Burning Mountain FestivalPsytrance festival in Swiss Alps blends music with nature.

Burning Mountain Festival is a four-day psychedelic trance festival held annually in the picturesque Engadin Valley in Zernez, Switzerland. Located 1,450 meters above sea level, this festival combines breathtaking natural beauty with high-energy music and immersive art. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps and the River Inn, the festival is a surreal experience that fuses nature, music, and community-driven creativity. The atmosphere is vibrant and adventurous, with a strong focus on sustainability and participation, much like its inspiration from the famed Burning Man festival.

Music and Artists

• Main Genres:
  • Psychedelic Trance
  • Progressive Trance
  • Other electronic sub-genres
• Notable Past Performers:
  • Ace Ventura
  • Liquid Soul
  • Vini Vici
  • Astrix
  • Other top names in the psytrance scene
• Stage Setups: The festival features four different stages, each with its own unique vibe and experience. These stages host a range of electronic music genres, with mind-blowing visual displays and light shows. Notably, the festival also includes fire performances and large-scale fire installations, adding a magical, energetic element to the music experience.

Location

• Venue Name: Engadin Valley, Zernez, Switzerland
• Surrounding Area: The festival takes place amidst the natural beauty of the Engadin Valley, offering a pristine alpine landscape with rivers and forests. The Swiss National Park, located nearby, offers a rich array of wildlife and plants in an untouched mountain environment.
• Venue Capacity and Layout: Spread across 40 acres, the venue accommodates thousands of attendees with ample space for stages, art installations, camping, and other amenities.
• Transformation: The festival transforms the natural landscape into a lively, colorful playground, with large stages and interactive art installations seamlessly blending into the alpine surroundings.

Art Installations

• Significant Features: Fire installations are a key feature of Burning Mountain, with flamethrowers and fire shows being a hallmark of the event. The art theme for 2024, "The Dragon’s Tale," explores mythological and symbolic representations through interactive installations.
• Themes: The festival often incorporates themes that resonate with spirituality, nature, and mysticism, creating a deeply immersive atmosphere.
• Interactive Elements: Festivalgoers can engage with numerous art installations scattered throughout the venue, making art an integral part of the experience.
• Notable Artists: Various visual artists and fire performance collectives like Yantra Fire & Arts contribute to the vibrant aesthetic of the festival.

Festival Experience

Multiple Stages

Each of the four stages is designed with its own unique artistic and musical flavor, featuring diverse trance music and electronic beats. Expect top-tier sound systems and mesmerizing light shows that enhance the auditory and visual experience.

Food and Drinks

• Cuisine: A wide range of food stalls is available, including local Swiss specialties, vegetarian, and vegan options. The food vendors emphasize eco-friendly and healthy eating.
• Beverages: Bars serve a variety of beverages, including local craft beers and cocktails. Alcohol policies allow attendees to bring a limited amount of beer and wine.

Fashion and Culture

Festival fashion at Burning Mountain leans toward psychedelic and expressive styles, with vibrant colors, creative body art, and unique accessories. The emphasis is on self-expression, and attendees often embody the festival’s ethos of radical self-reliance and communal effort.

Workshops and Activities

• Yoga and meditation
• Art creation workshops
• Healing spaces with activities like sound healing
• Sustainability and environmental awareness talks

Camping

Camping is a major part of the festival experience. The campsite is included in the ticket price, and it’s located within the festival grounds, making it convenient for attendees to stay immersed in the event. Caravan parking is also available, though outside the main area.

Accommodation

Besides camping, the nearby village of Zernez offers various accommodation options such as hotels, guesthouses, and apartments for those looking for a more comfortable stay. The village is just a short walk from the festival site, making it easily accessible.

Tickets and Attendance

• Attendance: Burning Mountain attracts thousands of attendees from around the world.
• Ticket Types: General admission tickets are available, which include camping access. Tickets go on sale in phases, with prices increasing closer to the event.
• VIP Options: VIP tickets offer premium camping and access to exclusive areas.
• Ticket Process: Tickets must be bought in advance and are personalized to avoid resale issues.

History

• Founding Year: Burning Mountain was founded in 2010, inspired by the ethos of Burning Man.
• Concept: The founders envisioned a festival that brought together music, art, and self-expression in a way that allowed participants to create and share their experiences.
• Evolution: Over the years, it has grown into one of the most well-known psytrance festivals in Europe, attracting top artists and an international crowd.

Sustainability Efforts

Burning Mountain is committed to sustainability and follows a strict "leave no trace" policy. Attendees are encouraged to minimize waste and recycle. Initiatives include:

• A 10 CHF trash deposit, refundable upon proper disposal of waste.
• Use of eco-friendly materials by food vendors.
• Encouragement of public transportation to minimize the event’s carbon footprint.

In summary, Burning Mountain Festival is a vibrant and immersive experience, combining the energy of psytrance music with breathtaking alpine landscapes and interactive art. It’s a celebration of community, self-expression, and respect for nature.