Switzerland: Crans-Montana closes the Hôtel du Golf et des Sports for non-compliance with fire-fighting measures

It is time for vigilance in Crans-Montana, one month after the New Year’s tragedy and its heavy toll (41 dead and 115 injured). Due to its non-compliance with fire-fighting measures, the Hôtel du Golf et des Sports, a large establishment in the Swiss ski resort, was administratively closed, the municipality announced in a press release this Thursday.

“On August 4, 2025, during the periodic visit carried out by the municipality of Crans-Montana, several shortcomings concerning preventive measures against fires (…) were reported to the Hôtel du Golf et des Sports SA,” continues the municipality.

“Despite several reminders”, the municipality noted that the requested compliance was not carried out by the luxury Alpine-style establishment, which has 85 rooms and suites. On December 16, “a final deadline was set for January 15, 2026; in vain,” explains the press release.

The decision to “immediately” close the establishment was ratified by the Municipal Council on Thursday, while the winter tourist season is in full swing. Hotel guests will be offered an alternative solution in an “equivalent” hotel establishment by the Crans-Montana tourist office to enable them to continue their stay.

Security officials soon to be interviewed

This announcement comes as, since last week, the criminal investigation opened following the bar fire targets two security officials of the town, who will be heard in the coming days by the prosecution.

On January 6, the president of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Féraud, admitted to the press that periodic safety and fire checks of the bar had not been carried out since 2019 even though they must be carried out every year.

The Constellation fire, which mainly struck teenagers and young adults, including dozens of Swiss, Italians and French, was caused by sparks from “fountain” candles coming into contact with acoustic foam placed on the ceiling of the basement of the establishment, according to the first elements of the investigation.

Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the French couple who own the bar, are under investigation for “negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent fire”.