Tis that time of year again and everyone is gearing up for the highlight of the ski season when music fills the air on the slopes. As most of you already know, the majority of the festivals are free; yes that’s right free! You just need to head off to your chosen resort, buy a lift pass and its music and celebrations all the way from there on in.
The festival kicks off soon so for those able to head off at a moments notice lets begin there:
Snowboxx
March – 17th to 24th in Avoriaz France
This is the third year that Snowboxx has held its week long festival here in Avoriaz; there is plenty of excitement as top DJ Fatboy Slim and band Chase & Status are headlining this event. Along with that there are club nights, parties galore and concerts including terrace parties also new this year are comedy performances.
Rock the Pistes
March 18th – 24th in Portes du Soleil France and Switzerland
This is the big one with over 50 concerts covering both France and Switzerland. This festival is on the French-Swiss border and covers the Portes du Soleil area in its entirety. With no less than five concerts every day on the mountain they are free but you must buy a lift pass, once your there you have live entertainment and as evening falls the concerts continue in the resorts at the foot of the slopes. The Horrors perform on the 22nd March and are followed by Alice Merton and Oscar and the Wolf.
Spring back to Vail
March 31st – 15th April in Vail USA
Vail closes each season with a spectacular two week line up of events, parties and concerts that are all free, on the final day the World Pond Skimming Championships take place. Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the US and on the 31st March the party begins during the day and ends late evening with a performance by Houndmouth.
The Brits
April 1st – 8th in Laax Switzerland
Thousands of ski and snowboarders head here to compete and generally have a good time. The Brits hosts the British Snowboard and Freeski Championships also there are freestyle demonstrations. Après ski its party time for all in this wonderful resort.
Snowbombing
April 9th – 14th in Mayrhofen Austria
Headlining is Liam Gallagher, Craig David, Rudimental, Dizzee Rascal and Pendulum to this fabulous event of bands and DJs, the music covers six mountain venues by day and by night in arenas and forests and igloos and do bring something to change into as this is Austria’s largest fancy dress street party.
Caprices
12th April – 15th in Crans Montana Switzerland
This is the 15th anniversary of this electronica festival with mountain performances by Ricardo Villalobos, Paul Kalkbrenner, Ben Klock and Sven Väth by day and in the evening at the foot of the mountain.
Live in Tignes by Francofolies
April 17th – 19th
If you want to enjoy 3 days of free concerts as the season closes then head to Tignes, French musicians are headliners here on two stages. One stage is at the base at Tignes Le Lac, the other up the mountain at the top of the Boisses and Sache cable cars.
Musilac
April 19th – 21st in Chamonix France
This is a treat Rag n Bone Man, Texas and Beth Ditto headline here it’s an extravaganza of pop and rock.
Top of the Mountain
April 30th in Ischgl Austria
This is one that attracts big numbers, in the past Elton John and Robbie Williams have played here, it’s the largest open air arena held, and this year Helene Fischer will close the event.
Whichever festival you are lucky enough to attend have fun!