Best Ski Festivals 2024 – 2025 in the Alps

As winter swoops in, snow falls and the slopes are getting busy, it’s time to gear up for the biggest ski festivals in the Alps this ski season!

Our guide to the best ski festivals for 2024/2025 focuses on the most exciting music festivals in the Alps. We’ve got the lowdown on the season’s most hyped events!

The Alps are known for more than just their slopes, ample snow and high-altitude thrills. The mountains are also home to a variety of festivals throughout the season, garnering a reputation, especially within the music community. From live music and late-night DJs to winter sports and snowball fights – ski festivals are back with new surprises and parties to delight revellers.

World-class pistes, live acts and electronic music are what make ski festivals in the Alps some of the best in the world. Find out what’s happening this season…

Polaris Ski Festival

When: 22rd – 23rd and 29th – 30th November, 2024

Where: Verbier, Switzerland

Kick off the winter ski season at the Polaris Festival in Switzerland. This electronic music festival bumps the beats 2,200 metres up at the luxurious Le Mouton Noir ski resort in Verbier. Ski, ride, and party through the weekend to an incredible mix of mountain scenery and world-class electronic music acts!

The Polaris Ski Festival line-up includes;

• Maceo Plex
• The Blaze DJ Set
• Fiona Kraft
• Laolu 3hrs Set
• Folamour
• Derrick Carter
• Osunlade
• Marina Trench
• Modesta
• Richie Hawtin

A celebration is on the cards, Polaris Festival is back under its original format. Don’t miss out – book your tickets now!

How to Get There

The nearest airport is Geneva Airport and transfers to Verbier will take just under 2 hours. 

BergFest

When: 6th & 7th December 2024

Where: Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria

Bergfest is German for ‘Let’s party in the mountains!’ Held in the famous Austrian ski resort of Saalbach-Hinterglemm, this electronic fest is a weekend festival to celebrate the start of winter.

Get ready, because BergFest 2024 has just announced the first wave of big acts in the line-up, and it’s already shaping up to be epic! Brace yourselves for performances from:

• Fine cream fish fillet
• Sportfreunde Stiller
• Mando Diao
• Das Lumpenpack

This is just the start, and with more names yet to drop, 2024 is going to be a party on the mountains you won’t want to miss!

How to Get There

Catch a ski transfer from Salzburg Airport in just under 2 hours.

Rise Ski Festival

When: 7th-14th December 2024

Where: Les Deux Alpes, France

In December, Rise’s 10th festival offers you a wild week of ski, music and snow festivities. Use your lift pass to explore 220km of slopes by day and head to one of the 4 main stages – including the indoor arena – at night to see eclectic live acts and DJs with incredible production.

The resort offers some great beginner slopes as well as Europe’s largest skiable glacier – giving you plenty of options if you’re coming as a group.

The Rise Festival line-up for 2024 includes;

• Chase and Status (DJ Set)
• Gorgon City
• Sub Focus
• Sammy Virji
• Hannah Laing
• Arielle Free
• Hedex
• BLK
• Enzo Siragusa
• Josh Baker

Book your tickets now!

How to Get There

Getting to Rise Festival from Chambery or Grenoble airport, transfers to Les Deux Alpes take just over 2 hours, or transfers from Geneva to Les Deux Alpes take around 3 hours.

Rock the Pistes

When: 16th – 22nd March 2025

Where: Portes du Soleil, France

The pop-rock festival, Rock the Pistes, in Portes du Soleil is returning with a bang in March 2025, offering over 30 après-ski concerts! During the day, you can explore a jaw-dropping 650km of slopes, and by night, immerse yourself in performances by international artists.

France has long been a favourite destination for Alpine activities, and you’ll see why festivals like Rock the Pistes thrive here.

The Rock the Pistes line-up for 2025 is currently TBC, but check out this clip of last year’s Rock the Pistes festival in all its glory to see what you’re in for! 

How to Get There

Ski transfers from Geneva to Avoriaz in the heart of the Portes du Soleil region take around 1 hour 40 minutes.

Tomorrowland Winter

When: 15th – 22rd March 2025

Where: Alpe d’Huez, France

With the highest stage at a dizzying 3,300 metres above sea level, at one of the biggest festivals in the world, expect incredible views, extravagant sets and the very best in electronic music!

Tomorrowland Winter 2025’s line-up is currently under lock and key, but take a look at last year’s Tomorrowland Winter live sets to get you in the festival mood!

How to Get There

Geneva Airport to Alpe d’Huez transfers take an average of three hours.

Alternatively, Grenoble airport is just a 90 minute drive away.

Snowboxx Ski Music Festival

When: 15th – 22nd March 2025

Where: Avoriaz, France

This open air arena festival combines great music with lighthearted events such as igloo after-parties and bottomless brunches.

Two huge main stage events anchor a week of apres-ski, on-mountain concerts, igloo raves, tropical waterpark parties and not forgetting fancy dress aplenty!

Attracting past headliners like Fatboy Slim, Stormzy and Chase & Status, Snowboxx Festival is a must if you’re serious about big names in music.

The resort is situated in the Les Portes Du Soleil ski area – the largest connected ski area in the world.

Check out the epic Snowboxx 2025 line-up;

• The Blessed Madonna
• Groove Armada (DJ set)
• Hybrid Minds + Tempza
• Katy B
• Interplanetary Criminal Jazzy
• Pendulum (DJ set)
• Becky Hill (DJ set)
• Danny Howard
• Gok Wan
• Alex Mills

All tickets include accommodation and festival wristband. Book now!

How to Get There

A transfer from Geneva to Avoriaz takes just over an hour and a half. Or, if you’re travelling from Chambery airport it will take an extra hour.

Altitude Comedy Festival

When: 24th – 28th March 2025

Where: Mayrhofen, Austria

Slopes, DJs and laughs – what more could you want from a skiing holiday? Altitude Comedy Festival offers something a little different to most ski festivals out there. With roast battles and live acts from your favourite comedians, this festival promises to be one to remember.

This award-nominated festival was created in 2007 by comedians Andrew Maxwell and Marcus Brigstocke and is the world’s No.1 alpine comedy festival.

The 2025 lineup is still a closely guarded secret, but to get you hyped, here are some comedy heavyweights from past Altitude Comedy Festivals;

• Eddie Izzard
• Katherine Ryan
• Jimmy Carr
• Bill Bailey
• Lee Mack
• Dara O’Brien
• Micky Flanagan

How to Get There

Airport transfers from Innsbruck to Mayrhofen will take around 1 hour.

Chamonix Unlimited Festival

When: 26th – 30th March 2025

Where: Chamonix, France

Every spring, Chamonix Unlimited turns the Alps into a non-stop electronic party playground! For five days, both the mountain and town are buzzing with world-class DJs, electrifying events, and next-level venues that’ll leave you speechless. It’s not just a festival—it’s an adventure in one of the most iconic spots on earth!

Just like the festival dates, the 2025 lineup is also under wraps, but to keep the excitement building, here’s a look at some of the epic electronic artists from last year’s festival that have rocked the scene. Expect nothing less than jaw-dropping performances and wild party vibes;

• Adiel
• Agents of Time
• Agoria
• Alex Wann
• Awen
• Gordo
• Maceo Plex

How to Get There

Airport transfers from Geneva to Chamonix will take under 1 hour 30 minutes.

Snowbombing

When: 7th – 12th April 2025

Where: Mayrhofen, Austria

Another big hitter attracting some of the biggest live acts and dance music DJs around, Snowbombing Ski Festival knows how to put on a party. When you’re not exploring the varied slopes, take part in Bongo’s Bingo or chair lift speed dating. From forest to igloo, party all over the picturesque Mayrhofen ski resort this April.

The festival is split between two types of venues: the mountain venues and the in-town venues, with events scheduled across the entire week.

This festival is ideal for groups of friends looking to let loose on the mountain!

The first wave Snowbombing line-up for 2025 includes;

• The Prodigy
• Armand Van Helden
• Blondi
• Diffrent
• DJ Seinfeld
• Elliot Schooling & Liam Palmer
• Ewan McVicar
• Hedex Ft. Eksman
• Hybrid Minds + Tempza

Don’t miss out! Book your tickets now.

How to Get There

Salzburg to Mayrhofen transfers take around 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. If you’re short on time, Innsbruck to Mayrhofen transfers are usually an hour quicker.

Zermatt Unplugged

When: 8th – 12th April 2025

Where: Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt Unplugged is a ski festival like you’ve never seen before.

This intimate festival shows off acoustic talent from around Europe on stages spread throughout the village.

Over 100 concerts are set to take place across 5 days. The festival has issued a save the date with the line-up to follow.

Zermatt is an eco-friendly, family-friendly resort with modern lift systems and comfortable accommodation – perfect as a laid-back ski festival destination.

While the Zermatt Unplugged 2025 lineup is still under lock and key under December, take a look at some of the international acts that have hit the stage over the past few years for a taste of what you’re in for!

How to Get There

A transfer from Sion Airport will take 2 hours, weather and traffic dependant. Alternatively, it takes just over 3 hours to get from Geneva to Zermatt.

Top Tips for Ski Festival-Goers

Attending a ski festival is an exhilarating experience, but it’s essential to plan ahead to maximise enjoyment and safety. Here are some top tips to make the most of your time at a ski festival:

Packing List for a Ski Festival:

• Ski gear: Skis or snowboard, boots, poles, ski helmet, and goggles
• Layered clothing: Base layers, thermal tops, ski jacket, insulated pants, waterproof gloves and fancy dress (of course!)
• Après-ski attire: Casual wear for the festival events (think warm sweaters, jeans, and comfortable footwear)
• Sunscreen and lip balm: Even on cold days, UV rays can be strong at high altitudes
• Backpack: A small, comfortable backpack for essentials like water and snacks
• Cash and cards: For event tickets, food, drinks and souvenirs
• First aid kit: Small kit with plasters, pain relievers, and any personal medications
• Phone and charger: For photos, updates on events, map and emergency contact
• Multitool or Swiss Army knife: For any small repairs or needs on the slopes

How to Stay Safe:

• Know your limits: Ski within your ability level, and don’t push yourself too hard, especially after a long day of festival events.
• Wear protective gear: Always wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding, and consider additional padding if you’re participating in any freestyle events.
• Stay hydrated: High altitudes mixed with alcohol can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Use sunscreen: Even in snowy conditions, UV radiation can be strong, and you’re at risk of sunburn.
• Drink responsibly: Après-ski is a big part of the festival atmosphere, but it’s essential to monitor your alcohol intake. Excessive drinking can lead to accidents on the slopes, so always stay mindful of your limits.
• Avoid solo mountain walks: Never walk in the mountains alone, especially if you’re under the influence. Stick to well-travelled paths and travel with others for safety.
• Follow festival rules: Festival rules are designed to keep everyone safe, so make sure to follow them to ensure a worry-free experience.

How to Make Time for Skiing at a Festival

Ski festivals are an exciting mix of snow sports, entertainment, and après-ski fun. But with so much happening, you might wonder when to fit skiing into your busy festival schedule. Here’s how to balance the slopes and the festival action:

Best Times to Ski Without Missing Festival Fun:

• Early Morning (Before the Festival Gets Busy): The slopes are at their best early in the morning – fresh, groomed snow and fewer crowds. Skiing in the early morning allows you to get in a solid session before the festival events start ramping up.
• Midday Break (Catch the Afternoon Events): After a few hours of skiing, take a midday break to refuel, hydrate, and enjoy some après-ski fun. This is when festival events like music performances, competitions, and social activities often take place, giving you a chance to catch the highlights without feeling rushed.
• Late Afternoon (Ski Right Before Sunset): If your festival has evening events, you can head out for a few late-afternoon runs. As the crowds thin out, the slopes are often quieter, and you can enjoy some peaceful skiing before the party atmosphere takes over for the evening events.
• Catch Night Skiing if You Can: If your festival has night skiing, it’s a must-do! It’s a unique experience with the slopes lit up and the festival vibes continuing into the evening. This way, you won’t miss out on the excitement while still getting in some runs.

Plan Ahead for Accommodation

Ski festivals are a popular attraction, drawing crowds from all over the world, and the demand for accommodation can quickly exceed supply. To avoid the stress of last-minute bookings or settling for subpar options, it’s essential to secure your accommodation early. Here’s why:

• Limited Availability: Ski festival accommodations fill up quickly, especially in popular locations. Booking early gives you a wider selection and ensures you secure a spot that fits your needs and budget.
• Prime Location: Many festivals are held in ski-in, ski-out resorts or near event hubs. Booking early increases your chances of staying close to the action, reducing commute time and enhancing your festival experience.
• Better Deals: Early bookings often come with discounts or better rates. Waiting until the last minute could mean higher prices or fewer options.
• Group Accommodation: If attending with friends or family, secure group accommodation early. Chalets and apartments tend to fill up quickly during peak festival dates.
• Flexibility and Peace of Mind: Booking in advance gives you more accommodation options, whether it’s a hotel, chalet, or apartment. It also provides peace of mind, leaving you to focus on enjoying the festival.

Save on Alps Festival Ski Transfers with Alps2Alps

Now that the formalities are out of the way, it’s time to book your transfer for your upcoming Alps festival. As a gesture to festival-goers this season, we’ve coordinated a string of discount codes to redeem on your Alps2Alps transfer to the festival ski resort.

There are some conditions for redeeming these festival discount codes:

• Codes will only work on ski transfers to the specified resort for each festival
• You can travel from any airport, but it must be to the resort listed
• Codes are valid for travel three days before and three days after the official festival dates

Hassle-Free Group Ski Transfers with Alps2Alps

If you’re heading to a ski festival on the slopes, make sure you’re prepared by checking out some winter sports travel advice before you go. Not only will it cover essentials like insurance and health tips, but it’ll also ensure you’re all set for a safe and fun trip abroad.

As for getting to the festival, skip the hassle of driving and map reading by booking a private ski transfer. Whether you’re in a group of 2 or 52, we provide transfers with;

• Safe and comfortable vehicles
• Plenty of luggage room
• Door-to-door service
• Driver tracking and real-time notifications
• Cheap deals and midweek offers

Ready to party? Book your ski transfer today and jump straight into the experience without having to wait around!

References:

• GOV.UK. (2023). Preparing for winter sports abroad. Guidance.
• The Guardian. (2024). Al-pining for the slopes: why the French Alps is our favourite family ski destination. News.