Ski Resort Music Festivals to Attend this Season

Every winter, some of the world’s most prominent ski resorts host music festivals to bring a little rhythm and blues to the mountain crowd — and the 2012-13 season is no exception. Here are some upcoming events that feature high-profile music acts, raucous parties, ski and snowboard competitions, and plenty of other reasons to just buy your tickets now and not ask any questions. 

Snowglobe
Where: South Tahoe, Nev.
When: Dec. 29-31
Why it’s great:  To kick off the New Year in style, Tahoe will host Snowglobe 2012 in the final days of December; the scheduled lineup includes Deadmau5, Wiz Khalifa, Chromeo, and Beats Antique. The festival will also feature a myriad of before- and after-parties, as well as several ski and snowboard competitions. So if you don’t yet have New Year’s plans, now’s your chance — tickets are still available.

How much: General three-day admission for Snowglobe costs $155-180; VIP and Shuttle Pass options, as well as admission for individual days, are also available.

MusicFest
Where: Steamboat, Colo.
When: Jan. 5-10
Why it’s great: MusicFest advertises 40 country, folk, and bluegrass artists in the span of six days. This year’s lineup includes John Townes Van Zandt, Brison Bursey, Charlie Robison, and other artists scheduled to perform in a handful of venues — everything from dive bars to the Thunderhead summit. To learn more about the event, check out the annual MusicFest magazine. Another perk: every ticket-holder receives a 50-percent discount on rental fees.

How much: Tickets start at $199 per person.

Snowball Music Festival
Where: Winter Park, Colo.
When: March 8-10
Why it’s great: Held in Winter Park for the first time this year, Snowball has attracted some serious talent in the past; last year’s performers included Snoop Dogg, TV on the Radio, The Head and the Heart, and Bassnectar (this year’s lineup is TBA). Festivalgoers of all ages are invited, and children 10 and younger receive free admission.

How much: General admission for all three days costs $149. The three-day VIP pass ($249-299) includes expedient admission, elevated platform seating, and access to VIP facilities; the three-day SnowBaller pass ($449) includes all of these amenities, as well as access to an open bar and a keepsake clothing item.

Nor’Beaster
Where: Killington, Vt.
When: March 22-April 7
Why it’s great: Details are scant about the upcoming Nor’Beaster festivities, so we refer to last year’s event. The Tweed Winter Carnival featured some of the Northeast’s most accomplished folk/Americana/roots artists, including Waylon Speed, Pistol Whipped, and Holy Plow. Other attractions included the K-Town Showdown, a massive slope competition open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages; The Hibernation, ‘one last run’ before the season ends (that actually lasts three days); and a pond-skimming competition in which contestants brave the unstable surface of a frozen pond. Add to that a slew of mogul races, big air contests, rail jams and other spectator-friendly events. In other words, the phrase ‘something for everyone’ definitely applies.

How much: Ticket prices are unavailable at this time (and yes, we called). Please visit the site early next year for more information.

Snowbombing
Where: Mayrhofen, Austria
When: April 1-7
Why it’s great: More than 70 musical acts are slated to perform at Snowbombing 2013. Of course, this being a European festival, many of the artists might be obscure to us Yanks (Kasabian is headlining). But on the other hand, this being a European festival, attendees should expect loud sets, crowded dance floors, and plenty of food and drink to keep the crowd satiated. Other attractions include an igloo rave (read that one again, let it sink in), plenty of open-air gatherings and “Austria’s biggest fancy dress street party”. If that’s not enough to lure you to Snowbombing, then Mayrhofen’s world-class runs and quaint village atmosphere will keep you happy. Attendants must be 18 or older.

How much: Mayrhofen offers admission to Snowbombing as part of your accommodation. Prices for lodging, lift tickets, rentals, lessons, etc., all widely vary, but this chart should get you started in the right direction.

World Ski & Snowboard Festival
Where: Whistler, B.C.
When: April 12-21
Why it’s great: This end-of-season tribute features live performances from some of the indie scene’s most popular acts; last year’s lineup included hip-hop duo Swollen Members, Australian folksters TinPan Orange, Montreal-based rock trio Tea Leaf Green, and Grammy-nominated electro-balladeer Felix da House Kat (this year’s line-up will be revealed early next year). In addition to the music, WSSF also features fashion shows, a short film competition, gallery events, and the like — not to mention the eye-popping Monster Energy BIG AIR competition.

How much: Ticket prices will be available in February. In the past, most WSSF events have been free to the public; exhibitions, shows and other events that do charge admission usually run between $10 and $35.