MUSIC festivals are usually synonymous with bright sunshine, cold refreshments, and people sleeping in tents that provide little to no protection from the elements. Summer, basically.
But it’s not just three months of the year that get to hoard all the fun – winter/spring can also throw up some barnstorming parties, and these music festivals are definitely worth a look if you spend all year waiting for Glastonbury/Coachella. Here are four of the best this season:
Tomorrowland Winter, Alpe d’Huez – France
The biggest dance music festival in the world also does a winter edition! Tomorrowland Winter has been cancelled two years in a row but looks set to finally go down in 2022 and will undoubtedly feature an epic line-up for EDM fans.
Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, and Martin Solveig are just three big names to be announced so far, with the full line-up coming soon. The festival offers guests package deals to stay in the ski village of Alpe d’Huez where they can spend their days out on the slopes, then when the evening arrives, it’s party time. The 2022 edition of the festival will also feature a brand new covered and heated mainstage.
When: March 19th – 26th, 2022
How much: Roughly $1,600 (£1,210) gets you seven nights’ accommodation, a seven-day ski pass and festival access (2022 is sold out, but there is a waiting list)
Igloofest – Montreal, Canada
The self-proclaimed coldest festival in the world looks like it could be the pick of the bunch this winter. Split over four weekends, Igloofest has got some huge names booked – Fatboy Slim, Bonobo, Gunna, Seth Troxler, and Joe Exotic lookalike Diplo.
The 15th edition of the festival will most definitely feature sub-zero temperatures, so the warmest clothing you can get your hands on is strongly advised. Montreal also has plenty of cultural and historical highlights and is worth a few days of exploring too.
When: January 13th – February 5th, 2022
How much: From $33 (£25) per night
Snowbombing – Mayrhofen, Austria
Arguably Europe’s most famous winter festival, it has set a high bar for other festivals that look to emulate its success at combining music and snowsports. Since 2005 Snowbombing has been at the Austrian resort of Mayrhofen – known for its high-quality slopes, luxury lodgings and idyllic mountain landscapes.
Snowbombing is the perfect place to hear the hottest DJs in the world spinning the most cutting-edge electronic music late into the night. Some big names on the 2022 line-up include Bicep, Fatboy Slim, Rudimental, Andy C, Maribou State and Honey Dijon. Ticket holders, just keep track of what Austria is doing with regards to Covid – the country went into full lockdown in November, but Snowbombing looks like it will still take place in April.
When: April 4th – 9th, 2022
How much: Package deals are available, $225 (£170) deposit required
Snowboxx – Avoriaz, France
Taking place in the world’s largest ski area, Snowboxx is right up there in contention for the top European ski festival. Infamous après ski at La Folie Douce, igloo parties, and spa sessions, on top of world-class skiing and snowboarding options, make this one a hedonistic winter paradise.
Avoriaz is just a short transfer away from Geneva and is one of the best-connected resorts in the Alps. The festival is in partnership with Skiset too which can provide guests with all their ski equipment on-site.
When: March 19th – 26th, 2022
How much: From $330 (£249) with seven days’ accommodation and festival access (2022 is sold out but there is a waiting list)
SEE MORE: Top International Ski Resorts To Consider For The 21/22 Season