10 of the Best Worldwide Mountain Festivals

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Where are the best Mountain Festivals in the world?

For many, Summer represents the festival season. We imagine beer gardens, music danced to until the early hours, food trucks, barely-there garments and everything that embodies the warmer months. But the best worldwide mountain festivals can actually be found in Winter or at least, not necessarily in a field somewhere on a farm in England. The best worldwide mountain festivals bring you an eclectic mix of snow, sport, music and arguably the most essential thing, mountain culture.

There is nothing quite like the charm of the alps whether that be the European Alps or beyond, which is why the best worldwide mountain festivals have to be experienced to be believed. Instead, think hearty plates of pasta, funky multi-coloured ski clothing ensemble and bright lights reflecting off the snow, facial glitter and dancing still remain – but no worries, our Winter Ski Festival Survival Kit Guide will prepare you for every possible scenario! So let’s drive in and discover 10 of the best worldwide mountain festivals.

1. Snowbombing

Photo credit: Snowbombing

Snowbombing is synonymous with mountain festivals. Indeed, for the British, it is the first name in winter raves. It’s a long-standing festival, rightly earning its notoriety. With a hedonistic mix of traditional Austrian mountain culture, incredible skiing, music from the biggest names and vintage mountain fashion, it’s a real feast for the senses.

Where: Mayrhofen, Austria
When: April

2. Snowboxx

A stunning resort in the French Alps featuring the world’s largest ski area, an impressive open-air arena by the slopes hosting huge DJs and live acts, legendary Après parties and a smorgasbord of fun-fuelled activities make Snowboxx the best winter festival of all time. One epic week in the mountains at an unbeatable price! Price is a big one here, you get plenty of bang for your buck, a fantastic week to spend with friends.

Where: Avoriaz, France
When: March

3. Rise Festival

Photo credit: Rise Festival

Rise Festival, the younger sister of Snowboxx and Snowbombing is proving herself as the new kid on the block. Style, yoga, wellbeing meet music and snow. A pure mountain festival set against the incredible backdrop of Les Deux Alpes, Rise is as chic and sophisticated as it is fun and raucous. A brilliant combination.

Where: Les Deux Alpes, France
When: December

4. Tomorrowland Winter

Taking all the magic and wonder of Tomorrowland, adding snow and a sense of ethereal mystique, you have precisely what Tomorrowland is representing. With world-renowned artists, performances that transcend the confines of normality and all the wanderlust vibes of the original Tomorrowland, this will be unmissable.

Where: Alpe d’Huez, France
When: March

5. Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Photo credit: Planet Bluegrass

Every Summer Solstice, 11,000+ Festivarians converge on the historic mining town in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern CO (elevation 8,750’) for 4 days of adventurous acoustic music in the stunning Telluride box canyon.” After all, this is the “Best Worldwide Mountain Festivals” so we had to include a Summer festival or two and Telluride is a must-do on your festival calendar for those reasons.

Where: Telluride, Colorado, USA
When: June

6. World Ski & Snowboard Festival

Where Apres, sport and music meet in the best way! We are talking next level comps of big air and more, plus internationally acclaimed artists and big-time apres vibes? Well, you have a winning combination. The town of Whistler is a spot all year round, but it is possible, World Ski & Snowboard Festival bring even more excitement to this sensational village.

Where: Whistler, Canada
When: April

7. Spring Back to Vail

Photo credit: Vail

This festival brings spring in the mountains to life in an authentic way, with free concerts, in-town and on-mountain late season specials, après and after dark parties, a party from dusk till dawn, lively festival village and much more. Vail comes to life in spring; it seems!

Where: Vail, Colorado, USA
When: April

8. Zermatt Unplugged

Photo credit: Zermatt Unplugged

Zermatt Unplugged is a truly unbridled experience. There is no mountain quite as iconic as the Matterhorn, its watchful eye adorning the village of Zermatt, the views and spectacular. In the shadow of the Matterhorn or Mount Chervin, people from all over the world gather to experience Zermatt Unplugged. Performers from all over Europe and beyond, food, enlightenment and the kindness and friendly nature of the locals combine for a once in a lifetime experience.

Where: Zermatt, Switzerland
When: April

9. Frozen Dead Guy Days

Photo credit: Frozen Dead Guy Days

To say there is NOTHING else quite like Frozen Dead Guy Days is a vast understatement. Known as one of the most unique and quirky festivals in the country, Frozen Dead Guy Days takes place in the Colorado mountain town of Nederland — three days of frosty merriment featuring 30 live bands in heated super tents and extreme events like coffin racing, costumed polar plunging, frozen t-shirt contests and much more. Celebrating its 18th year in 2019, Frozen Dead Guy Days continues to be a world-renowned spectacle. FDGD is super low key so get in nice and early to be in with the chance of scoring a ticket.

Where: Nederland, USA
When: March

10. Igloofest

Montréal it the epitome of cool. It’s a city at the centre of Canadian modernity, therefore, it seems to be the perfect city to host this unique festival. -30 c lights, raving and an infectious atmosphere. Okay, maybe you are not in the centre of the mountains, but you are certainly at the beating heart of winter in the great white north.

Where: Montréal, Quebec, Canada
When: January

That about wraps it up, folks. If you want to know more about music festivals all over the world, go check out our event page. We hope you found this article useful, we hope this helps plan your Winter season this year – travelling between these festivals would be the ultimate mountain lovers trip that’s for sure.

 

Feature image credit: Snowboxx
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