WINTER 2020/21 PRESSKIT - HIGHLIGHTS
The lantern path
An enchanting walk in the mountains
From 4 December 2020 until 31 March 2021, the lantern path will plunge you into the enchanting legend of the Bella Lui Star, so that you can experience an enchanting winter season in the mountains.
The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping, and the first snowflakes are falling. It’s the beginning of the most magical of all seasons. Based on the story of “The Shepherd and the Bella Lui Star“, the festival celebrates the magic of winter lights in the mountains. In a convivial and family spirit, explore the unspoilt natural area around the centre of Crans-Montana as you walk the Lantern Path between Lake Moubra and Lake Etang Long, and experience winter in the mountains.
New for 2020/2021
Every winter, the lantern path offers you more and more magic, an enchanting experience that you simply must experience, especially at nightfall. Immersed in nature and guided by glittering lanterns, explore the projections by the photographer and committed artist, Philippe Echaroux. By making his art accessible to everyone, and by defending causes such as ecology that are dear to his heart in his projections, this nature-lover will lead visitors to the Haut-Plateau into his enchanting world.
A wide Ski Area
In a breathtaking panorama
The Crans-Montana ski area has some 140km of pistes, and 24 modern ski lifts. From the Plaine Morte at 3,000m down to the resort at 1,500m, set off to explore a wide variety of pistes, also with different levels, and with views to take your breath away. In fact just opposite, you’ll find a crown of summits that are over 4,000m high. Enjoy this view on one of 15 sunny mountain terraces, where you can savour delicious traditional dishes. Freestyle fans will find one of the best snowparks in Switzerland, with an Olympic-size Halfpipe.
You’ll find children learning to ski at Arnouva, where a brand new covered magic carpet, a ski kindergarten and a restaurant will make their first experience an unforgettable memory, in addition, access by cable car from the centre of Montana is free. At the end of the day, you have to stop at the Cry d'Er Club on the pistes, or call into one of the après-ski bars at the departure point of one of the 3 cable cars in the resort, where a great atmosphere is guaranteed.
Gastronomy
Gastronomy touches the mountaintops in Crans-Montana
In Crans-Montana, whether in the resort or on the pistes, when tastebuds quiver every gourmet will find what they’re looking for amongst the huge choice of restaurants which vary from mountain huts to Michelin-starred establishments.
Quality local produce, numerous foodie events, passionate craftspeople and chefs illustrate the wealth of gastronomy in our region. Moreover, it is a great joy for Crans-Montana to include amongst its numerous restaurants, two Michelin-starred establishments, Franck Reynaud‘s l’Ours, and LeMontBlanc from LeCrans Hôtel & Spa. Thanks to their incredible talents, Crans Montana Chefs, who has settled in Valais, sensitively interpret every flavour in our local produce. Although their creations retain a hint of the south, they should naturally be savoured with a fine Valais wine.
If exotic cuisine makes your mouth water, you’re in the right place. Crans-Montana is an ideal departure point for a gourmet world tour, where every meal can be a change of scenery, whether from Lebanon, Japan or Portugal. And if you’re missing raclette or other Valais specialities, there are plenty of mountain huts and restaurants which will be delighted to welcome you for traditional mountain dish.
https://www.crans-montana.ch/gastronomy
Grandeur Nature
The perfect place to escape and rejuvenate
The Grandeur Nature area is truly a place to escape to and to rejuvenate. It’s an opportunity to relish a deep breath of fresh air just a few minutes by (free) bus from the resort, whether you’re on snowshoes or ski-mountaineering on one of the routes in the new rando park, or simply enjoying one of the sunny terraces. From December to April, Grandeur Nature also offers a programme of free activities accompanied by passionate local guides.
On your own, with the family or with friends, meet other people whilst taking part in snowshoe, ski mountaineering or yoga walk excursions. Little ones will particularly enjoy the dog walks and treasure hunt. As for culture, a visit to the Colombire ecomuseum is a must in order to better understand the life of our ancestors on the mountain pastures.
www.crans-montana.ch/grandeur_nature
The golf course in the snow
Many activities for everyone
In winter, the golf course is covered by a beautiful white coat of snow and offers lots of activities for all tastes. Snow Island, Bibi’s home quarters, invites families to take part in different activities, games and entertainment. This is also where beginners can try skiing thanks to the very gentle slope and magic carpet which will take them back to the top of the run, or you can hurtle down the snowtubing piste at top speed.
The Severiano Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus courses are also very popular for walking. They’re accessible to everyone, and several circuits which can be completed on foot or on snowshoes offer the chance to enjoy wonderful views and take a break on one of the sunny terraces. 7 km of cross country ski tracks are also available for the sporty, and the more daring can explore this wonderful area by fatbike.