Winter may almost be upon us, but that doesn’t have to mean waiting until summer for the party season to start up again. With the Australian and New Zealand ski season about to start, when better to start planning your next adventure to the mountains? We at KAYAK Australia have you covered. With days filled with music, snow and apres, you better believe you’ll be reminiscing about these winter festivals for a long time to come.
But for now, get your ski goggles ready and take a look at our five picks of the best winter festivals around the world.
1. Peak Festival 2018 – Perisher, Australia
Dates: 8th – 11th June 2018
No plans yet for the June long weekend? Well you’re in luck. Peak Festival in the Snowy Mountains kicks off the start of the Perisher ski season with four days of music, snow and fun. The festival sees a diverse group of Australian and international artists descend on the resort for four days, playing across 10 live stages throughout the resort. With every adult ticket bought, you’ll get free scenic chairlift rides, free night skiing on the Saturday night and one free pass for a child under 15. There’s still early bird tickets left, but get in there quick as they won’t last long!
2. Splendour in the Grass 2018 – Byron Bay, Australia
Dates: 20th – 22nd July 2018
We get that not everyone is into skiing or snowboarding, but that’s not a reason to miss a winter festival! The famous Aussie festival, Splendour in the Grass is back for another season, this year boasting an incredible line-up. For a weekend at the end of July, major international artists including Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, Miguel and many more will be hitting the stage in the North Byron Parklands. If music isn’t your thing either, don’t fret. There’s a comedy club held in the evenings for lovers of laughs and the Splendour Forum which sees panel debates and interviews on a range of issues. The festival is also totally family friendly with the Little Splendour zone available for preschoolers up to preteens so that you don’t have to miss your favourite act.
3. Snowtunes, 2018 – Jindabyne, Australia
Dates: Friday, 31st August & Saturday, 1st September 2018
The biggest snow festival of the Southern Hemisphere and the only one held in Australia, Snowtunes is not to be missed. Held on the 31st August and 1st September, it’s designed so that you can stay on the slopes until lifts close and then pick from your choice of apres-ski at night. With the line-up yet to be announced for 2018, the festival now has two stages so it promises to be bigger and better than previous years and as it’s held on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, at the base of Thredbo and Perisher, there’s plenty of skiing and snowboarding to keep you busy during the day. This year the event is going cashless, to make sure you’re prepared before arriving. Festival currency will be available for purchase at the festival and can be topped up at anytime.
4. Snowbombing, 2019 – Mayrhofen, Austria
Dates: April 2019
Celebrating its 20th birthday next year, 2019 promises to be the biggest year yet for Snowbombing festival. Taking over the Mayrhofen ski resort in Austria, the festival always boasts an impressive lineup of bands, DJs and artists to indoor and outdoor venues in town as well as other venues in more remote locations within the incredible alpine landscape. With world-class pistes and apres that rivals some of the world’s best festivals, Snowbombing has deservedly become the leader of the snow festival pack. While we know you’ll be making the most of the evening scene, make sure to set your alarms for first lifts to explore the 605 km of piste, Europe’s steepest slope and 20 km of cross-country skiing too!
5. Snowboxx, 2019 – Avoriaz, France
Dates: March 2019
Heading over to France, Snowboxx is a winter wonderland held in the iconic mountains of Avoriaz. It’s a festival that combines the best music scene, incredible powder and high energy for one week every March with highlights being igloo raves, zorb bowling, disco dodgeball and paintball fights in the snow. With a line up that combines house, techno, drum and bass, garage and grime, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from apres to the early hours of the morning. We recommend registering now on the website, so that you can receive exclusive early access to 2019 ticket sales and to secure the best accommodation on offer. Visitors find it best to fly into Geneva, the closest airport to Avoriaz.
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*Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.com.au on 1 June, 2018. The prices are quoted in AUD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
