Ski Festivals 2021: Which Is Best & Should You Go?

A party in a ski resort is pretty standard, with apres ski one of the main draws for skiers and snowboarders. But there is an increasing selection of excellent ski resort festivals to choose from across the world, especially in Europe.

With the Coronavirus pandemic ruining 2020 summer plans for pretty much everyone, is it a good idea to go to a winter music festival in a ski resort?

Well, one thing at a time. We’ll take a look at some of the best options for ski resort festivals for the 2021 winter season and a look at whether, with Covid-19, you should book that ticket.

The best ski resort festivals 2021

1. Snowbombing

Where? Mayrhofen, Austria

When? 5th – 10th April 2021

Cost? Tickets start from £245 per person

The best known of the ski festivals, Snowbombing always offers one of the best line-ups. Based in the pretty Tirol valley resort of Mayrhofen, the party vibe here is usually pretty non-stop even when the festival isn’t happening.

Although the line-up for Snowbombing 2021 hasn’t been released yet, you can bet it’s gonna be a stomper. Based on past lineups, they always get the top tier international DJ’s and dance acts, so think something along the lines of Fatboy Slim, Chase and Status, Rudimental, Andy C and Sven Vath.

As for the ski and snowboarding terrain? Mayrhofen is in the heart of the Zillertal valley, some of the biggest and best terrain in the Alps. There is 178 kms of runs in Mayrhofen itself, but you’ll find access to varied terrain including the Hintertux glacier and Finkenberg. In short, whatever your experience level, you’ll find some awesome ski and snowboarding at Snowbombing 2021.

2. Snowboxx

Where? Avoriaz, France

When? 20th – 27th March 2021

Cost? From £249 per person

If you love the French Alps then this is probably the music festival for you. Snowboxx can be found in the ski resort of Avoriaz, a ski in/ski out resort on the mountains above Morzine. One of the selling points of Avoriaz is that, unlike Mayrhofen, it’s on the mountain top (not the valley) so you get the winter sun for longer plus epic mountain views.

As for Snowboxx festival itself? There is plenty of fun to be had over the 7 days of the festival both on and off the slopes. Expect big name DJ’s and live dance acts, parties on the mountainside, snowball fights and random things like ski lift dating and ski skittles.

Skiers and snowboarders will love Avoriaz, which is a favourite among the cool crowds in Europe. With the choice of meandering valleys, epic mountains and even a run into Switzerland, the Portes du Soleil is the biggest linked ski area in the Alps and is suitable for all levels.

3. Tomorrowland

Where? Alpe d’Huez, France

When? 20th – 27th March 2021

Cost? TBC

Another choice for lovers of the French Alps, the winter edition of this popular festival has been growing in stature in recent years. In fact, Tomorrowland has been building a keen following and attracts a more diverse Euro crowd than the more Brit-centric options above.

Tomorrowland winter festival follows the trend of electronic and dance music, with a top notch line up of DJs. Lineups for all winter ski festivals are normally released around December, but this usually means you’ll miss the early bird (i.e; cheaper) tickets.

Alpe d’Huez is one of the best ski resorts in Europe, with lots of beautiful terrain. Choosing a winter ski festival based on the resort alone could be very tricky, but many swear by Alpe d’Huez as the best choice. 

4. Snowattack

Where? Les Orres, France

When? 30th January – 6th February 2021

Cost? From €199

A rising star in the winter music festival scene, Snowattack is run by a Hungarian company so tends to focus on more Euro dance acts. From this list, Snowattack is one of the few music festivals that ran in 2020.

Les Orres itself is a relatively small ski resort with 100 kms of pistes, but that is plenty to keep you busy for a week. Snowattack festival 2021 is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for some winter music fun.

Are ski festivals safe during Covid-19?

The world has been massively disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including the cancellation of pretty much all music festivals in 2020. So how is 2021 going to be any safer?

You can be assured that all of the festivals on this list will be using social distancing and pandemic based health controls. And most ski resorts in Europe are planning to manage queues and crowds in ways that some might find disruptive to their enjoyment.

But the chances of social distancing at a music festival might be kinda tricky and actually go against the whole point of a music festival. Ask yourself how you feel about being in close proximity to thousands of strangers from around the world during a global pandemic and this might be your answer.

Of course, you do need to consider the risks yourself, including your country’s advice and quarantine restrictions.

But, be assured that if you do go to a winter ski resort festival in 2021, you’ll have plenty of fun!