As much of the UK is shivering under a blanket of snow this week, it's made a lot of people think about going skiing or snowboarding for real. You might have seen the phone video on the news of someone skiing down their street, or you might have skipped work to build a kicker in the park - but didn't that just make you miss it even more? Maybe it's time to fit in a ski holiday or snowboard break?
February traditionally means high prices - but there is still some availability out there, just do a search for February offers on our Promotions page and you'll see that there are some excellent offers, and possibly more availability than you might expect. This weekend in particular, 7th Feb, there are some excellent deals at amazing prices if you can make a quick getaway.
March ski holidays mean that you can usually enjoy more sunshine and warmer temperatures, plus longer ski days as lift opening times gradually extend with longer daylight hours. Skiing or snowboarding in the spring can mean long apres ski drinks on sunny terraces, piste picnics, and alpine barbecues. It's a great time to ski, and there's a relaxed end of term feel about many resorts.
And it's at this time of year when the celebrations begin and it's party time. Some of these parties have now developed into real alpine festivals - with all the cool and glamour of their summer counterparts, and the added bonus of spending the day on the mountain rather than in a muddy field.
If you've not been to one of the alpine festivals here's some ideas - so why not combine your skiing and snowboarding with some extra fun in the snow!
Snowbombing, Mayrhofen, Austria, 29 Mar - 04 April:
"Keep your full moon parties and tell Ibiza to go jump..once you have danced in an igloo in the Austrian Alps, nothing really comes close", so says TNT Magazine of Mayrhofen's Snowbombing Festival, which is 10 this year.
There is an impressive musical line up which includes Fatboy Slim, Dizzee Rascal, Ladyhawke, Mylo and loads more bands and dj's. There's also a serious choice of partying going on during the week at various places; The Arctic Disco for example, is an "ice-cool party" at the top of the Ahorn at 2000 metres, or try the Backcountry Party which takes place in a 200 year old converted chalet, reached by going through "the forgotten valley" of Flottental.
As well as the music and partying, there are 625km of ski area to enjoy, and the King of the Mountain Battle of the Bands!
Take a look at their website at snowbombing.com for the full programme and lots of practical tips.
Altitude Festival, Meribel, France, 28 Mar - 03 April: Altitude was co-founded by comedian Marcus Brigstocke, a regular on TV (incl Have I Got News for You) and radio, and Meribel bar owner Richard Letts. It is mix of comedy, music and DJ's, and this year's event coincides with the British Ski Championships.
Now in its second year, comedy is the core of this festival - so far confirmed in this year's line up are Phil Jupitus, Rich Hall, Andrew Maxwell, Craig Campbell and, of course, Marcus Brigstocke. There will also be various bands and DJ's performing throughout the festival, including Honey Fungus - one of Meribel's most popular local acts.
Slopeside events include Big Air, boarder cross, classic GS, and more "spectator-centric" happenings too - snowball fights, three-legged ski races etc.
The Altitude website is at altitudefestival.com. For Meribel accommodation try our Meribel search for hotels, chalets and apartments.
Caprices, Crans Montana, Switzerland, 15-19 April: Now in it's 7th year, Caprices 2009 promises to be bigger than ever, with events spread across several venues.
Headlining in the main venue, Le Chapiteau, is Duffy - for her first ever concert in Switzerland - which opens the festival on 15 April. Other acts confirmed over the four days include Paolo Nutini and true reggae veterans, Toots and the Maytals.
During the 4 days other events include turning the terrace of the Cry d'Err, a restaurant at 2200m altitude, into the highest electro club in Switzerland - with guest DJ's to entertain the afternoon skiers and snowboarders, and fabulous panoramic views over some of the highest summits of Europe.
For more details take a look at caprices.ch
If you are organising, going to or know of any cool alpine events then let us know about it - leave a comment or email surfcat@chaletsdirect.com
