Destinations

Snowbombing

Mayrhofen, Austria

06 April 2015 (released)

14 April 2015

As part of our ongoing ‘Musical Destinations’ series Music-News.com transported itself to Austria, via Munich airport, to experience the high altitude thrill that is Snowbombing.

This week long extravaganza - held in the picture perfect Tyrolean resort of Mayrhofen – is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders alike. Not only can you experience the best runs Austria has to offer alongside the pampering goodness of the alpine spa, but at Snowbombing you have SOUND!

Huge acts come from all over the globe to play in this this intimate setting. Where else would you meet Gorgon City at Han’s The Butchers sampling the local delicacies, have a couple of Schnapps up the mountain with Skrillex, all in your ski gear and some serious bar stool drinking with The Dub Pistols?

Now in its 16th year, Snowbombing started in France in 2000 before a brief escapade to Switzerland, and has been resident at its current Tyrolean home since 2005. The Austrian hospitality and location has seen it balloon into Europe's biggest snow and music festival.

The venues are carefully sourced and created to make the spectacle itself as enjoyable and diverse as possible. We ventured up the 3286m glacier to the Arctic Disco where Alex Metric and Skrillex delivered ice cold sets in the incredible 100 capacity igloo. Outside there was a blizzard raging and a huge fire to keep revelers warm, while inside it was positively cosy in the small breakaway igloo rooms surrounding the main DJ/Bar space; a truly ice watering gem.

On the outskirts of Mayrhofen is fiund the Forrest Party, a clearing at the foot of a mountain surrounded by the tallest straightest trees. Rudimental, 2 Many DJs and Idris Elba turned up the temperature on stage as copious amounts of Jagermeister and beer where held aloft in a show of Alpine respect.

The Racket Club is the largest indoor area with a capacity of 2000, converted from its usual tennis centre function, it’s where Fatboy Slim Subfocus and MK indulged the masses.
The Street Party boasts a large open-air stage in the centre of town surrounded by copious bars and restaurants. The Dub Pistols worked off all the previous nights alcohol in an extraordinarily energetic set, before The Cuban Brothers took charge at the Mad Hatters Street Party with Basement Jaxx headlining.
Arena can be found annexed to The Strauss Hotel, which is the operational hub of Snowbombing and saw Wilkinson, Krafty Kuts and Toddla T all delight the crowd.
The Bruck’N Stadl – part club, part kebab shop – was rammed for the Mixmag party where its wooden walls creaked under the strain of drunken revellers. Drinks are reasonably priced as is local cuisine making for an exuberant atmosphere high and low.

On the Snow Park Terrace, Mr Motivator and Eddie The Eagle Edwards could be found entertaining the skiers/snowboarders, before exploring the Mountain Stage, Ice Bar, & Rompa’s Reggae Shack.

During the week-long festivities, which come straight after Easter, a sauna and Jacuzzi are a must for their magical detoxifying and relaxing properties. Parties and after parties abound and walking straight from a night out into breakfast is quite acceptable.

Snowbombing is truely a blast.

If you’re the active, partying type, Snowbombing could be exactly what you’re heart desires. In this picture postcard setting bars, parties, DJs and slopes beckon, merriment and mayhem is in plentiful supply a new adventure lurks around every corner.