Crans Montana

A couple of cable cars are in service even during the summer term. In winter the area is dotted with ski lifts. Hiking tracks are not always as clearly marked as we’d want it, but that shouldn’t be a real problem. In the Crans – Montana – Lens area about 10 pretty small lakes spot plains and hills, although some are hidden in the woods.

In Montana town center in remembrance to the former guest, the writer Katherine Mansfield, a road carries her name; a lovely memorial with fountain is placed on Lake Etang di Car at the Casino.

Bella Lui, Bisse du Ro

A cable car with cabins seating six persons brings us up to Cry d’Er with a fantastic Panorama. A larger cable car runs up to the top, Bella Lui, at 2500 m. 

From Bella Lui I chose the following hike (4 hrs):
Bella Lui – Col du Pochet – Er de Lens – La Cave de l’Er de Lens – Er de Chermignon – Ancienne Bisse du Ro – Crans.
The route is not recommended for people disliking walks along Abysses!

The very first part of the hike is almost flat; it runs along the short rim on Bella Lui. At the end a steel ladder provides access to the lower rim.
Across, cut into the grey flank of the Tubang mountain the narrow track ascending to Plaine Morte is visible, to the West part of the lake Tseuxier.

Our track is less scary. Shortly after reaching Col du Pochet we're descending along the flanks of Bella Lui, down to the Alp with the Cave de l’Er de Lens. Having reached the alp meadow a sign shows the general direction: along the creek. Later there are marks on rocks.

The walk along the old Bisse du Ro is amazing. Hundred of years ago, until early 20^th century this important carrier of water for the fields in the dry area have been built and maintained by risk of the lives of bold men. Nowadays, the Bisse is not needed anymore, watering is provided by modern Technology! In some parts the track is on the old water channel, in others it’s a lovely forest path, then again we have to duck in order not to bump our head on the rocks. From time to time, stopping, we enjoy the beautiful view. To the right, some way up the dam of Lake Tseuzier makes an impressive sight.

The most striking feeling though is walking high above the abyss, over and along the valley of the Liène.

Violettes

Cable cars, seating 6 persons lift us to this Alp. 

As most people I could'nt resist the lift to the top at Plaine morte with the glacier. Up there we are on 3000m, with a fantastic Panorama, the glacier nearby.