The hills are alive to the sound of music (and laughter)
Ski resorts offers so much more than winter sports, these days they attract some of the hottest festivals too. Here are some of the best gigs taking place in the Alps this winter:
Kicking off the festival season in Switzerland this weekend is Polaris, an electronic music extravaganza in the posh resort of Verbier. It’s probably too late to rush your clients out there, but never mind, because it will be quickly followed by Rise, a week-long party in the French resort of Les Deux Alps, starting on December 15. Rise, now in its fifth year, has attracted Radio One royalty Annie Mac, who will be playing on the main stage, along with David Rodigan, CamelPhat, Hackney Colliery Band and Issac Waddington.
Tomorrowland will take over the resort of Alpe d’Huez from March 9 to 16, promising a week of fun, while Piste Bash, will take place in Meribel from March 11 to 15.
You might not have heard of any of the above, but how about Snowboxx, which is probably the best-known festival in the Alps? Held in Avoriaz in France, it certainly attracts some of the biggest names – this year’s line up includes Craig David, Jax Jones and Rudimental.
In April, you’ve got Snowbombing in Mayrhofen, Austria, a six-day party, starting on the 8th, which includes igloo raves and Austria’s largest fancy dress street party.
Other lesser-known events include Chamonix Unlimited, an electronic music festival from April 2, the Caprices house and techno festival in Crans Montana from April 11, and Ischgl’s annual Top of the Mountain gig, which will close the season in the Austrian resort on April 30 with a performance by US artist Lenny Kravitz.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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