Snowbombing

Snowbombing

Now in its ninth year, Snowbombing fills the Austrian mountain resort of Mayrhofen with parties, DJs and bands for six days in April, attracting snowboarders and fellow revelers from around the world. Snowbombing has close links to Rob Da Bank’s Bestival in the Isle of Wight, and has the same friendly, playful, ‘grown-up kids’ party’ vibe. Regular highlights include fancy dress, an ‘arctic’ disco, Tayo’s Tracksuit party and Elliot Eastwick’s pub quiz, each packed into various venues around the town. There’s plenty of snowboarding along with all the silliness, and the custom-built course here, complete with kick rails and half pipes, plays host to some supercharged competitions. With music from the likes of the Young Knives, the Cuban Brothers, Guilty Pleasures and Justice, and a plethora of luxe hotels, a dedicated snowboard park, clubs that open at four in the morning and a DJ menu that grows longer every year, this is the perfect partnership of party and piste.

Highlights

The street party on Thursday night is the stuff of legend, with the entire festival dancing in the snow, under the moonlight, most of them in fancy dress...

In The Know

Head Count

More than 3,000 snowbombers congregate for the festival.

Meeting Point

The lobby of the Stras Hotel is a good place to gather, and it's right next to the cable car so you're never more than a few minutes away from the action.

Best View

Marvel at the boarding acrobatics and Alpine vistas as you ascend by gondola to Snowbombing's mountain-top venue at 1,800 metres.

What If

I can’t snowboard? There are lessons available for absolute beginners, and many festival-goers have never tried the sport before, so you won’t be alone. If you don’t fancy swooshing down the slopes, there are plenty of off-piste activities here, including hiking (bring some decent boots!), snowman-building competitions, sack races and fancy dress parties, as well as the fabulous spa. Radio 1’s Annie Mac has even invented a new sport called ‘lift gliding’, which involves navigating yourself across the mountain range on the lifts and stopping at each bar or restaurant for a beer.

Packing Tips

Seasoned snowboarders should already have their checklist honed to perfection – but if you’re a snow virgin make sure you have the proper gear to keep you warm (equipment hire is bookable as an extra with Snowbombing packages, starting at around £60; www.snowbombing.com). Bring swimwear too, for those heated pools, and sunscreen.

Escape

The Strass Health and Spa complex at the resort is the perfect haven from snow and booze-related activities (+43 (0)5285 6705; www.strasshotel.com). With saunas, a huge hot tub, beauty treatments, a Zen garden, an aqua bar and three heated pools, it offers perfect pampering.

Dos and don'ts

• Try the signature drink. Schnapps is to Austria what vodka is to Russia and there are almost as many types of this tipple here as there are mountain tops. We recommend the mighty Meisterwurz – which takes its name from the roots of supposedly mystical plants which only grow over 200 metres.
• Make sure you see the Cuban Brothers. Snowbombing (and Bestival) regulars, they are an inspired combination of singing, stripping, breakdancing and comedy.
• Wear sun cream, and sunblock on your lips. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you won’t get burnt!
• Don’t be shy. When it comes to spa treatments at the Strass, it’s all about nudity. No underwear or swimwear is allowed, so it’s time to let it all hang out.

Need To Know

Children

Hotel Strass offers excellent facilities, including two play areas, indoors and out, and childminding.

Parking

Most snowbombers travel to Mayrhofen by coach, and you don't need a car once you're here, so parking isn't usually a concern.

Disability Access

Almost everything here is accessible by wheelchair.

Food & Drink

With 43 restaurants and 18 bars here, there’s plenty of choice. For a treat head to nearby Kristallhütte (+43 (0)676 88 632 400; www.kristallhuette.at) where the four-course dinners are a dream come true – and amazing value. Be sure to visit the White Lounge at some point during your stay, too. It’s a fabulous cocktail bar on nearby Ahorn mountain made completely of ice.

Sleep

Mayrhofen has dozens of excellent hotels. We recommend Hotel Strass: combining traditional Tyrolean style with state-of-the-art spa facilities, it’s the liveliest hotel during the event and is perfect if you want to party 24/7. Hotel Mannis and Hotel Kramerwirt also have access to the rooftop hot tubs at the Strass Wellness Centre, where you’ll get panoramic views of the mountains. If, all after the mayhem of the slopes and gigs, you’re looking for a quieter option, try the five-star Hotel Elisabeth. Group hotel bookings are available via www.snowbombing.com.

VIP

There's no special treatment for Snowbombers. Everyone is special here!