Top 5 Lesser-Known Events Across the Alps this Season

 

You’d think we snow lovers would be happy with kilometre upon kilometre of pistes and a little après-ski on the side during our annual ski holidays. And indeed we are. But with this little selection of events and activities taking place across the Alps this 2015/2016 winter season, who are we not to roll up our sleeves and join in?!

 

We’ve all heard of the Altitude Fest, Snowbombing and the X Games, but have you heard of these less well-known Alpine events?

 

1. St. Moritz City Race - 6th December 2015

The annual St. Moritz City Race is quite the sight to behold, with the skiing being transferred from the slopes directly into the village centre. Snow sports enthusiasts will love this, with skiing and boarding champs taking part in slalom and cross-country races through the very heart of St. Moritz.

 

2. Avoriaz Transition Festival - 13th-19th December 2015

This brand new event is presented by the same team behind Snowbombing, and as such is all about the party beats. Acts for its first year will include Dizzee Rascal, Ben Pearce, Bondax and Kharma Kid.

 

3. Lauberhorn Downhill Race - 15th-17th January 2016

OK, so the Lauberhorn Downhill World Cup Race is hardly unheard of. In fact, it’s one of the highest-attended events on the world snow sports calendar, attracting up to 30,000 spectators every year. But have you heard of it? And did you know that the downhill course happens to be the longest in the world at 4.48 kilometres? Thought not.

 

The madness of the Lauberhorn Downhill Race, 2010! Image courtesy of chriscom on Flickr under a Creative Commons license. 
 

4. Davos Snow Polo - 25th-28th February 2016

If you’re posh (or you just like snow and horses) then be sure to get yourself to Davos for its new Snow Polo event in February this season. It’s polo but not as you know it, as this upper-class sport takes to the snow.

 

5. Gstaad Ride On Music - 10th-13th March 2016

Come March, the Bernese Oberland resort of Gstaad turns up the volume for four days of live music out on the snow. This year’s lineup is yet to be released – take a look at the website for more up-to-date info: www.rideonmusic.ch.