Hit the slopes in style with HUNGER’s top 5 ski festivals
It’s that time of year when we swap the sweaty tents for cosy chalets as we prep for the winter festival season. So, start your hunt for that eccentric ski outfit, whether it’s animal-themed, or something more reserved, because we’re rounding up the best events where you can flex your skills on the slopes and dance all night to your favourite DJs!
First up is Snowboxx, which HUNGER attended earlier this year. The festival is Located in Avoriaz, a stunning cliff-side retreat perched at a cool 1,800 metres above sea level and the only fully pedestrianised resort in France. No cars allowed – just you and the serenity of the mountains. With ski-in, ski-out access and a vehicle-free setup, you can strut your stuff everywhere on foot, horse, or carriage. This week-long music festival takes Avoriaz by storm, and by storm, we mean an early bottomless brunch to start your day, followed by skiing and late-night DJ sets. The Snowboxx village is where the magic happens, with five stages hosting the best artists in house, electronic, and drum’n’bass. Last time out, HUNGER had the pleasure of experiencing musical legends like DJ EZ, Hannah Wants, Becky Hill, Shy FX and Dynamite MC. Our highlight came in the form of drum & bass don Metrik, where the original ravers danced by the enormous speakers (always front left) into the early morning hours. Fashion also takes centre stage at Snowboxx, with themed costumes embraced by thousands of festival-goers, creating a lively sense of community for the week ahead. It’s not just a festival; it’s a sensory elevation amidst the stunning Alps. So, remember to pack your ski gear and dancing boots for their next event, which will take place from the 16th to the 23rd of March, 2024. And brace yourself for a stellar lineup featuring artists like the Streets, Ben Hemsley, Jodie Harsh, Nia Archives, and many more.
Get ready for a weekend that combines world-class skiing with uproarious laughter at the Altitude Comedy Festival. While many Alpine festivals focus on late-night DJs and on-slope parties, Altitude offers a unique and equally entertaining comedic experience. In its twelfth year, this mountain event has consistently featured the world’s top comedic talent. Side-splitting evenings await; you may even bump into your favourite comedians on the slopes the next day. Plus, you’ll have access to the incredible ski area of Mayrhofen, boasting runs for all skill levels, including one of the world’s steepest black runs. With venues strategically located for maximising slope time and après-ski fun, this festival promises the perfect unlikely blend of skiing and comedy. Their next event takes place in April 2024 and will feature top comedians such as Dara O’Briain, Daniel Sloss, and Paul Smith, alongside others who will grace the stage with their comic genius.
Iconic dance music festival Tomorrowland is making a highly anticipated return, scheduled to take place on July 19, 2024. Renowned as one of the world’s largest electronic music festivals, Tomorrowland has been a fixture on the global festival scene since it launched. Located in Boom, Belgium, it is situated 16 kilometres south of Antwerp and 32 kilometres north of Brussels. The festival’s popularity has grown immensely, and as a result, it now spans across two weekends. Although the lineup remains a mystery, eager fans can pre-register on the official Tomorrowland website. In 2023, the festival welcomed more than 400,000 attendees across two weekends with performances by over 750 of the world’s leading electronic music artists. The upcoming 2024 edition promises to be even more of a belter.
Rise Festival is nestled in the picturesque mountain village of Les Deux Alpes and is a festival that has a prominent spot in the world of ski festivals and continues to grow each year. Distinguished by its early December timing, Rise offers a unique Alpine experience, capitalising on the best of early-season snow and the availability of Europe’s largest skiable glacier, guaranteeing top-notch skiing. For newcomers to ski music festivals, Les 2 Alpes is a great choice, offering a plethora of safe and sunny beginner runs to sharpen your skills. At the same time, thrill-seekers can revel in the area’s award-winning snow park and explore numerous challenging slopes and off-piste opportunities. On the musical front, anticipate a vibrant lineup of energetic DJs and live acts across seven stages, providing diverse music and party options from dawn till the early hours.
Located in an intimate space that distils the musical essence, Zermatt Unplugged, the beloved acoustic music festival, is a popular gem in the European music scene. The event was created as a singer-songwriter festival, and today, it has evolved into a grand spectacle, hosting over 120 concerts across five days on 16 diverse stages scattered throughout the entire village and mountains. Expect to experience a lineup of emerging talents and renowned DJs against a backdrop that’s simply incomparable. Over the years, the festival has showcased an impressive lineup, featuring celebrated artists such as the Kaiser Chiefs, James Morrison, Jessie J, and Michael Kiwanuka, to name just a few. With its unparalleled setting and musical diversity, the festival has solidified its place as a cherished gathering for music enthusiasts and a coveted event on the European music calendar. You can find out more about the lineup soon.
