Les Roches Crans-Montana
Les Roches International School of Hotel Management
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Hospitality.degree Editorial
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Quick answer — What is Les Roches Crans-Montana known for?
Les Roches Crans-Montana, founded in 1954, is a private for profit school based in Crans-Montana, accredited by NECHE and Swiss Federal recognition. It offers 1 program.
Key stats
- Founded
- 1954
- Programs
- 1
- Median starting salary
- €41,000(class survey 2024)
- Acceptance rate
- 58%(school 2024)
Key takeaways
- Founded 1954 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
- Holds NECHE, Swiss Federal recognition accreditation.
- 89% of graduates employed within 3 months (Class of 2024).
- Median starting compensation approximately €41,000.
- Acceptance rate: 58% (2024).
- Operates 3 campuses across Switzerland & Spain & UAE.
NECHE + Swiss Federal recognition
1 listed
100/100
Publishable
private for profit
- Ranked No. 2 globally in Hospitality & Leisure Management by QS World University Rankings 2026.
- Holds dual accreditation from Swiss Accreditation Council and NECHE.
- 94% of job-seeking graduates receive immediate employment offers.
- Offers a blend of practical skills, business knowledge, and work experience.
- Strong industry network with leading hospitality companies.
- Diverse international student body across multiple global campuses.
About Les Roches Crans-Montana
# About Les Roches
Brief History and Academic Philosophy
Les Roches, founded in 1954, is recognized as one of the world's leading hospitality schools. The institution blends tradition with innovation, aiming to cultivate future industry leaders. Its academic philosophy is centered on providing a comprehensive education that combines practical skills with business knowledge, preparing students for immediate employment in the global hospitality sector.
Teaching Model: Experiential Learning and Industry Immersion
The teaching model at Les Roches emphasizes experiential learning and industry immersion. Programs integrate practical skills training in facilities such as working kitchens, bars, and hotel demonstration areas, alongside academic studies. This hands-on approach is complemented by professional internships and applied business courses, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world scenarios. The school offers Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA degrees, as well as Executive Education and Advanced Studies programs, catering to various stages of professional development.
Accreditation and Credibility
Les Roches holds dual accreditation, which underscores its credibility and high academic standards. It is one of the few hospitality schools globally to possess both Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC) status as a University of Applied Sciences Institute and New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accreditation. This dual recognition highlights the rigorous quality and international recognition of its educational offerings.
Signature Programs and Industry Network
Les Roches offers a range of career-focused programs, including Bachelor's degrees that combine practical skills, business knowledge, and a year of work experience. Master's degrees are designed for recent graduates with applied business courses and professional internships, while the MBA program serves as an industry-leading career accelerator for ambitious hospitality professionals. The school maintains strong ties with leading companies in the hospitality sector, which frequently recruit its graduates. This robust industry network contributes to a high employment rate, with 94% of job-seeking graduates securing one or more job offers upon graduation.
Campuses
3 locations
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Crans-Montana campus is the flagship location, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation. It offers a state-of-the-art hospitality education environment where students can immerse themselves in practical learning facilities. The campus is close to the world-famous ski resort of Crans-Montana, providing a unique setting that combines academic rigor with opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant student life.
- Located in the Swiss Alps, near the Crans-Montana ski resort.
- Features working kitchens, bars, and a rooms division demonstration area.
- Includes Innovation Spaces, VR Room, and a digital media studio.
- Offers sports courts, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool.
- Residential buildings on campus with Alpine views and common spaces.
The Marbella campus is situated in a world-famous luxury resort, serving as a living hospitality classroom. This sun-kissed, high-tech learning environment is characterized by its Mediterranean flair. It provides extensive practical training facilities and modern academic resources, fostering a diverse and international student community.
- Located in the luxury resort city of Marbella, Spain.
- Features four professional training kitchens, a demonstration bar, and a hotel room setup.
- Academic facilities include Apple technology-equipped classrooms and a 158-capacity auditorium.
- Access to the nearby Manolo Santana Racquets Club with tennis courts, gym, and pool.
- On-campus student residence with various room options and communal areas.
The Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy, established through a partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, brings Les Roches' hospitality education to a dynamic and rapidly growing city. This campus blends Emirati tradition with innovation, offering an ideal environment for students to thrive with extensive global networking and internship opportunities.
- Located in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Features a cafeteria that doubles as a barista and mocktail lab.
- Includes a fully-equipped training kitchen, pastry lab, and a 30-seat demonstration lab.
- Offers a hotel lab and demonstration room with a training reception area.
- Off-campus accommodation options through a partnership with Rotana, located near campus.
Student life
Student life at Les Roches is vibrant and diverse, with campuses offering a rich cultural experience due to students from over 80 nationalities. On the Crans-Montana campus, students can engage in a wide array of outdoor activities, from skiing and mountain biking to hiking, taking advantage of the Alpine setting. The campus also hosts various clubs focusing on public speaking, wine, sustainability, arts, charity, and culinary interests. High-profile student-led events like Cultural Night, Shiftin’ & Spark Innovation Summit, Food Fairs, and Connect & Recruit – Career Days are eagerly anticipated.
In Marbella, student life is centered around the city's beautiful sandy beaches, offering opportunities for swimming, water sports, and Mediterranean dining. The city also provides upscale boutiques, bars, nightclubs, and world-class events. The campus itself is modern and spacious, encouraging students to connect, pursue hobbies, and organize cultural, sports, and leisure activities. Health and wellbeing are supported by year-round sunshine and access to sports facilities.
The Abu Dhabi campus, located in a city home to over 200 nationalities, offers various clubs, events, and activities. Students can explore fine art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, historical sites like Qasr Al Hosn, and major attractions such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World. The campus is in Zayed Sports City, providing access to football pitches, tennis courts, and an ice rink. All campuses prioritize student safety and wellbeing, with dedicated teams and security measures in place.
Flagship programs
| Program | Level | Length | Internship | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management | bachelor | 42 mo | 18 mo paid | CHF 39,500/year |
Tuition figures reflect academic year 2025-2026. Every row is sourced from the school's official programme page — see the sources list below.
Accreditation & recognition
NECHE
Accredited (through parent Sommet Education)
Swiss Federal recognition
Recognised
Editor's verdict
Career outcomes
- Employment rate: 89% within 3 months of graduation (Class of 2024).
- Median starting compensation: €41,000.
- International student mix: 88%.
Strengths
- US institutional accreditation opens federal loan eligibility for eligible programmes.
- Highly international cohort (88%).
- Deep operational track: 12 months of paid internship.
Trade-offs to consider
- Programme is highly operational — students should expect long service hours during operational semesters.
Frequently asked questions
›Is Les Roches Crans-Montana accredited?
Yes. NECHE (Accredited (through parent Sommet Education)); Swiss Federal recognition (Recognised)
›How much does a degree at Les Roches Crans-Montana cost?
The flagship Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management is CHF 39,500 per year (2025-2026 academic year).
›Where are Les Roches Crans-Montana's campuses?
Crans-Montana in Crans-Montana, Switzerland; Marbella in Marbella, Spain; Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
References & sources
All figures on this page can be traced to the following primary sources.