Winter for some means mulled wine, Christmas Starbucks cups filled with cinnamon chai lattes, cozy nights in, sheepskin slippers and tartan PJ’s… However for the festival fanatics amongst us, it’s time to hit the slopes for winter festival season! Here are just a handful of the best winter music festivals in Europe, that in my opinion, are a must-do!

#1 – Snowbombing – Austria

With crazy days and jam-packed music filled nights of fun – Snowbombing is like an extended version of a never-ending après ski! Beautiful views, fantastic skiing and even better music, what’s not to love?

#2 – Tomorrowland Winter – France

Tomorrowland Winter is an exciting new(ish) edition to the winter music festival scene. If you know what Tomorrowland is like, then you will know how AMAZING a winter version could be! This festival brings together 30,000 music fans along with some of the best DJs from across the world. Expect music that would shake the snow off a mountain, food to make you think twice about your diet, drinks which will stop you skiing home and so so much more. Hosting DJs like Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Martin Garrix, Afrojack and Steve Aoki, Tomorrowland Winter HAD to be in my winter lineup.

#3 – Trans Musicales – Rennes, France

If your idea of fun is rocking out on a mountain in December with your friends, then Trans Musicales is a festival you won’t want to miss. With local music; indie bands and rock artists galore, this festival is renowned for giving the spot light to up and coming artists who are said to be the next big thing, making this the perfect festival for the music lovers amongst us.

#4 – Rise Festival – Les Deux Alpes, France

Rise Festival is another winter festival must! Who doesn’t love mountain views as they dance for hours to some epic DJ’s all whilst sipping on a mulled cider or two? A six-day festival, this is a marathon, not a sprint – but with incredible skiing and that fresh, French Alpes air, I’m sure any hangover won’t stick around for long!

Prepare to get a dose of FOMO….

#5 – Snowboxx, France

Snowboxx is more than a festival, it’s an epic week of skiing, raving and exploring a breathtaking ski resort in the French Alps.

​Snowboxx is held at the world’s largest ski area, you can enjoy incredible skiing, legendary après at La Folie Douce, bottomless brunches, igloo parties, slope-side games and spa sessions during the day! Not to mention music performances by world-class artists at an incredible open air arena at night. 

#6 – Polaris Festival – Verbier, Switzerland

Right at the end of November, just sneaking in before the December festival rush, Polaris Festival is a nod to techno and house musical masterminds. On a budget? Don’t worry, festival tickets come with free ski lift passes so you can access the main stage + the slopes without coughing up more cash. – Essentially it makes it a ski holiday and a festival in one… what’s not to love?

Having never been to this festival (yet) my knowledge is limited to envy-making reviews and feedback from fellow festival lovers. Top Tip from fellow festival blogger Vicky Flip Flop Travels – “I suggest pairing the festival with an actual ski trip to make the most of the location. Book lodgings ahead of time though, as it gets extremely busy during the season.”

Have you been to a winter music festival? What was it like? Maybe I need to add it to my list….

XXX

Sophie – TFB