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The Best Music Festivals in the Alps this Season

 

Are you gutted that you missed the Top of the Mountain concert in Ischgl last weekend? Don’t worry because we’ve compiled a list of the best music festivals in the Alps to watch out for this season. From rock to house to classical to jazz, we’ve found something for every taste.

RISE Festival, Les Deux Alpes, 12–19 December 2015

It might be a little late to book a trip to this one, but it’s worth bearing in mind for next year. Set in the stunning resort of L2A, this independent ski and snowboard festival is featuring the likes of Bristol production duo Blonde, Mercury Prize winner Ms Dynamite and garage act So Solid Crew this year. Plus, the English drum and bass boys Sigma are headlining. For £169 you can get a festival wristband and ski pass, which includes six days of skiing, full festival access and parties.

Transition Snow, Avoriaz, 13–19 December 2015

Transition Snow, Avoriaz

This one might also be a little too soon to catch but we’ve added it to the list anyway. The legend that is Dizzee Rascal is headlining this new addition to the festival calendar, presented by Snowbombing (who are behind the hugely popular festival in Mayrhofen held every April in Austria). The British DJ and producer Ben Pearce is also performing, as well as electronic music duo Bondax. With a line-up like that, it’s sure to become a staple in the ski and snowboard festival diary. A wristband and a six day lift pass costs from £114.

Classicaval, Val d’Isere, 26–28 January & 8–10 March 2016

Classicaval, Val d'Isere

© Office de Tourisme Val d'Isere / andyparant.com

For those after something slightly different to thumping beats and loud rock bands, this festival has been bringing lovers of classical music together since 1993 in the beautiful baroque church of Saint Bernard of Menthon. The artistic director for the January event is renowned violinist David Lefevre, while the pianist Elena Rozanova is directing the March segment. The full programme will be announced shortly, but past performers include cellist Edouard Sapey and alto singer Cyril Bouffyesse. Tickets cost around £12 for an adult and £10 for a child.

Snowboxx, Avoriaz, 12–19 March 2016

Snowboxx, Avoriaz

After moving from Andorra to Alpe d’Huez last year, one of the most popular mountain music festivals has chosen to take over Avoriaz in 2016, with a week of huge shows. Last year enigmatic duo Jungle and electronic band 2manydjs took over the main stages. This year’s line-up features Sigma, Blonde, Grandmaster Flash and Mike Skinner. A wristband and full Portes du Soleil pass will set you back £229 but the wristband itself is just £99. It’s no coincidence that it’s on the same week as Rock the Pistes, with the festival claiming they want to offer their customers the maximum amount of entertainment during their stay – entry to all Rock the Pistes events are free to Snowboxxers.

Rock the Pistes, Portes du Soleil, 13–19 March 2016

Rock the Pistes, Avoriaz

© M Vitre - Portes du Soleil

Spend the week skiing the amazing Portes du Soleil and hitting up some epic mountain gigs. Indie Irish boys Two Door Cinema Club are one of the headliners but the flavour of this festival is much more European, with French pop-rock singer Hubert Félix Thiefaine also performing, as well as French band Deluxe. You’ll need to equip yourself with a ‘pass concert’, which costs the same as the price of a day of skiing but allows you to watch the gigs as well.

Avoriaz Jazz Up Festival, Avoriaz, 1–4 April 2016

Avoriaz Jazz Up Festival

© Avoriaz Tourisme

Having earned a reputation as one of France’s great jazz festivals thanks to the stars it has attracted in previous years, including violinist Didier Lockwood and guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg, the event is returning to the resort in 2016. The main concerts are held in Festival Hall and prices vary for each, but there is also live music hosted in the resort’s bars and restaurants. Plus, Hotel des Dromonts and Residence L’Amara have decided to take part this year, with live music on between 10pm and 1am every night.

The Brits, Laax, 3–10 April 2016

Laax

The Brits attracts thousands of skiers and snowboarders every year, for a week of snowsports and partying. The festival hosts the annual Snowboard and Freeski Championships, as well as freestyle demonstrations from the best UK boarders and skiers. At night time, however, the focus is much more on music with club nights, live bands and famous DJs. Previous performers include Chase & Status and Ben Howard. 

Snowbombing, Mayrhofen, 4–9 April 2016

Snowbombing, Avoriaz

© Andrew Whitton

One of the most popular Alpine music festivals, having featured Pendulum and Basement Jaxx in past years, Snowbombing makes a triumphant return to its Austrian home in 2016. This time electronic dance group The Prodigy, English DJ and musician Fatboy Slim and indie pop band Bastille will be performing in the resort famous for its raucous party scene. 

Zermatt Unplugged, Zermatt, 5–9 April 2016

Zermatt Unplugged

© Anthony Salamin

 

For those that can’t handle the intense electro and house music of other festivals, Swiss festival Zermatt Unplugged might be right up your street. In its 9th year, the festival continues to attract lovers of rock music and acoustic classics. In the past, it has played host to English rock musician Billy Idol, American singer/songwriter Lionel Richie, Colorado pop rock band One Republic and acoustic artist Jason Mraz. This year’s programme won't be announced until the 10th of December, but based on previous years, it's sure to be impressive. Around 30 of the concerts are free of charge with a lift pass – tickets to some of the big acts will cost you, however.

Are you still looking for accommodation for your next ski trip? You can browse our fantastic range of ski accommodation from the PowderBeds homepage. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact the team on 0131 240 3300 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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