If you think festivals are just for the summer season, then think again! If you can’t wait for the warmer weather to head to the likes of Glastonbury, Benicassim and Isle of Wight, get your festival fix at one of these cool winter festivals where you can shred on the snow all day and then party all night.
4th – 9th April 2016
One of the main festivals of the winter season, Snowbombing attracts a huge crowd looking to enjoy music from the hottest DJ’s and fresh powder on some of Austria’s best mountains. This year, Snowbombers can expect to see Bastille, Fatboy Slim, Skepta and headliners The Prodigy. As well as great music though, guests can entertain themselves during the day by trying out Harakiri, the steepest ski run in Austria. At a gradient of 78%, there’s no turning back once you set off so if you don’t fancy the challenge, you can always watch from the chairlifts. Back at Snowbombing, there are plenty of things to do as well as ski and snowboard. Why not go and check out The Racket Club? A converted underground tennis club that has been made into one of the most popular clubs at the festival.
12th – 19th March 2016
If you want to party, Snowboxx is the place to be. A week long festival of main stage events, great music, memorable parties and great competitions at the Stash Park Party means you’ll have 7 days to remember in Avoriaz. As well as the entertainment which sees parties and club nights happening every night of the week, be sure to also enjoy the igloo raves, the ultimate snowball fight and tropical water park paradise in the festival village. If you fancy a sing along, get over to the Karaoke Cabins on Marmottes 1 Chairlift or take part in a world record breaking Onesie Wearing World Record on the piste! As a bonus, if you’re attending Snowboxx, you also get free entry to Rock The Piste which is the next event on our list.
13th – 19th March 2016
Rock the Piste is unique in the it’s a festival that doesn't base itself in one place, but rather travels around the ski area of Portes du Soleil in France. Head to a different place each night or wait for the show to come to you by sticking in either Avoriaz, Morgins, Montriond, Morzine or St Jean d’Aulps. Entry to the festival is included in your ski pass and also if you’re a Snowboxx festival goer. Going into its 6th year, Rock The Piste welcomes Two Door Cinema Club as one of its main acts this year and is set to be bigger and better than ever.
8th – 17th April
At the top of the Rocky Mountains, Whistler holds one of the world’s biggest and best winter festivals. The 10 day World Ski and Snowboard Festival is not only loved because of its size, but there are also a huge range of activities to enjoy – especially great if you have a young family or aren't the greatest skier or snowboarder. Enjoy gigs from a variety of music acts, check out art and design shows or why not go watch the pros play their own game at the World Skiing Invitational. There are also film maker and photography nights where creative types showcase their work and enter some of the world’s biggest film competitions to win a grand prize of $10,000. Party animals can enjoy the silent disco and a series of outdoor concerts throughout the festival.
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10th – 17th December
Okay, we know this technically isn't for this winter season but if you can’t make any of the festivals mentioned above, why not get a start on the winter festivals early next season by attending Rise Festival. In the heart of Les Deux Alpes, the 6 day Rise Festival teams up with Ibiza Rocks and Hospitality to bring you the best in dance, house, grime, drum and bass, techno and rock music. In 2015, Sigma, So Solid Crew and Miss Dynamite made appearances and although it’s too early to say who will be headlining in 2016, the chances are it will be a good one!
Have you been to any of these winter festivals before? If so, let us know below or if you know of any other amazing festivals we should have on the list we’d love to know your suggestions!
Published on 17th June 2016
Published on 3rd May 2016
Published on 26th August 2016