Snowbombing
When: April 1st to 16th
Where: Mayrhofen, Austria – situated in the Ziller Valley, Mayrhofen has 157 kms of piste suitable for all levels of ability.
Who plays: With Kasabian headlining and various international artists on display, including Katy B, The Cuban Brothers and Dub Pistols, Snowbombing has the best music line up without doubt.
The cost: Six-night packages from £413 for self-catered apartments, to £627 for 4* hotels.
Why go? This hedonistic party at the top of the mountain has been growing in size and popularity for over decade. But with 19 hours of non-stop action every day, this is not a festival for the faint-hearted. It relishes mayhem with fancy dress encouraged and kooky venues such as a 200-man igloo and an ice-cave. The best festival to go to if partying is your priority.
BUSC Main Event
When: March 16th to 30th
Where: Alpe D’Huez, France – a central alpine resort. The views are spectacular and Alpe d’Huez has ‘La Sarenne’, the longest black run in Europe. Despite this, Alpe d’Huez is well suited for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Who plays: BUSC is heavy on club music with a mix of up-and-coming DJs such a Chris Moro
The Cost: For £359 you can get a one-week lift pass, accommodation, return coach transport, festival wrist band and an event T-shirt thrown in for good measure.
Why go? Starting as a student snow sports championship with inter-university ski and snowboard showdowns but eventually became a festival in its own right. Incredibly cheap student offers include 60 free pints for every 60 people booked from one university. If you’re looking to have sex in the snow and enjoy uni banter this will be your best bet, but if downing pint for fun isn’t your cup of tea it’s best avoided.
The British Snow Tour (BRITS)
When: March 23rd to 30th
Where: Tignes, France – a high altitude resort in the heart of the French alps, Tignes is one of the best all-year round resorts that caters for skiers/boarders of every style and ability.
Who plays: Renowned for its mix of live bands and DJs the BRITS will feature The Nextmen ft. MC Wrec, the Lazy Habit and ASBO disco this year.
The cost: Packages from £279 include 7 nights accommodation, 6-day Tignes lift pass, event pack and festival wristband.
Why go: Described as ‘Glastonbury meets the FA Cup on snow’ by Ski Sunday presenter Ed Leigh, this winter sports festival is the favourite festival for top snowboarders, mixing serious competition with alpine festivities. If you’re looking to push yourself during the day, whilst still enjoying the nightlife, this is your best option.
SnowBoxx
When: March 22nd to 28th
Where: Arinsal, Andorra – a picturesque mountain village with a small, varied, wooded ski area.
Who plays: There are no acts announced yet for 2013, expect a line-up of headline DJs and grassroots UK and Balearic talent.
The cost: £250 will get you accommodation, the lift pass for the week, and the Snowboxx wristband which will give you access to all the events.
Why go: With a more relaxed vibe than some of the other ski festivals, SnowBoxx is all about skiing during the day and heading out to the terraces for your après until the sun goes down. There are plenty of large clubs and bars and a famous Panoramic Bar on the mountain side that stays open until midnight. With an unrivalled price and a great atmosphere, SkiBoxx would be a great festival to head to with a bunch of mates.