The Lantern Path is an unmissable winter tradition in Crans-Montana, and one of the season's star attractions every year. Set in the heart of nature, but just a stone's throw from the centre of the resort, this enchanting trail illuminated by lanterns transports visitors in a poetic and magical atmosphere. The winter scenery and the crunch of sparkling snow underfoot enhances the experience as night falls.
The Etoile Bella Lui Festival on the Lantern Path
Since last winter (2023/2024), the Étoile Bella Lui Festival has been a fixture on the Lantern Path, and holds events all winter long. Concerts, shows and other events bring the Hameau des Mayens, a place you can also enjoy a meal in an authentic, timeless setting, to life.
An iconic local legend, the Tale of the Shepherd and the Bella Lui Star, lies at the heart of this enchanting atmosphere, plunging visitors into a journey beyond the realms of reality.
Joint organisation
The Lantern Path is organised by the Association Festival Étoile Bella Lui, in collaboration with the Association des Communes de Crans-Montana and Crans-Montana Tourism & Congress.
But what exactly is the Path of Lanterns? More than a simple illuminated trail, it is an immersive experience blending artistic creation, heritage and conviviality. Each winter, a new theme inspires the route’s scenography, giving life to exclusive illuminated artworks installed along the path. The trail passes through a charming mountain hamlet of traditional mayens, recalling the alpine spirit of old: wooden chalets, crackling wood fires and the scents of local specialties. Concerts and shows animate the season, while children can take part in the traditional treasure hunt, searching for clues and surprises scattered along the path. Visitors also gather around a hot soup, a spiced wine or a shared fondue. The Path of Lanterns is above all a place of meeting, contemplation and human warmth in the heart of the Valais winter.
The Lantern Path, inaugurated in Crans-Montana in December 2018, has its roots in the local legend of “The Shepherd and the Bella Lui Star”, the story of a shepherd, who while lost in a snowstorm searching for his sheep, was saved by a celestial star that guided him to the safety of his mountain hut. This tale, handed down from generation to generation, inspired the creation of an illuminated trail, allowing visitors to experience this magical atmosphere.
It was around this already existing enchanted trail that the Bella Lui Star Festival later emerged, enchanting Crans-Montana each winter. From its very first edition, the festival won over visitors with its warm atmosphere, luminous village and Ferris wheel. The Lantern Path became one of its central features, inviting young and old to follow a poetic path lit by the gentle glow of lanterns, while enjoying the Alpine scenery.
In 2023, the festival evolved to focus even more strongly on the Lantern Path, enhancing its role as the guiding thread of the event. True to the shepherd’s legend, this luminous pathway invited visitors to entrust their dreams to the Bella Lui star while sharing convivial moments with their loved ones.
Bruno Huggler, Director of Crans-Montana Tourism & Congress, describes the event as a unique moment, deeply rooted in mountain culture. “We needed a good story, and ours is particularly moving. It's deeply rooted in our mountain culture. We wanted to create an experience that reflected the magic of the place, without lapsing into the traditional Christmas market.” Thanks to this approach, the Lantern Path has become an unmissable winter event in Crans-Montana, offering a luminous adventure where history, nature and enchantment combine.
Even after the end of the festival, the Lantern Path remains an unmissable winter attraction in Crans-Montana, offering a luminous adventure where history, nature and enchantment meet.
Each year, the Lantern Path is renewed around an original theme:
The Path of Lanterns is inspired by the legend of the Shepherd and the Bella Lui Star. According to the tale, a shepherd lost in a snowstorm was guided to his refuge by a shining star. This story, passed down through generations, gave rise to this illuminated trail, allowing visitors to relive that atmosphere in winter. Each lantern, each corner of the walk recalls that bond between mountain and light, and invites reflection and sharing.
In just a few years, the Path of Lanterns has established itself as one of the key winter season highlights. With over 90,000 visitors in winter 2024/2025, the experience appeals both to families and to curious seekers of calm. Each winter, more than 30 festive evenings punctuate the trail with convivial moments and shared emotion, helping make the Path of Lanterns a place of escape and meeting.
The Path of Lanterns is organised by the “Association Chemin des Lanternes”, in collaboration with the “Association des Communes de Crans-Montana” and “Crans-Montana Tourisme & Congrès”. This coordination ensures a secure and accessible route, while offering a quality experience for families and individual visitors.
Open from December to March depending on snow conditions, the Path of Lanterns is now part of the winter landscape of Crans-Montana. Its 2 km route combines walking, nature and light, offering an experience accessible to all and appreciated each winter by families, groups and visitors in search of a moment of calm and discovery.
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