Hostellerie du Pas de l'Ours - Our story
Armand Bestenheider: A Crans-Montana icon and a successful hotelier
Born into a modest family in Montana, Armand Bestenheider grew up in difficult circumstances after the death of his father in 1957, leaving his mother to raise four children alone with little means. Despite this, Armand has happy memories of his childhood, marked by family unity. Field hockey played a central role in his youth, making him a local figure before embarking on a career in the hotel business.
His professional career began with an apprenticeship in the kitchen, but it was his perseverance and flair for opportunity that turned him into a successful entrepreneur. In 1962, he took over the reins of the Hotel Aïda, a modest establishment that he gradually expanded. Alongside his wife and four daughters, Armand built a veritable hotel empire.
L'Hostellerie du Pas de l'Ours - The luxury of a home-from-home gastronomic stay
As soon as you walk through the door of the Hostellerie du Pas de l'Ours in Crans-Montana, a wave of warmth envelops you, as if you were coming home. The smell of wood crackling in the fireplace, mingled with the delicate aromas of starred chef Franck Reynaud's dishes, instantly transports you to a world of comfort and discreet luxury. Here, every detail seems designed to awaken the senses, creating a perfect harmony between the wild nature of the Swiss Alps and the elegance of a refined home.
The experience begins as soon as you arrive, with a spectacular sight: wooden chalets, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rise majestically beneath an azure sky. The gentle crackle of the fire and the comforting scent of warm stone create an intimate, almost secretive atmosphere. Time seems to stand still, giving way to a true communion with the environment.
An emotional bond with every customer
What makes the Hostellerie du Pas de l'Ours so special is the attention paid to emotions. Every stay is designed to make you feel not just like a visitor, but a long-standing guest. The central fireplace, around which you can sit with a book or simply gaze at the flames, recalls evenings spent with the family. The attentive yet discreet staff ensure that every moment is unique, creating memories that will stay with you forever.