Snowbombing

'''Snowbombing''' is a popular week-long winter sports and music festival held annually in the spring at the [[Austria]]n [[ski resort]] of [[Mayrhofen]]. [[File:Snowbombing.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Snowbombing Arctic Disco, Mayrhofen]] The event has been run since 2000 when it was first held at the French resort of [[Risoul]] as an [[après-ski]] nightclub promotional exercise started by English promoters from Manchester called Outgoing Ltd. However, since 2005, the Tyrolean resort of Mayrhofen in Austria has hosted the festival which has evolved into Europe's biggest snow and music festival. Originally a [[DJ]] and [[electronic dance music]]-themed event, live acts were added to the bill in 2008, reflecting the resurgence of indie/rock music. The events format is designed to combine winter sports (primarily [[snowboarding]]) with on-[[piste]] and après-ski music performances and themed parties in unusual locations, including an igloo village (pictured), a forest clearing, a traditional remote alpine farmstead and an open-air street party. Artistes who have appeared at Snowbombing include [[Fatboy Slim]], [[Madness (band)|Madness]], [[Dizzee Rascal]], [[Dirty Pretty Things (band)|Dirty Pretty Things]], [[Grandmaster Flash]], [[Foals]], [[2ManyDJs]], [[The Enemy]],{{Disambiguation needed|date=July 2011}} [[Zane Lowe]], [[Freestylers]], [[Mylo]], [[Dave Clarke]],{{Disambiguation needed|date=July 2011}} [[Gilles Peterson]], [[Fabio]], [[Grooverider]], [[Tim Westwood]], The Cuban Brothers and [[James Zabiela]]. The event has a reputation for its imaginative and humorous elements; traditional Austrian cultural references are embraced (e.g. oompah bands, lederhosen and sausages) and given a contemporary/surreal twist. Unconventional clothing is encouraged in a series of fancy dress themes which are adhered to by many attendees (aka ‘Snowbombers’) and cult celebrities like Mr. Motivator are engaged to entertain and interact with the crowd.{{who|date=December 2010}} The event is also notable for giving those who attend an alternative to flying. The Snowbombing Road Trip is not a race but a leisurely international drive from the UK to Mayrhofen, involving collecting points en route, an overnight ‘pit stop’ in Frankfurt, and an arrival procession in Mayrhofen – which declares the event open.{{who|date=December 2010}} With around fifty pools and saunas within easy reach, and a backdrop of breathtaking alpine scenery, Snowbombing regards itself as a festival which, in addition to music, additionally offers luxury and comfort.{{who|date=December 2010}} European television channels and radio broadcasters have covered the event, including [[BBC Radio 1]], [[Channel 4]], [[Eurosport]], [[Canal+]] and [[MTV Europe]]. ==Previous host resorts== * 2005-2011: [[Mayrhofen]], Austria * 2004: [[Les Arcs]], France * 2002-2003: [[Villars]],{{Disambiguation needed|date=July 2011}} Switzerland * 2000-2001: [[Risoul]], France ==External links== *[http://www.snowbombing.com Snowbombing Official Website] {{Coord missing|Austria}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2010}}