Your Ultimate Survival Guide: Alps Ski Festivals 2025

There’s been a skiing revolution in recent years. Yes, the slopes are busy throughout the season, but swathes of newbies have clocked onto the no-so-little secret and have realised how incredible a week in the mountains is.

Huge numbers of newcomers are heading to Alps ski resorts with family, partners, or even more popular as of late, to hit a non-stop music festival in the magical peaks. What’s that age-old phrase… the more the merrier! The first of the ski festivals in 2025 is just around the corner, so it’s time to get planning. 

Winter festivals are quite different from your typical Glasto or Leeds fest, so if you’re preparing for your first, you might be wondering where to go, what to pack, what to expect or what to be wary of. 

Our Ultimate Survival Guide for Alps Ski Festivals 2025 will be your helping hand, your big bro, your leader to make it through your first ski and snowboard festival unscathed. So, put down your sleeping bag, read our toolkit, and get ready for the experience of your life, slope-side…

The Best Alps Ski Festivals 2025

If you’re still toying with the idea or haven’t made any solid plans yet, it might be because you’re spoilt for choice. The new breed of ski parties has skyrocketed, meaning there are tonnes of festivals for you to choose from. 

Which will suit you best? Do you want rock or electronic music? Do you want a resort with incredible winter sports options at the palm of your hands? Keen on a few bottomless brunches with the gang?

Let’s try and make this a little easier for you. 

Below is a quick roundup of the most popular winter festivals in the Alps. But, if you want all of the juicy details, we have a full breakdown of all the ski festivals this 2024 / 25 season!

• Snowboxx Festival – The resort of Avoriaz, France: 15th – 22nd March 2025.
  • Getting there – Geneva to Avoiarz transfers are 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Snowbombing – The resort of Mayrhofen, Austria: 7th – 12th April 2025.
  • Getting there – Innsbruck to Mayrhofen transfers take just 1 hour.
• Zermatt Unplugged – The resort of Zermatt, Switzerland: 8th – 12th April.
  • Getting there – Geneva to Zermatt transfers are around 3 hours.
• Tomorrowland Winter – The resort of Alpe d’Huez, France: 15th – 22nd March 2025.
  • Getting there – Geneva to Alpe d’Huez transfers take around 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Rock the Pistes – Les Portes du Soleil ski area, France: 16th – 22nd March 2025.
  • Getting there – Geneva to Avoiarz transfers are 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Shapes Festival – The resort of Leysin, Switzerland: 17th – 23rd March 2025.
  • Getting there – Geneva to Leysin transfers take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Chamonix Unlimited – The resort of Chamonix, France: 26th – 30th March 2025.
  • Getting there – Geneva to Chamonix transfers takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Top of the Mountain Closing Concert – The resort of Ischgl, Austria: 3rd May 2025.
  • Getting there – Innsbruck to Ischgl transfers take under 1 hour 30 minutes. 
• Rise Festival – The resort of Les Deux Alpes, France – Europe’s largest skiable glacier! December ‘25.
  • Getting there – Geneva to Les Deux Alpes transfers take around 3 hours.

Survival Toolkit; Winter Festival Edition

From packing essentials, safety tips, how your day might pan out and more, following our survival toolkit can seriously improve your festival experience if you’re a first-timer… and can help you make it through your first ski festival unscathed.

First things first…

Best Time of Year for Ski Festivals

Mountain temperatures differ greatly month to month, and even from one hour to the next. If you’re not a fan of blistering cold and you think partying at -10°C might be too tough, avoid festivals in the peak of the winter season – December and January.

The majority of festivals take place in the Springtime. If you’re festival-ing in March or April, you might get away with just a t-shirt during the day. The sun can really beam when you’re partying on top of the world. Well, at 2000m high…

But, soon as dusk starts to hit, you’ll feel the chill – so be prepared for all conditions. Regardless of how warm the afternoon seems, it is technically a snow festival.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Will you be skiing? You might be surprised at how many festival-goers don’t actually ski on their trips. The sport isn’t for everybody, but why should you miss out on a week with friends and listening to live music in the mountains?

Don’t rush to buy a ski pass if you’re not sure if you want to ski, or at least be wise in your thinking. Consider half-day lift passes instead of paying for a full day if you know you’re going to be too tired from the night before. Also, consider the amount you want to ski before booking ski rental for every day of your holiday. 

Booking a Group Ski Transfer

As you might know, most of the Alps ski resorts are at high altitudes and tricky to access if you have not planned your airport ski transfer properly.

The quickest, safest and usually most comfortable way to get from plane to piste with a group of friends is with Alps2Alps private transfer option. It’s a reliable service, we’re drowning in years of experience of winding, snowy roads, AND, as it’s just you and your friends travelling, the fun can begin on the road.

Ski Transfer Discounts for Ski Festivals

Booking your transfer with us means booking your ski transfer with exclusive offers. We have a unique code for every ski festival in the Alps, giving you a 10% discount on your airport transfer. Whether you’re heading to Snowboxx, Snowbombing, Chamonix Unlimited or Rise Festival, your transfer is cheaper with Alps2Alps.

How the Discount Codes Work:

To take advantage of the offer, simply use the festival-specific discount codes listed on our ski festivals discount page. Here’s how it works:

• 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.

Forgotten Essentials

You might be used to packing for British festivals, and your essentials list for a potentially rainy/potentially sunny week has been finessed, but ski and snowboarding festivals are quite different. 

Firstly, forget your tent and sleeping bag… Oh no no, you won’t be camping! You can also leave your denim shorts and boho accessories at home and trade them in for some thermals and solid ski gear.

There is a lot of kit that is needed for any ski holiday and we’ll get into that shortly, but if you want some insider essentials for things that will make your snowy party experience that much easier but people often forget, say no more…

• Suncream – the mountains are always sunnier than you expect, especially in the festival season of March and April.
• Hip Flask – you don’t want to run dry, do you? 
• Fancy Dress – There will always be a fancy dress night, don’t be the odd one out!
• Face Paint – you don’t want to save the pzazz just for fancy dress night
• Headband – how do you hide your helmet hair when you retire the skis for sambuca? With a headband, of course
• Snacks – don’t let your energy flag! Skiing is hard work, give yourself a boost before the party commences
• Energy Drinks – on that note, it’s always great to keep a stash of energy drinks on you, too
• Walkie Talkies – smartphone batteries always die in the cold, and we can’t promise high-speed wi-fi or signal, don’t lose the troops with a walkie talkie. You can pack a portable charger, but isn’t this way more fun?
• Water Bottle – we’re being the sensible ones here and telling you to STAY HYDRATED. No, Jagermeister doesn’t count
• GoPro – no comment. The footage is immense.
• Medicines – maaaaybe consider packing Berocca, paracetamol or ibuprofen. The morning after the night before can sometimes be rough
• Portable Speaker – download some tunes to your Spotify, find a great sit off spot at the top of a piste, and cheers your pals while soaking up the views. It might be the most beautiful shot you ever take 
• Travel Insurance – we know you’ve sorted this already… Right? But another reminder that ice + booze = be safe
• Swimming Costume – think jacuzzis and hot tubs with a view. A swimming costume is a must

Packing Pros

Okay, the insider forgotten essentials are covered, but what about ski gear, equipment and clothes? 

We have created the ULTIMATE what to pack for a ski trip checklist, with no stone left unturned. Also, since this is not festival specific, you can bookmark this blog and use it time and time again for every ski holiday.

Best Festival Outfits

Do you want to look stylish, but you also stay warm and comfortable? Here’s how to put together the perfect festival outfit that’s as functional as it is fashionable:

• Layering is Key – Make sure you wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers, and waterproof outerwear to keep comfortable on the slopes and at the festival. Look for outerwear with fun, bold colours or reflective elements for a bit of festival flair.
• Fun Accessories – Fancy dress is a big part of the festival fun. Think ski-themed costumes, snowman hats, or even LED-lit accessories to get into the spirit. Just make sure your outfit is appropriate for both skiing and partying—there’s nothing worse than being too cold or too hot during the day or night.
• Footwear for the Festival – Don’t forget your festival footwear! For dancing in the snow, consider wearing insulated boots with good grip. If you’re going for a fancy dress outfit, make sure your shoes are comfortable enough for walking across snow-covered streets.
• Protective Gear – Protect yourself from the elements by packing sunglasses or goggles for sunny days on the slopes, and a good pair of gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm during après-ski festivities.

Accommodation

When it comes to staying close to the festival action, ski-in-ski-out accommodation is highly recommended.

Staying right on the slopes means you can step out of your accommodation and onto the piste in seconds—no need to carry your gear long distances or worry about transport to and from the slopes.

Beyond accessibility, ski-in, ski-out lodgings also offer stunning views of the snow-covered mountains. Whether you’re waking up to fresh powder or winding down after a day of live music, having everything at your doorstep enhances the overall experience.

Ski and Snowboarding Festival Safety: Top Tips!

When you’re mixing skiing or snowboarding with a high-energy festival atmosphere, it’s important to stay safe on both fronts. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip while staying safe:

Ski Safe

Always wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding, and make sure your equipment is in good condition. If you’re a beginner, consider taking a lesson to improve your technique and boost your confidence on the slopes. Make sure to stay within your limits and stick to slopes that suit your ability.

Keep Your Wits About You

You are in a new and unusual environment and with new people, so always keep your wits about you. Always travel in pairs, never wander off into the snowy mountains alone or off-course, and follow the rules – they’re there for a reason.

Monitor Alcohol Consumption

Drinking and apres-ski is a big part of a holiday on the slopes, but even more so at ski festivals. Try to monitor your alcohol consumption so that you don’t ruin your following days or find yourself in any dangerous predicament. Eat sufficient meals throughout the day and remember, you don’t need to drink to have fun! Also, NEVER leave your drink unattended.

Hydration is Key

Skiing or snowboarding all day followed by partying at a music festival can be exhausting, so make sure to drink plenty of water. It’s easy to forget to stay hydrated when you’re having fun in the snow and dancing to electronic music, but dehydration can spoil your trip.

Know the Local Emergency Contacts

Familiarise yourself with the local emergency numbers for both skiing incidents and festival emergencies. Having this information handy can ensure you get the help you need if the unexpected happens.

Booking Tickets

Festival survival starts at home, and it starts when you’re buying your tickets. Always buy from official ticket websites, or if you miss out on the initial sale, only buy from reputable resellers. Imagine arriving at the festival to find out you’ve been sold a fraudulent ticket!

Getting Lost

Don’t stray from the beaten track when you’re skiing or at the festival, especially if you’re in unfamiliar territory. The paths, trails and zones have been marked for a reason, so you must stay within these areas for your safety.

Looking After Your Valuables

Just like any other festival, you should have your wits about you when it comes to transporting your valuables. Anything that you don’t need on the mountain, such as your passport, you should leave in the safety of your accommodation. We also recommend giving yourself a daily allowance of cash to save taking it all out with you at once, and again leaving the rest in the safety of your room. 

Don’t wear any expensive jewellery or clothes on the mountains in case they get ruined, and always, always keep your phone on your person, preferably within a bum bag that is on the front of your body so you can see it at all times.

Why Ski and Festival Combo Holidays are the Ultimate Getaway

For many, combining a ski trip with a music festival is the ultimate getaway. The high-altitude excitement, the chance to experience world-class dance music, and the opportunity to meet like-minded festival-goers make ski and music festivals a must for snow lovers and music fans alike.

Whether you’re in it for the snow, the beats, or the party, there’s no better way to celebrate the winter season.

Start planning your adventure now! Book your tickets, gather your crew, and reserve your ski transfer today. Your ultimate winter ski festival awaits!