The Alps today are not just about the skiing and there has been an explosion of events across the region that offer something for everyone. From music and comedy to downhill ski racing and freeride skiing, we look at the four months of ‘winter’ in the Alps and pick one event a month you shouldn’t miss out on during this time. Whether you participate or just hang out in the latest ski wear is entirely down to you:
The Freeride World Tour: January – Chamonix, France
If you want to see the world’s best freeride skiers and snowboarders launching themselves down some of the most challenging terrain on offer then head over to this Freeride World Tour event in Chamonix. Freeride skiing and snowboarding has grown into a major sport during the last ten years and now professional riders compete to be the number one in what looks like to most as the equivalent of skiing insanity. With six events being held through the winter culminating in the Verbier Swatch Xtreme in March, the Freeride World Tour will certainly be full of thrills and possibly spills too. Chamonix is of course renowned for having some of the most challenging terrain in the world, so if you fancy trying out freeride skiing yourself, partying at night or just sitting back to watch the experts then make sure you are in this legendary mountain town at the end of January.
Link: Freeride World Tour
The Alpine Ski World Championships: February – Schladming, Austria
A more traditional and long-standing event than the World Freeride Tour, this bi-annual gathering of all the world’s top alpine ski racers focuses on all the main disciplines including Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom and Super Combined. Schladming is a charming resort located close to Salzburg airport and has some extensive skiing for all levels. Being able to watch the world’s best men and women skiers blasting down at over 100 kilometres an hour in one of the most important events in the calendar is certainly a bonus.
Link: FIS Alpine Ski World Cup
Altitude: March – Mayrhofen, Austria
Comedy and snow? Perhaps not the most obvious link but Altitude in the Austrian town of Mayrhofen, famed for its party atmosphere anyway, is the perfect location for this festival of laughs hosting some of the biggest names in comedy. People like Jimmy Carr, Tim Minchin and Marcus Brigstocke are all associated with the Altitude comedy festival and it’s been a huge success in previous years, bringing in a mix of snowsport lovers that enjoy a few laughs after they’ve hit the slopes. After the long cold winter months I can’t think of a better way to start the spring than hanging out in Mayrhofen with a bunch of funny people.
Link: Altitude Festival
Snowbombing: April – Mayrhofen, Austria
We are staying out for the end of the winter season; and why wouldn’t we? Mayrhofen is again staging this world class event which is the skiing equivalent of a week in Ibiza. Major acts are headlining in 2013 including Kasabian and DJ, Carl Cox. By this time of the season the days are getting longer, the weather getting warmer and the snow’s getting softer. There is a laid back feel as the winter starts to fade and everyone is enjoying the springtime atmosphere. Throw in a whole load of live music acts and top class DJ’s and you have a party to go to! Can you ski all day and party all night? You be better be able to if you go to Snowbombing this April…
Link: Snowbombing
