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Crans-Montana ski area closed until further notice

skiers ride a ski lift in Crans Montana
Formed by the joining of the Crans and Montana resorts, Crans-Montana is one of southwestern Switzerland's most popular holiday destinations. Keystone

Ski lift services to the popular destination in southwestern Switzerland were shut down Tuesday afternoon due to a financial dispute between the operating company and local community.

In September last year, Valais ski lift company Crans-Montana Aminona (CMA) SA had asked the three local municipalities of Crans-Montana, Icogne and Lens to contribute CHF800,000 ($833,960) annually to help cover its costs. 

While the latter two approved the request, an agreement could not be reached with Crans-Montana. The company subsequently shut down the ski lift service for an “indeterminate period” starting Tuesday afternoon, CMA president Philippe Magistretti said in an open letterExternal link.

“We have taken the only rational decision necessary: to close from today [until further notice],” Magistretti said.

From their side, the three municipalities concerned have expressed their “profound regret over the incomprehensible and unilateral decision” of the company in a joint communiqué.

Free bus connections are being organised to allow skiers to continue their activities in neighbouring Anzère.

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