Staging a festival on a snowy mountaintop is an exhilarating endeavour that comes with its own set of extreme challenges. From thin air at high altitude to the threat of avalanches and the complexity of ski resort logistics, mountain festivals require meticulous planning and close collaboration with local experts. Winter events at ski resorts – from the Alps to the Rocky Mountains and even the Japanese peaks – have surged in popularity, blending music, art, and snow sports in unique ways. However, producing an event at 2,000+ metres above sea level demands that festival organisers adapt to the environment and prepare for scenarios they’d never face at sea-level venues. This guide draws on hard-earned wisdom to offer practical insights for creating successful “mountain editions” of festivals, covering everything from avalanche safety and altitude sickness to scheduling around snow groomers and equipping your crew for the elements.
Partner with Ski Patrol and Resort Teams for Avalanche Safety and Egress
Avalanche Planning: Mountain safety starts with partnering with the resort’s ski patrol and mountain operations team. Work together on a detailed avalanche mitigation plan if your festival sites are near or on ski slopes. Ski patrol are the local experts in monitoring snow stability and conducting avalanche control (like controlled blasts or slope closures) when necessary. Share your site maps and stage locations with them well in advance so they can advise on any avalanche paths or cornices above your venues. It’s wise to schedule daily check-ins with patrol about the avalanche risk level and weather forecast. If conditions turn risky, be ready to delay opening certain areas or even relocate an activity. For example, one alpine festival had to re-route a mountaintop party at the last minute due to an avalanche threat (www.tpimagazine.com) – a decision made easier by heeding ski patrol warnings and having a contingency site on standby.
Lift and Egress Plans: When your festival is literally up a mountain, how attendees, crew, and equipment get up and down becomes a critical logistics puzzle. Coordinate with the resort on using ski lifts, gondolas, or service roads for festival transport. Determine operating hours for lifts during the event and plan for what happens if a lift must close (due to high winds or a mechanical issue). Always have a backup egress plan: this could mean keeping snowcat grooming machines or shuttles ready to ferry people off the mountain if the cable lifts shut down. In 2019, Tomorrowland Winter in the French Alps had to evacuate 250 festivalgoers via snow groomers after sudden wind forced the ski lifts to close (www.brusselstimes.com). Working in tandem with resort staff, the team safely brought everyone down in what ski patrol deemed a “normal” ski area procedure. The lesson is clear – build strong relationships with the resort’s operations and emergency crews, and develop joint protocols for evacuations, medical incidents on the slopes, and the closing or opening of terrain as needed.
Local Coordination: Embrace the ski resort’s existing systems instead of working against them. Resort management and patrol can offer invaluable support like slope maintenance, on-site medics, and rescue expertise – but you need to loop them into your planning early. Share your schedule for builds, rehearsals, and show times so they can integrate it with mountain operations. Often you may need the resort to run a gondola outside of normal public hours to get gear up or let attendees descend after a late concert. These arrangements require formal agreements and extra staffing, so start those conversations early. Mountain communities will generally welcome a festival that boosts tourism (especially in off-peak seasons), but you must demonstrate respect for their rules and environment. Show that safety is your top priority – it earns trust and good will, ensuring the resort is invested in your success.
Brief Your Crew on Altitude Sickness and Hydration
Working at high altitude is no joke – the thinner air can take a toll on even the toughest production crews. Many major ski resorts sit between 1,800–3,600 metres (6,000–12,000 feet) above sea level, where oxygen levels are significantly lower than at sea level. Around 20% of people will feel some symptoms of acute mountain sickness at 2,500 m, and up to 40% at 3,000 m (en.wikipedia.org). This means some of your team (and even artists or vendors) might experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or nausea, especially if they travel straight from low elevation and jump into heavy work without acclimatisation. To mitigate this, build in at least a day or two for key staff to arrive early and adjust if possible, or schedule lighter duties on their first day. Encourage crew to ascend gradually (for example, drive up to the base lodge one day, then higher elevations the next) rather than going straight to the summit in one go.
Hydration and Health: One of the simplest but most effective precautions is keeping everyone hydrated. High altitude and cold, dry mountain air can lead to dehydration quickly – people lose more water through each breath and often forget to drink fluids in cold weather (www.drinkhydrant.com). Make sure clean drinking water (and perhaps electrolyte drinks or warm tea) is readily available to staff and performers at all times. Brief your crew on the importance of regular hydration and eating properly, even when they don’t feel very thirsty. Also, remind everyone that altitude can amplify the effects of alcohol and fatigue. A party-friendly festival environment notwithstanding, it’s wise to ask your team to take it easy on late-night revelry until they know how their bodies handle the elevation. Consider including basic altitude wellness tips in the crew welcome pack: signs of altitude sickness to watch for, the location of oxygen tanks or medical staff, and advice like “get good sleep, avoid excessive alcohol, and report any serious symptoms early.” In some cases, having a few small oxygen cans or an on-site medic with oxygen can help relieve mild AMS symptoms and keep your crew functional.
Training and Attendee Awareness: It’s not only staff – attendees might feel altitude effects too, especially if your event draws people who aren’t used to mountains. Work with medical professionals or ski patrol to train your team on handling altitude-related illness. This includes knowing when someone just needs rest and hydration versus when they require evacuation to lower elevation or a clinic. Through your marketing channels and pre-event emails, educate ticket buyers on the environment: advise them to stay hydrated, use sunscreen at high elevation, dress warmly, and pace themselves. Some festivals even set up “hydration stations” or give out free water and sunblock to help attendees take care of themselves. A well-informed audience (and crew) will result in fewer medical incidents and a more enjoyable event for all.
Schedule Builds Around Groomers and Storm Cycles
Timing is everything in a mountain festival. Ski resorts have daily rhythms that your production must adapt to. One key element is the snow groomers – those machines that plow and smooth the ski runs, usually operating late at night or pre-dawn. Coordinate your build and strike schedules so that stages, scaffolding, or lighting setup on or near slopes don’t obstruct the groomers’ paths. In many cases, the resort can mark or temporarily close specific runs during your build, but aim to do heavy work during times that least disrupt their grooming operations. Some festivals arrange a window right after the lifts close in the afternoon to move equipment across runs, then clear the area for the groomer crew to do their overnight prep. Remember that groomers might also assist in your production — for instance, using a winch cat (a groomer with a winch) to help position a stage platform in a hard-to-reach snowy spot, or hauling gear on a sled. By scheduling around these operations, you not only earn goodwill from the resort team, but you also ensure the ski runs remain safe and smooth for both skiers and festival-goers.
Weather and Storm Planning: Mountain weather can be fierce and unpredictable. Blizzards, heavy snowfall, high winds, or sudden temperature swings will impact your festival timeline. Build extra slack into your schedule to accommodate delays due to weather. If a big storm is forecast, consider adjusting the build timeline – for example, pause outdoor construction during the peak of the storm and resume after it passes, rather than forcing through dangerous conditions. Always secure structures and equipment against wind gusts: anchor your tents, weigh down and tie up loose gear, and use weather-proof covers for electronics. Plan for snow removal as well: if 30 cm of snow dumps overnight, who will clear the stage and audience areas before showtime? Arrange shoveling crews or ask if the resort’s groomers and ploughs can assist in clearing critical zones (many will, if asked in advance). Also, pay attention to how weather affects egress – a snowstorm will slow down how fast people can leave, so keep your transport plans flexible and have shelters or warming areas if people need to wait out a squall.
Contingency Mindset: For larger mountain festivals, it’s prudent to have backup plans if a key outdoor venue becomes unusable due to weather or avalanche risk. Identify an alternate indoor or lower-altitude location where you could move a performance if absolutely necessary (even if it’s a tight fit, it’s better than a cancellation). Similarly, if your festival spans multiple days, build in the ability to shuffle set times or extend into a spare weather day in case you must postpone a headline set because of a whiteout blizzard. Communicate these possibilities to artists and crew ahead of time so everyone knows the protocol if delays happen. The mantra here is “safety first, then show.” It might disappoint some to delay a show by a few hours, but seasoned festival organisers know that in the mountains, nature rules the schedule. With thorough scenario planning, you can quickly pivot rather than be caught off guard. As one production manager noted after dealing with Alpine extremes, you’ve never worked a show as dynamic as a mountain show – so plan for everything and then some!
Equip Your Crew for Steep Terrain and Cold Conditions
A mountain venue can be as perilous as it is picturesque, so outfitting your team with the right gear is non-negotiable. Standard crew apparel won’t cut it on an icy slope. Ensure that every team member has proper winter clothing: insulated, waterproof jackets and pants, sturdy boots, gloves, and plenty of layers to stay warm. Provide traction aids like crampons or micro-spikes that attach to boots, especially if anyone will be climbing up snowy hillsides, walking on icy platforms, or rigging on steep terrain. A simple slip on ice can lead to serious injury when carrying equipment, so mandate suitable footwear at all times. In some cases, you might require safety harnesses and ropes for crew working in particularly steep or exposed spots (treat it similar to a work-at-height scenario, even if it’s an inclined ground).
Communication is Vital: Two-way radios are your best friend on a mountain. Cell phone signals can be weak or nonexistent in alpine terrain (valleys and peaks often block reception), so you cannot rely on phones for coordination. Equip all key crew leaders, security personnel, and medical teams with long-range radios, and establish a communications protocol (designated channels for different teams, regular check-ins, emergency codes, etc.). Test the radio coverage in advance – you may discover you need a signal repeater or that you can piggyback on the resort’s radio network for certain areas. Radios also help when sudden weather changes force you to halt or modify operations; you can instantly alert all teams even if they’re spread out across the mountain.
Connectivity & Ticketing: Bear in mind that internet or cell service can be unreliable on the mountain. Plan your tech accordingly – for example, use a ticketing platform that offers offline scanning (Ticket Fairy’s system provides this) so your gate check-ins aren’t disrupted if the network fails. Likewise, have offline backups for any point-of-sale systems at remote bars or merch stands, and download all critical schedules and contact lists to devices in advance. By anticipating connectivity gaps, you’ll keep operations running smoothly even when technology decides to take a snow day.
Safety Equipment: Beyond the basics, think about the specialized safety gear that mountain professionals use. If your production takes crew into potential avalanche areas (for instance, installing lights beyond the resort’s open ski runs or on a closed slope), invest in avalanche safety gear and training. This means equipping those teams with avalanche transceivers (beacons), probes, and shovels, and working with ski patrol to train them in avalanche rescue protocols. At minimum, ensure crew members in any snowy backcountry terrain carry whistles and know how to signal for help – a small avalanche or tree well can bury someone in seconds. Also consider seemingly simple items: headlamps for after-dark work (winter nights arrive early), high-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses (sunlight glaring off snow is harsh on eyes and skin), and portable hand and foot warmers for long shifts in the cold. Proactively equipping your staff not only prevents accidents and illness, it also shows your team that their well-being is a top priority – which boosts morale and productivity in tough conditions.
Rescue & Medical Prep: Coordinate with mountain rescue or ski patrol to have a first-aid and evacuation plan for crew and attendees. Mountain towns may have limited medical facilities, so you might arrange for an on-site medic station or a dedicated ski patrol presence during critical times. Make sure your team knows how to contact emergency services on the mountain (often a direct number or radio channel rather than 911/999). If someone is injured in a remote spot, have a plan for quick retrieval – that could be a volunteer ski patrol skier with a toboggan, or a snowmobile designated for patient transport. In high-altitude events, also be prepared for altitude sickness emergencies: stock a supply of oxygen, and know the fastest route to move a severely ill person to lower altitude. It’s essential to plan for worst-case scenarios even as you hope never to face them.
Collaborate with the Resort and Local Community
Putting on a festival at a ski resort means you are a guest in a tight-knit mountain community. Building positive relationships here can make the difference between a one-off event and a beloved annual tradition. Engage with resort management early and often – they can become champions of your event if they see it benefits the area. Show commitment to the local economy by hiring local staff and vendors where possible. For example, Snowbombing festival in Austria partners with a local restaurant to cater meals for its 200+ crew instead of bringing in outside caterers, earning much goodwill. Many mountain towns have limited tourism outside of peak ski season, so your festival can bring a welcome economic boost. In Mayrhofen, the host town of Snowbombing, residents and businesses genuinely appreciate the influx of visitors and revenue during a typically quiet spring period. Strive to create that win-win scenario with your host location.
Also be mindful of your environmental footprint on the alpine ecosystem. Work with the resort on a comprehensive leave-no-trace plan: ensure all trash and equipment are removed (when snow melts, anything left behind will emerge), avoid damaging ski runs or forest areas, and perhaps contribute to local environmental initiatives as thanks. Some festivals donate a portion of proceeds to the local ski club or an avalanche safety charity. Demonstrating respect for the mountain environment will further endear your event to locals and authorities alike.
Finally, involve local authorities (police, fire, and medical services) in your planning. Mountain communities often have limited emergency resources, so coordinate closely so that emergency plans are clear. You may even offer to supplement their resources – for instance, funding an extra ambulance on standby or bringing in an experienced mountain medical team. By integrating with the local community and services, you not only improve safety but also show that your festival is responsible and here to positively coexist with its host region.
Key Takeaways
- Partner closely with ski patrol and resort management for avalanche control, ski lift operations, and clear emergency egress plans – their expertise is invaluable for mountain safety.
- Give your crew (and even artists) time and tips to handle high altitude: encourage acclimatisation, hydration, and awareness of altitude sickness symptoms.
- Align your festival build and show schedule with the mountain’s operations – schedule around nightly groomer runs and be ready to adjust for storm delays or high winds.
- Proper gear and comms are a must: equip your team with winter clothing, traction devices (crampons), and two-way radios so they can work safely on icy, sprawling terrain.
- Implement extra safety measures for the mountains: use harnesses or ropes on steep sites, provide avalanche beacons and training if working near risky slopes, and have ski patrol or medics on standby.
- Anticipate connectivity issues – choose a ticketing platform with offline capabilities (Ticket Fairy offers offline ticket scanning) and have backup plans for any technology your event relies on.
- Engage the local community and respect the environment: hire local vendors, coordinate plans with local authorities, and implement eco-friendly practices to leave a positive mark on your host resort.
- Always prioritise safety over the show. In mountain festivals, it’s better to delay or adapt a program for weather or hazard concerns than to risk a serious incident. Safety first, every time.
27th September 2025