Crans-Montana, a luxury ski resort municipality in the Swiss Alps, is grappling with tragedy after a fire ripped through a crowded bar during New Year’s celebrations, killing several dozen people and leaving
more than 100 injured. The blaze broke out at Le Constellation, a bar located in the heart of the resort when more than 100 people were inside the building.
Police spokesperson Gaetan Lathion said, “We are seeing many injured and many dead”, adding that investigators were still working to establish the cause of the blaze.
Crans-Montana is an internationally renowned ski destination that draws large numbers of foreign tourists, particularly during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
“We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists,” Gaetan Lathion said.
Where Is Crans-Montana?
Crans-Montana is located in southwest Switzerland, in the French-speaking part of the canton of Valais. The town sits on a sunny plateau overlooking the Rhône Valley and is about 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn. It lies roughly two hours by road from the Swiss capital, Bern. The municipality is formed from the towns of Crans and Montana, which together function as a single resort area.
The town is home to around 87 miles of ski trails and is particularly popular with British and European tourists. In winter, Crans-Montana offers downhill skiing, cross-country trails reaching up to glacier plateaus, snow parks and toboggan runs.
Beyond skiing, the town features one of the largest ice rinks in Switzerland, located in its centre, as well as extensive après-ski venues, bars and nightlife- a key part of its winter economy.
Crans-Montana is also a major summer destination, known for its nine lakes, Alpine forests and meadows. Hiking, mountain biking and lake activities attract visitors during warmer months, giving the town a year-round tourist profile.
The resort is equally well known for golf. The Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club hosts the Omega European Masters each year, one of the most high-profile events on the European golf tour. The town also offers a golf academy and an indoor, year-round golf centre.
