Climate
Crans Montana has a warm summer Humid Continental Climate. The mean minimum and maximum temperatures over the year in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
- The months May, June, July, August and September have a nice average temperature.
- On average, the warmest month is July with 27° Celsius (81° Fahrenheit).
- On average, the coolest month is January with 5° Celsius (41° Fahrenheit).
- The average annual maximum temperature is: 17° Celsius (62° Fahrenheit)
- The average annual minimum temperature is: 6° Celsius (42° Fahrenheit)
Currency
The Swiss franc is the only official currency in Switzerland (and in Liechtenstein). Nevertheless, you can pay with euros in many shops, hotels, rail stations and gas stations in Switzerland. This is convenient if you’re only in transit or only stay for one night. Many smaller shops, market stalls, kiosks, etc. only allow payment in Swiss francs.
For longer stays, it is cheaper and more convenient to have Swiss francs at hand. Swiss francs can be obtained from ATM’s. They are available in all towns. You usually find them at the post office, rail station and shopping center. In general this is the cheapest way to obtain cash. Your bank can provide exact fees. To save time upon arrival, it can be handy to purchase some Swiss francs before you depart.
Your bank may charge fees for both cash withdrawal through ATM’s and credit/debit card payments.
Electricity
Switzerland operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. In Switzerland there are two associated plug types, types C and J. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type J is the plug which has three round pins. Adapters are available in most hardware stores.
Emergency numbers in Switzerland
The most important emergency number in Switzerland and in Europe is 112. If you dial 112, you will be connected with the police emergency control centre. You can also call this number using a foreign SIM card or when using a prepaid mobile phone card with no credit.
| Other emergency numbers | |
|---|---|
| Police | 117 |
| Fire service | 118 |
| ‹Helping Hand› counselling helpline | 143 (CHF 0.20 per call) |
| Ambulance | 144 |
| Toxicological information centre (in case of suspected poisoning) | 145 |
| REGA Swiss Air Rescue | 1414 |
| Pro Juventute helpline for children and young people | 147 |
| SBB Transport Police | 0800 117 117 |
| Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Helpline (consular services) | From Switzerland: 0800 247 365 From abroad: +41 800 247 365 or +41 58 465 33 33 |
Language
Crans-Montana is a French-speaking region in Switzerland, but many of the locals also speak English.
Restaurants and bars
With a choice of over 90 restaurants, it is also possible to go way beyond typical mountain fare. By enjoying a gastronomic meal, for example. Or by treating yourself to a little culinary tour of the world: on the Haut-Plateau, the pleasure of dining out can be a chance to enjoy a change of scenery, perhaps Japanese, Thai, Lebanese, Chinese or maybe Argentinean, French or Italia.
Tipping
You never have to worry about tipping in Switzerland, as tips are included in the price. You can, however, add a smile to the face of someone who has provided good service by rounding up to the nearest franc or round figure.
Time zone
Crans-Montana is located in the time zone Central European Summer Time. Data on the UTC standard, universal coordinated time.
Shopping
Some 120 shops and boutiques will satisfy shopping fans. Treat yourself in the Rue du Prado, where you’ll find the top luxury brands, discover this season’s sporting trends, stroll past the jewellery store windows or pick up the latest fashionable decorative object, everyone will find their joy amongst the many shopping possibilities which make Crans-Montana a real open-air shopping centre in the heart of the Alps.