Ycoor Playground: the large play area in the heart of the Crans-Montana resort

A large playground by Lake Ycoor

In Crans-Montana, Ycoor is the beating heart of the resort: a vast esplanade that transforms into a warm village square as soon as the nice weather returns. It is here, right by Lake Ycoor and next to the ice rink, that a large playground for children is nestled. Covering approximately 800 m² and featuring around thirty games, the area combines wooden structures, sand play, and climbing corners, all within a wooded setting punctuated by a fountain and water lilies. The place is partially enclosed, and the atmosphere is calm while remaining just steps away from the terraces. People come here for a snack break, a whole morning, or a detour between two resort activities. Everything is freely accessible and completely free of charge.

What your children will discover

The Ycoor playground offers a beautiful variety of games, mainly made of wood: swings, spring games, slides, merry-go-rounds, and zip lines. The younger ones have their own combined games (slide, small modules), while the older ones climb on the suspension bridges, playhouses, and structures to explore. A sand play area completes the set: buckets, shovels, and various construction sites keep the children occupied for a good while. And since the playground borders Lake Ycoor, observing the water, water lilies, and the fountain is part of the stroll.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

Here, the children take the lead: they move from the slide to the sand, then head to the zip line, and then rush to climb on the structures, while the parents settle nearby. The space is generous and partially enclosed, which is reassuring when you have several children. All around, Ycoor is full of ideas to extend the outing: mini-golf around the lake, small electric cars for children, ping-pong tables, synthetic football field, not to mention Bibi's house (crafts, games, and a library corner) and the Ycoor gardens, a true haven of peace for families. In summer, the village square comes alive with cafés and activities. Be sure to confirm the schedule and timings of these additional activities with the tourist office.

Before you go

• Recommended age: ideal for 2-8 years; older children up to 10 years also enjoy the zip line and climbing structures.
• Duration: plan for 1 to 2 hours, more if you combine it with mini-golf or a stroll in the Ycoor gardens.
• Price: free, open access.
• Reservation: none, you come when you want.
• Stroller/Accessibility for people with reduced mobility: central area with flat surroundings; the playground surface combines wood chips and sand. Stroller access to be confirmed based on your equipment.
• Transport: by train to Sierre (CFF), then bus to Crans-Montana; by car via the A9 (exit Sierre-Ouest), heading towards the resort. Parking in the center, to be confirmed according to the season.
• What to bring: sunscreen, cap, water, a change of clothes for sand play, and a snack.
• Ideal season: the playground is open from about early May to early November; the site is at altitude, so plan for a warm layer even in nice weather. Dates to be confirmed with the tourist office.

Parent tips

• Arrive in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the full sun on the playground.
• Bring a bucket and molds: the sand area is a magnet for children.
• Take advantage of Ycoor's central location to combine with mini-golf, electric cars, or a visit to Bibi's house.
• Keep an eye on the little ones near Lake Ycoor, which the playground directly borders.
• Take a break on one of the terraces in the center: cafés and restaurants surround the square.

Useful information

• Address: Allée Katherine Mansfield, 3963 Crans-Montana (Valais).
• Official site: crans-montana.ch.
• Hours: open access; playground open from about early May to early November. Exact dates to be confirmed with the tourist office.
• Access: train to Sierre then bus to Crans-Montana; by car via the A9, exit Sierre-Ouest, heading towards the resort.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Crans-Montana.

Why we recommend it

Because it brings together everything we look for in a successful outing at the resort: a large, varied, and free playground, an ultra-central location by Lake Ycoor, and a host of activities to enjoy right next door (mini-golf, electric cars, gardens, terraces). It's the kind of place that appeals to both little climbers and parents seeking a quiet spot to relax.

In a nutshell

A large free playground in the heart of Crans-Montana, by Lake Ycoor, with around thirty wooden games (swings, slides, zip line, sand play) and plenty of family activities all around.