Switzerland festival guide - Winter 2025-26
Skiing by day, dancing by night — there’s something irresistible about alpine festivals. Switzerland has quietly built a reputation for hosting some of the most vibrant winter festivals in the Alps, from electronic parties high above the treeline to acoustic concerts on mountain stages.
You won’t regret timing your ski holiday to coincide with one of Switzerland’s standout winter festivals.
Here’s our guide to festivals in the Swiss Alps for winter 2025-26 — including headline acts, insider tips, and a peek across the French border at the giants of the Alpine music scene.
Polaris Festival, Verbier - November 2025
Verbier doesn’t just set the tone for freeride skiing — it also kicks off winter with Polaris, one of the world’s most renowned alpine festivals that transforms the ski resort into a dance floor. As one of the higher resorts in the area, Verbier is your best bet for combining skiing and music in November.
- Polaris dates: 21-23 & 27-29 November 2025.
- Tickets: https://polarisfestival.ch/
- Headliners Polaris 2025: Alumni include the stars like Peggy Gou and Laurent Garnier and year's headliners are Carl Craig, DJ Koze and Eva May.
- What makes it special: This is the 10th anniversary of Polaris and there is a significant gear-change: the main stage will be at Espace St Marc in Le Châble while afterparties take over Verbier’s village venues until dawn.
- Vibe: Expect stylish, music-savvy crowds mixing with the Swiss locals and fresh-faced seasonaires. It’s a perfect excuse to dust off your ski legs in November.
SunIce Festival, St. Moritz - March 2026
If St. Moritz is synonymous with luxury skiing — the SunIce Festival is its younger, wilder sibling. Held at the Salastrains ski area, SunIce is Switzerland’s answer to Tomorrowland, but with Engadine flair.
- SunIce dates: 19–22 March 2026.
- Tickets: https://www.sunicefestival.ch/
- Headliners SunIce 2026: Organisers have teased major EDM names — past editions welcomed Afrojack, Lost Frequencies, Ofenbach, Morten. Expect similar A-list DJs.
- What makes it special: Multiple open-air stages at 2000m, with skiing right up to the festival site. Daytime skiing + nighttime raving = a recipe for unforgettable days.
- Vibe: Young, international, energetic. Picture flashy skisuits and champagne corks flying.
Rock the Pistes Festival, Portes du Soleil - March 2026
Although it straddles the Swiss-French border, Rock the Pistes deserves a spot here. For one week, the Portes du Soleil ski area turns into a giant venue with concerts dotted between the ski area's twelve villages.
- Rock the Pistes dates: The 2026 dates are yet to be announced, but it's typically the third week of March.
- Tickets: Free with your lift pass, more information here.
- Headliners Rock the Pistes 2026: The lineup is still under wraps, but previous years have brought Gaëtan Roussel, Suzane, Deluxe and Skip the Use.
- What makes it special: Concerts are on the slopes, free for anyone with a ski pass. One minute you’re carving down a red run, the next you’re dancing in ski boots.
- Vibe: Big-crowd energy, perfect for groups who want skiing and live music without extra ticket costs.
Zermatt Unplugged - April 2026
Riley Pearce plays at Zermatt Unplugged
Closing the winter season with a rich but relaxed music experience: Zermatt Unplugged is one of the Alps’ most unique festivals. It champions acoustic and singer-songwriter performances, with stages both in the village and up on the Gornergrat.
- Zermatt Unplugged dates: 7–11 April 2026.
- Tickets: https://zermatt-unplugged.ch/
- Headliners Zermatt Unplugged 2026: Official line-up to be announced in December (we'll update you!) — past stars include James Blunt, Angus & Julia Stone, Jessie J and Passenger.
- What makes it special: The mix of intimate mountain stages, cosy bars, and the main tent stage creates a rare closeness between artists and audience.
- Vibe: Relaxed, soulful, and international. Expect après-ski crowds kicking back to enjoy the for acoustic vibes over a raging dance party.
Bonus: The Big Three French Alpine Festivals
If you’re planning to mix your Swiss ski trip with French slopes, don’t miss the triple crown of Alpine super-festivals:
- Tomorrowland Winter (Alpe d’Huez, March 2026) – The biggest name in mountain festivals with world-class EDM acts (think Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki).
- Rise Festival (Les 2 Alpes, December 2025) – A week-long snow and music party, especially popular with British crowds - get in before tickets sell out.
- Snowboxx (Avoriaz, March 2026) – Combines ski-in/ski-out parties with comedy shows, bottomless brunches, and big DJ sets.
Final tips to enjoy your alpine festival
From Polaris’ high-energy sounds to the acoustic soul of Zermatt Unplugged, these festivals prove it’s not just about cowbells and fondue — but these elements do make for a uniquely Swiss experience. In addition to dancing in ski boots, we recommend you get stuck into local Swiss cuisine and culture.
Rather save space in your suitcase for glow sticks than bulky skiwear? That’s where Cirkel Supply comes in handy — don't just rent ski clothes, rent the ultimate layering system that ensures you're ready for high-altitude activities whether they’re on the dance floor, or on snow.
Tune into the Polaris aftermovie below to get in the mood for a big winter of festivals
