Cultivora

Each spring, people come from all over the world for a music and winter sports festival in the Alps. Dubbed, “the world’s greatest show on snow,” Snowbombing is a well-established music and entertainment experience, the only one of its kind in Europe. The twelfth edition of the festival will take place in the resort town of Mayrhofen (known to insiders as “der Hoff”). Located in Western Austria, this charming Tyrolean village sits low in the mountains and offers the perfect setting for a week of snow-filled fun. Most Snowbombers come back year after year to enjoy all that the festival has to offer. A star-studded lineup, ample snowboarding and skiing opportunities, and performances in unusual locations (both in the town and on the mountain), ensure an adventure like no other.

Festival Line Up

Example, DJ Shadow, Groove Armada present Redlight, The Vaccines, Fatboy Slim, Chase and Status, Wretch 32, Labrinth, Zane Lowe, Skream, Sub Focus, Andy C & MC GQ, Knife & Party, Crookers, Tensnake, DJ Yoda, Mr. Scruff : Keep it Unreal, Jungle Brothers (live), James Zabiela, Heidi, Aeroplane, Jack Beats, Mistajam, Soul Clap, Hospitality feat. High Contrast, London Electricity, Netsky, Nu:Tone, Camo & Krooked, Shy FX, Seth Troxler, Damian Lazarus, Jamie Jones, Doctor P, Rustie, Friction, Norman Jay, Breakage, Redlight & Dread MC, Toddla T, The Cuban Brothers, Riton, Pearson Sound, The Whip (live), Lindstrom, Lee Curtis, Paul Woolford, Jackmaster, Alex Metric, Ben Westbeech, Artwork, P Money (live), Scratch Perverts, Dillon Francis, Roska, Metro Area (Darshan Jesrani), Krafty Kuts, Stanton Warriors, Plump DJ's, Style of Eye, Doorly, Tale of Us, The Glimmers, Julio Bashmore, Justin Robertson, Kris Menace, Dub Pistol's Soundsystem ft. Rodney P, Midland, Loadstar, Ralph Lawson, A1 Bassline, Blawan, Oneman, Marcus Nasty, Spencer Parker, Geddes, Boddika, Jaymo & Andy George, Hot Lunch (Ewan Pearson & Sasse), S.O.S (Omid 16B & Demi), Lil Silva, Redinho, Spencer, Martelo, Tayo, George Fitzgerald, Scarlett Etienne, Rattus Rattus & Klose One feat. Illaman, Ladywaks, Michelle Owen, Gareth Cooper, Marc Roberts, Caze Nove, Sophie Lloyd, Prophecy, Danny Raper, Fuzzbox Inc., Raffle Mafia, John Kahuna, Scott Bleepz, Elliot Croft, Bunny & Ernest, Dutch Settlers, Seedy Sonics DJ's, F.O.H DJ's, Matik DJ's, MCS: Sgt Pokes, Youngman, Wrec, Dynamite MC



Photo: Snowbombing

• How do I get to and from the festival?
• How do I get around during the event?
• What time does it start and end?
• Is reentry allowed?
• Are there any prohibited items?
• Can I bring outside food and/or drink?
• Will there be food sold at the event?
• Will there be alcohol sold at the event?
• What do I need to know about money?
• What will the weather be like?
• What should I wear?
• What should I bring?
• Anything else I need to know?

• How do I get to and from the festival?

  There are a variety of ways to get to and from the festival, depending on your location.
  
  The closest airport is Innsbruck, located about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Mayrhofen. This airport handles mostly regional flights, meaning there are only a handful of cities outside of Austria that offer direct flights (London, and large cities in Germany). From Innsbruck, travelers would take the train (ÖBB, the Austrian rail system) to Mayrhofen, which takes about an hour. However, this is not the recommended route, as airfare is very expensive, even for nonstop flights from other cities in Europe.
  
  The train is a much better option for regional travelers. It’s more economical than flying, and arguably more reliable. International travelers should fly into Berlin, Munich, or Salzburg and then take the train to Mayrhofen.
  
  Snowbombing offers airport transfers to and from three different airports. For Munich and Salzburg, the fee is £36 ($56) each way, and Innsbruck is £29 ($45) each way. There are also coaches from various cities in the U.K., which cost between £118 ($185) and £134 ($210), depending on location; travelers can depart April 7 (if you prefer to arrive a day early, but know that you will have to book an extra night’s stay) or April 8, and all coaches will leave Mayrhofen on April 14th for an April 15th arrival.
  
  There is also the popular Snowbombing Road Trip. This multi-country European road trip starts in London and takes a ferry to France, stopping in other countries along the route to the festival. Over 100 cars take part in the trip each year. The Road Trip costs £259 ($400) per car (up to five occupants per car), and includes Snowbombing Road Trip memorabilia, a stopover in Frankfurt, parking in Mayrhofen, tickets for your return ferry, and several parties and events along the way. Note that overnight accommodations are not included in the Roadtrip ticket, though you do get a hefty discount. CLICK HERE for more information about the Road Trip.
  

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• How do I get around during the event?

  Mayrhofen is fairly small; everything you need is within a stone’s throw. During the day, there is a ski bus that tours Mayrhofen’s surrounding areas. This bus is free and runs every thirty minutes until 5:30pm. At night, Snowbombing operates a similar free shuttle bus on the same route, which runs until the early hours of the morning.

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• What time does it start and end?

  Start times for music events vary from venue to venue; music events start as early as noon and last through the early morning hours.

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• Is reentry allowed?

  Reentry is almost always allowed with your festival pass. Since Snowbombing is held at multiple venues make sure to double-check at the door.

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• Are there any prohibited items?

  Weapons, animals, and illegal substances should not be brought to the festival.

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• Can I bring outside food and/or drink?

  This policy will vary from venue to venue.

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• Will there be food sold at the event?

  An extensive variety of food and drink is available. There are 43 restaurants to choose from in town, and more options on the mountain. Sandwiches, steak, sausage, pizza, and traditional Tyrolean food can all be found, and the prices are very reasonable.

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• Will there be alcohol sold at the event?

  Alcohol will be available at the various venues, as well as in the bars and restaurants in town. There are a total of 18 bars in the town.

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• What do I need to know about money?

  Many vendors will accept credit cards, but it is always a good idea to carry cash. ATMs can be found throughout the area as well. For a mid-range budget, you should plan to spend approximately €30-35 ($39-$45) per day.

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• What will the weather be like?

  People who have never been to the Alps before might expect it to be cold and very snowy, but Mayrhofen is quite lovely in the spring. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from about 2°- 13°C (35°- 52°F). Skys are a nice mix of sun and clouds, and any precipitation in the village should be minimal.
  
  A note to skiers and snowboarders: Mayrhofen itself is not very high up in the mountains, but the lift will take you up to 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), where the snow is usually reliable.
  

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• What should I wear?

  Since temperatures will vary during the day, dress in layers so that you can adjust, keeping in mind that this is a festival, so you’ll want to be comfortable enough to dance. A regular pair of closed-toed shoes will do for most of the festival, but bring boots if you plan to spend any time in the snow; certain add-on entertainment, like the popular Arctic Disco, will require warm, substantial footwear. Inside the clubs, lightweight going-out clothes are best, as things do get crowded.
  
  If you plan on hitting the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding, bring whatever clothing you would normally wear for these activities. Ski pants and jackets, headwear, gloves, etc. You can never have too many waterproofs.
  

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• What should I bring?

  Don’t let cloudy skies fool you ‐ Mayrhofen’s high altitude makes it very easy to get a sunburn, so ample sun protection (sunscreen, lip protectant, eyewear, etc.). Although there will be equipment rentals at the resort, bring skis/board if you’d prefer to use your own. Bring a swimsuit or two, as many of the hotels have swimming pools and saunas. Snowbombing is also known for its fancy dress (translation: costume) parties, so definitely come prepared to participate.

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• Anything else I need to know?

  “Pensions” (a term you will see on the booking website) are self-catered apartments, which include a full kitchen, lounge area, and sleeping area. This is a great option for saving money. Central apartments are within walking distance of Mayrhofen (10 minutes on foot, at most); apartments in the Ziller Valley area (4.5 kilometers/2.8 miles) are great option for the budget-conscious.
  
  Snowbombing is sold as a package that includes accommodations and access to the music festival. While the Snowbombing ticket is for five days, those wishing to arrive early or stay later can do so at an additional cost. All of the hotels and bed-and-breakfasts include breakfast.
  

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