When it comes to winter music festivals, Europe’s mountains have some of the coolest line-ups around.
All over the continent there are alpine parties taking place throughout the ski season, so if you like your ski holidays with plenty of après, and want to devote an entire break to dancing, drinking and partying the days and nights away, here’s our list of the top festivals and concerts happening in 2014.
Ice Music Festival – Norway
When: 16th – 19th January 2014
Info: http://www.icemusicfestival.no/
Taking place in the heart of Norway’s renowned mountain village of Geilo, the Ice Music Festival promises a breathtakingly scenic setting with alternative tunes. The stage and instruments are actually made from the area’s ice, so the sounds differ depending on the weather conditions. Talk about chilled out music.
Sónar Festival Reykjavik 2014 – Iceland
When: 13th – 15 February 2014
Info: http://sonarreykjavik.com/en/2014/
This two day Icelandic festival doesn’t just showcase the best of electronic music, it’s also famous for its prominent multimedia art too, with audiovisual, film and installation art packages accompanying experimental beats. With five different stages to choose from, Harpa (the city’s concert house) provides a fitting avant-garde setting great for views and optimum sound.
Swing on Snow – Italy
When: 2nd – 9th March 2014
Info: http://www.alpedisiusi.net/
Based in Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi) in the heart of the Dolomites, this year will mark the ninth annual edition of this week long winter festival. From smooth jazz to classical sounds, the event prides itself on consistently delivering authentic Alpine folk music. With 23 concerts to choose from, it’s bound to get you into the skiing spirit.
Rock the Pistes – France
When: 26th – 30th March 2014
Info: http://www.rockthepistes.com/
This five day festival is held on the French-Swiss border throughout the Portes du Soleil area. The event has two stages with four gigs a day, and this year’s highlights include a mix of French and international artists from the likes of Mad Professor to Mass Hysteria and Ben L’Oncle Soul.
Snowbombing Festival – Austria
When: 7th – 12th April 2014
Info: http://www.snowbombing.com/
For live music and DJ sets amid the staggeringly stunning peaks of Mayrhofen in the Austrian Alps, this five night après ski event will be just up your street (or slope). This year’s headline acts are The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy – so kick off your ski boots and get ready to rave.
Zermatt Unplugged – Switzerland
When: 8th – 12th April 2014
Info: http://www.zermatt-unplugged.ch/
Set across nine different venues throughout Zermatt, this acoustic festival has been supplying Switzerland’s skiers with mellow riffs and vocals since 2007. Taking place near the country’s Matterhorn ski resort, this year’s five day line-up features acoustic sensations from Tom Odell and Katie Melua to Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall and Aloe Blacc.
Are you heading off to any winter music festivals this year?
Browse the ski holiday deals on our website for the cheapest options.
Image credits: graham grinner lewis, badkleinkirchheim, stephenbarber, Matt Biddulph via flickr, Joe Condron via Wikimedia Commons, Südtirol Marketing/Alex Filz.
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