edge. Swimming across the lake, fishing, or pedalling on the water add to the experience.
A high-end destination popular with families
Cras-Montana makes for a perfect holiday destination. It is home to designer boutiques, award-winning restaurants serving Valais specialities such as raclette and fondue, and regional wines.
For those who enjoy culture, there is no dearth of museums.
The numerous playgrounds and picnic areas in town make it an ideal family destination. A special camp and classes are organised for children, according to the website’s official information.
The ownership and network
Reuters reports that Crans-Montana’s ski operations are part of the international Epic Pass network operated by United States-listed Vail Resorts, which obtained the resort’s ski lift company in 2024. Vail Resorts operates 42 mountain sites, including Crans-Montana and Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland. In its December 2025 capital plan, Vail outlined the rising importance of its Swiss resorts in attracting American visitors and boosting revenue in Europe.
Crans-Montana has hosted several celebrities, including James Bond star Roger Moore, who lived there until he died in 2017. Model Claudia Schiffer, actor Hugh Grant and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy are among its famous visitors, Reuters reports.
Now, it remains to be seen if tourists will continue to throng Crans-Montana after the fire.
With inputs from agencies
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