The best of the fests

Banderitsa Stage Low ResYes, ski festival season is upon us. Time to get some
dates in your diaries…

What: iF3 London
When: 2 October
Where: The Clapham Grand, London
Why: We were close to tears when we heard that the International Freeski Film Festival wasn’t making it over to France this year, but we were shouting from the rooftops when news broke it was London-bound instead. They’ll be showing all of the season’s raddest films, plus there’ll be athlete meet ‘n greets, après music and a raffle.

What: Horizon Festival
When: 7-13 March
Where: Bansko, Bulgaria
Why: Since its launch in 2013, Horizon has steadily grown in reputation thanks to a killer combination of nightly raves and hangover-friendly slopes. Last season’s venues included secret hotels, underground clubs, forested stages and poolside spots. With prices starting at £200, it’s one of the best value fests on snow.

What: Snowbombing
When: 6-11 April
Where: Mayrhofen, Austria
Why: The Snowbombing crew know how to end the season in style, repeatedly pulling in big-name headliners. This winter’s line-up is still a well-guarded secret, but last season saw The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers and Groove Armada descend upon the Zillertal’s mightiest of fests. With DJs playing from midday until 5am, the only problem will be finding time to ski.

What: Zermatt Unplugged
When: 14-18 April
Where: Zermatt, Switzerland
Why: Zermatt’s slopes play host to a five-day, high-Alpine acoustic concert. Musical pedigree is consistently strong; last year Katie Melua, Jamie Cullum, and – calm yourselves – James Arthur all took to the stage. If former X Factor winners aren’t enough to win you over, let us remind you that Zermatt’s high slopes offer up good snow coverage well into spring.