Tom Metcalf, The Daily Telegraph, March 21, 2014
The Brits
Where Tignes, France
When March 29 – April 5, 2014
Cost Seven nights accommodation, six day lift pass and festival wristband from £290
What's it all about? Now in its 25th year this week-long bash attracts thousands of ski and snowboard fanatics, from beginners to experts, for seven days of snow, music and partying. The Brits hosts the annual British Snowboard and Freeski Championships, as well as freestyle demonstrations from the best UK boarders and skiers. Nightly après sessions feature a Reggae BBQ, club nights and a mixture of live bands and world famous DJs. Previous performers include Chase & Status and headlining this year are electronica outfit Tek-One.
For fans of Awards ceremonies, big air
More infothe-brits.com
Hot Ice Experience
Where Val d'Isère, France
When April 12 – May 14, 2014
Cost Three nights self-catered accommodation, a two-day lift pass and one free entrance to the Aqua Leisure Complex from €173
What's it all about? A month's worth of spring snow and end of season parties. There are film screenings, guided tours of the resort, races and behind-the-scenes looks into snowmaking and controlled avalanches.
For fans of Slush, spring
More informationvaldisere.com
Spring Back to Vail
Where Vail, Colorado, USA
When April 7 – 20, 2014
Cost Accommodation from $116 per person per night (based on two sharing). Events are free to attend
What's it all about? Vail, one of America's largest ski area, ends the season with a weekend of free live concerts (April 11 - 12) and the infamous World Pond Skimming Championships (April 20).
For fans of Ponds, skimming across them
More informationvail.com
World Ski & Snowboard Fesitval
Where Whistler, BC, Canada
When April 11 – 20, 2014
Cost Tickets to individual events are sold separately but most start from around $20
What's it all about? The vast North American ski area hosts 10 days of everything from top athletes pushing the limits and free outdoor concerts to fashion, photography, film and après. From April 11 to 15 the world's best snowboarders will compete in big air, boarderstyle and slopestyle events, while from 16 to 20 their two-planked counterparts will take part in slopestyle and big air in the World Skiing Invitational. During the day revellers can wander into the free State of the Art exhibition and in the evenings there's a variety of events, including a roller derby and professional filmmaker and photographer showdowns.
For fans of Baggy snow attire, anything 'gnarly'
More informationwssf.com
Snowbombing
Where Mayrhofen, Austria
When April 7 – 12, 2014
Cost Five nights accommodation and festival wristband from £219
What's it all about? In its 15th year, Snowbombing is a week's whirlwind of international DJs and bands. Days are spent on the slopes, enjoying music on mountain-top stages or relaxing in the spa of a four-star hotel. Nights deliver cutting edge performances from world-class acts in unique venues; from a sky high igloo, to an enchanted forest clearing.Headlining this year is The Prodigy, and other acts include The Chemical Brothers and Tom Odell. Snowbombing is also known for fancy dress.
For fans of Reading and Leeds Festivals, animal onesies
More informationsnowbombing.com
