Winter as a season often means going into hibernation, taking a little time out from parties, festivals and city breaks. For many though, this isn’t necessary - the winter just means taking a slightly different approach to new experiences. Throughout the colder months, there are loads of events, parties and festivals to take advantage of. If you experience just one this season, make it one of these…
1. Horizon Festival, Arinsal, Andorra
For 7 days and 7 nights, the ski resort of Arinsal in Andorra turns into one big endless party. Featuring some of the hottest names in electronic music, over 30 parties take place around the lively resort, so there’s always something up your street going on. This is one of Europe’s greatest snow parties, and offers amazing views over the powdery pistes, not to mention a whole week of amazing music.
2. Rise Festival, Les Deux Alpes, France
As the most famous winter festival in Europe, Rise offers a week of exciting snow sports, music and partying in Les Deux Alpes. If at any point the combination of skiing or snowboarding with partying gets too much, there’s also the opportunity to take part in a calming yoga session, or head for a spa retreat to recharge ready for the next day’s antics. The lineup for 2019 includes Chase and Status and Horse Meat Disco.
Taking over Avoriaz, Les Portes du Soleil, one of the largest connected ski areas in the world, Snow Box offers an epic open air party. The 2020 lineup includes Annie Mac, Andy C and Sugarhill Gang. The festival offers tailored accommodation packages including igloo parties along with bottomless brunch to cure your hangover in the morning.
4. Polaris Festival, Verbier, Switzerland
Offering four days of banging house and techno at an altitude of 2,200 metres, Polaris is ideal if you’re looking for a winter festival late in 2019. Held in the famous Verbier Ski Resort, the setting is just as impressive as the lineup. For 2019 the likes of Floating Points, Carl Craig and Kerri Chandler will take to the stage for an amazing long weekend of partying, music and a lot of snow.
5. Zermatt Unplugged, Matterhorn, Switzerland
Zermatt Unplugged offers something a little different to the other ski festivals. With music spread across 20 stages and 4 after-party locations, this five day festival also offers an extensive variety of local food and drink at the on-site Taste Village. Ideal for anyone that wants to enjoy a winter festival but take it that little bit easier, Zermatt Unplugged effortlessly combines, music, partying and delicious cuisine.
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of the festival season - sample of of these festivals this year and we can guarantee you’ll attend another.
