Snowbombing Canada has a Gnarly First Run
Just over a week ago ago marked the ending of the 4-day Snowbombing Canada music festival held up at Sun Peaks Resort. From April 6th-10th festival sponsors Coors Light, Broadwick Live and Blueprint Events had some rather large ski boots to fill bringing the renowned Austrian festival to Canada for the first time, and they filled them well!
Set up for Success
Set on Canada’s second largest ski area, festival goers enjoyed 4 days and 4 nights 7,060 feet above extraordinary, and on 4,270 acres of skiable terrain. With 6 meters of snow annually, skiers and boarders enjoyed the slopes across 3 mountain peaks. Despite a rainy first day in the village, the weather was extremely favorable, making for perfect spring-skiing, photo opportunities and few layers needed. The village itself was the perfect size as well with a nice variety of stores and food options. With this setup, all stages were a 5-10 minute walk (or chairlift) away making bunny hopping between venues a real breeze.
Entertainment On Snow and Off
For the not so snow-inclined, Snowbombing kept attendees entertained with ongoing outdoor venues including a Coors Light sponsored base-camp with games like giant beer pong. Snowboarding competitions “Ride and Seek” and “The Slush Cup” also took place wowing crowds as skiers and boarders wore ridiculous costumes and performed their jumps for prizes. With beautiful resorts and no shortage of hot tubs, everyone was seen having a good time whether they were out to catch the action, shred the gnar or just take it easy and enjoy food, drinks and a game of pool at any of the resort’s bars.
World Class Acts
For many, the music was the real draw of the festival. Over 50 world class acts from international headliners to celebrated locals kept the party going across 9 different venues ranging from pubs to ballrooms and even a parkade. An epic themed street party had everyone dressed up as Lumberjacks while The Funk Hunters threw down a funky set. The Crystal Cave was forever bumping and stunning people with an insane display of lasers to the sounds of SNBRN, Peking Duck, Shaun Frank and Oliver Heldens. A longer walk out to the forest stage stopped nobody from seeing acts like Duke Dumont, Kaskade, Whipped Cream and Ludacris. Two isolated stages, accessible by chair lifts also slowed nobody down, as masses gathered to catch Skiitour perform their first set they’ve ever actually skied down to. With plenty more bars, pubs and a local pub keeping the music going all night, there were many more artists and genres to explore in every direction you carved.
A Memorable Crowd
One thing I overheard a few times was festival goers complementing the general friendliness of the resort staff. As there could have been better signage and directions to some stages, everyone working on the resort was happy to help in any way possible. The crowd Snowbombing attracted itself was also one of the better crowds I’ve been able to enjoy in my time spent at numerous festivals all over the world. Lost and found items of high value were turned in, friendly conversations took place in hallways, invitations to hotel room parties were being thrown out left, right and centre, and people remained respectful of the resort and of others the whole weekend long.
Raving Reviews
Within hours of the festival ending, it was quick to receive raving reviews on its Facebook page, currently at a 5 star rating. With some comments on potential to improve sound systems and some aspects of production and organization, the general consensus seems to be that people can’t wait for its return. With no official confirmation, but rumors of a renewed contract to come, Snowbombers everywhere are itching for their next run.
Check out more after-movies and photos here.
Visuals courtesy of Snowbombing Canada