Snowbombing is a ski resort festival, held annually in the spring at the Austrian ski resort of Mayrhofen.

History

Mayrhofen Bilder Snowbombing3 08

The event has been run since 2000 when it was first held at the French resort of Risoul as an après-ski nightclub promotional exercise started by English promoters from Manchester called Outgoing Ltd.[1][2] However, since 2005, the Tyrolean resort of Mayrhofen in Austria has hosted the festival which has evolved into Europe's biggest snow and music festival.[1][3] Originally a DJ and electronic dance music-themed event, live acts were added to the bill in 2008, reflecting the resurgence of indie/rock music. The event's format is designed to combine winter sports (primarily snowboarding) with on-piste and après-ski music performances and themed parties in unusual locations, including an igloo village (pictured), a forest clearing, a traditional remote alpine farmstead and an open-air street party.[4][5]

Artists who have appeared at Snowbombing include Fatboy Slim, Madness, Pendulum, Example, Magnetic Man, Sub Focus, Tinie Tempah, Chase & Status, Skream & Benga, Mark Ronson, Dizzee Rascal, Dirty Pretty Things, Grandmaster Flash, Foals, 2ManyDJs, The Enemy, Zane Lowe, Freestylers, Mylo, Dave Clarke, Gilles Peterson, Fabio, Grooverider, Tim Westwood, The Prodigy, The Vaccines, Skrillex, Pendulum, The Doves, The Cuban Brothers, Ton!c and James Zabiela.[2][6]

The event is also notable for giving those who attend an alternative to flying. The Snowbombing Road Trip is not a race but a leisurely international drive from the UK to Mayrhofen, involving collecting points en route, an overnight 'pit stop' in Frankfurt, and an arrival procession in Mayrhofen – which declares the event open.[7]

With around fifty pools and saunas within easy reach, and a backdrop of breathtaking alpine scenery, Snowbombing regards itself as a festival which, in addition to music, additionally offers luxury and comfort.[who?] European television channels and radio Another broadcasters have covered the event, including BBC Radio 1, Channel 4, Eurosport, Canal+ and MTV Europe.[1]

Previous host resorts

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Taking music to the mountain, BBC News, 28 November 2005
  2. ^ a b "Snowbombing" by Gemma Freeman Ski and Snowboard Magazine UK, 1 March 2008
  3. ^ Snowbombing festival preview by Simone Baird, Time Out London, 20 March 2008
  4. ^ "Star Quality" by Nick Dalton, Daily Telegraph, 20 October 2007
  5. ^ "Glide into party central in the Austrian Alps" by Paul Rhodes, Daily Express, 1 March 2008
  6. ^ "Muslim cinema, music fests, and snowbombing" by Christopher Muther The Boston Globe, 17 February 2008
  7. ^ http://www.snowbombing.com/en/roadtrip/ The Snowbombing Road Trip
  8. ^ "SNOWBOARDS, BEER, DJS ACTION!" Archived 30 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine by Lucas Magoon Ryan Air Magazine 10 February 2009
  9. ^ "Snowbombing" Archived 21 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine, DJ Vibe 22 January 2003

External links