Crans-Montana embarked on its journey into a sought-after resort destination in the second half of the 19th century, capturing the attention of European tourists with its scenic beauty and favorable climate. The remarkable air quality and abundant sunshine led to the establishment of sanatoriums from 1896 onward.

A pivotal moment occurred in 1911 with the debut of the Plaine-Morte Glacier funicular, attracting winter sports enthusiasts to its slopes. Making history in Swiss skiing, Crans-Montana established the nation’s first ski school that same year. Since 1939, the region has hosted the esteemed Omega European Masters golf tournament, cementing its reputation as a top destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Reflecting its evolution into a luxury tourism hub, Crans-Montana’s architectural landscape seamlessly blends traditional Swiss chalet-style buildings with modern developments, offering upscale amenities, fine dining, and outdoor recreation.

Nestled in the majestic Swiss Alps, the resort’s natural allure continues to captivate with breathtaking mountain views and untouched forests, drawing a diverse, international population. Over the years, additional features such as vineyards, irrigation canals known as ‘bisses’, alpine pastures, and notable events and personalities have contributed to Crans-Montana’s rich tapestry, making it a destination steeped in over 130 years of captivating history. Ongoing initiatives to preserve its historical and environmental heritage underscore Crans-Montana’s commitment to maintaining a harmonious balance between modernity and tradition in the 21st century.

Alfred Mudry, the Builder

Just over one hundred years ago, in 1912, Alfred Mudry, a professor by trade, commissioned a tall building in Crans-Montana, right above Lake Grenon and on the edge of the forest, with a distinctive roof featuring steeply sloping structures. The Alpina Institute, an international high-altitude college, opened its doors. During the First World War, the Institute transformed into a protected boarding school and naturally evolved into a Pension by 1918. The brochure of the time mentioned “Hotel-Pension Alpina: recent and modern construction, superb and very sunny location, amidst a park, under the pine trees.”

The 1920s offered interesting prospects for tourism in the Alps and hotels began to multiply in Crans-Montana. Alfred Mudry’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond the creation of the Alpina. He ventured further by establishing two Chalets as vacation residences: the Printemps in 1920 and the Paradis in 1922, where distinguished guests could be accommodated. He then undertook the construction of the Savoy in 1929 as an extension of the Alpina, to form a cohesive entity, which gave birth to the Hotel Alpina & Savoy. While the Alpina drew its architectural identity from a “Heimatsil,” the Savoy was decidedly modern.

Paul and Gertrude Mudry, the Investors

In 1957, Paul did not merely inherit the family establishment; he embraced innovation and expansion. The hotel was further expanded, with the addition of a third floor to the west, in order to give more space to the dining room. In 1972, Paul Mudry equipped the Alpina & Savoy with new luxury equipment, at least at the time: a swimming pool. The Alpina & Savoy emerged as an internationally renowned destination, celebrated for its glamorous dancing soirées and its culinary excellence. Paul Mudry's dedication set the stage for a memorable experience that guests cherished for years to come.

A Four-Generation Venture

The Hotel Alpina & Savoy was born under a good star, and its destiny was a unique one. A centenarian, it ranked among the longest-running establishments on the Haut-Plateau. Moreover, it is the only one that remained in the same family since its inception in 1912. Four generations of Mudrys have succeeded at its helm: Alfred from 1912 to 1957, his son Paul until 1984, Jean and his wife Marianne through 2015 and lastly, their daughter Michèle, who instilled a new direction for the familial property.

Jean and Marianne Mudry, the Family Hosts

Jean and Marianne Mudry embodied the warmth and excellence of family hospitality during their time running the hotel until 2015. With a passion for offering a heartfelt welcome, they ensured that every guest felt embraced like family. Beyond the confines of the hotel, Jean's influence extended far and wide as he served as Vice President of the Swiss Hoteliers Association. His vision greatly contributed to the advancement of the hospitality industry, shaping the standards of excellence for generations to come.

The genesis of the FENDI Private Residence Project

The Alpina & Savoy operated as an international destination until 2015, when Jean and Marianne decided to retire. Though she did not wish to walk in her predecessors’ footsteps and take the reins of the property, their daughter Michèle LuyetMudry was still very much attached to the site and she wanted to honor her family’s legacy within the Crans-Montana community. Having heard of Steiger&Cie and Comina’s work and commitment to the region, she rapidly knew she had found the right partners to imagine a future for the site. Together they dreamt up the project that is about to be unveiled as the FENDI Private Residences.