The journalist Andrea Machalova from the Magazine "BILAN" sat down with Pauline Burgener to discuss the best spots in the famous Swiss Ski resort Crans-Montana.
"Originally from Lebanon, I discovered the station when I was 18. I fell in love with it. It's where I learned to ski and where my children grew up. Today, I go there above all to recharge my batteries and reconnect with the mountains.
I don't go to the resort to shop, but I do occasionally push open the door of the Prada boutique. The must: Stéphane Robier's collection of cheeses from the Laiterie au Petit Chalet. The goat's and sheep's cheeses come from his own pastures in the region. I always try to stop by Caroline Dechamby's studio gallery, which features a selection of unique paintings and art. It's colorful and pop!
The new Six Senses, the resort's latest addition, is a place where I love to stroll. The establishment has a truly holistic approach to well-being. I love the mix of natural materials, the 2,000 m2 spa - in my opinion the most beautiful in Valais - the ambience of its Japanese restaurant, and the view from the rooms over the mountain range.
We start from the Cry d'Er - on foot in summer, in sealskin in winter - and climb straight up to Chetzeron. After the effort, the drop-off point at this former cable car station transformed into a hotel sounds like a reward. It's run by Sami Lamaa, a Lebanese, so I can feel a bit at home again.
I don't go to Crans-Montana without stopping off at the Casy restaurant, run by a brilliant couple. They are Caroline Ogi, daughter of Federal Councillor Adolf Ogi, and her husband Sylvain Stefanazzi, a native of the resort. The menu changes regularly. I tasted excellent grilled fish and hamburgers made with local produce. The atmosphere is unique."