Resorts Prepare End Of Season Celebrations

The end of the season is a great time to go skiing and snowboarding as the slopes are usually quieter and less crowded but there is still a lively party atmosphere in the resorts.

Many ski areas have, over the years, introduced weird and wacky events that have become annual attractions, and these add to the benefits of booking some late-season skiing and snowboarding.

Every resort has its own way of celebrating the end of the season and to give you a flavour of what’s on offer, here are a few examples from France and Austria.

Avoriaz, France

Among its many end-of-season crowd pleasers, Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil will be hosting the Fine-Cup, a soapbox race on snow when teams of three race down the piste on a variety of crafts such as boats, wheelbarrows and stretchers – in fact anything goes, as long as it slides downhill.

The race, organised by the association La Fine-Équipe, is held annually in memory of Martin Perrier.

The event will include a party at the bottom of the Tête aux Boeufs.

The closing week in Avoriaz takes place from the 13th – 20th April and other events taking place include concerts, parties and lively après ski.

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Kitzbuhel, Austria

If you are quick there is still just time to head for the Austrian Tirol to take in the last two events in The Kitzbühel Spring Games which are being staged this year for the third time.

This series of events includes a Pool Slide Contest on 30 March 2024 when participants in retro ski outfits or fancy dress attempt to impress a panel of judges with their own style of skiing across a specially built water pool while DJs provide musical entertainment.

The first ‘slide’ takes place at 11am and the event finishes with an award ceremony at 2pm, followed by a party.

Alternatively, on the 13th April, skiers who also like a round of golf can combine the two sports in the final Kitzbühel Spring Games event.

The ‘Masters of Swing’ involves teams of four and begins with a giant slalom ski competition which starts at 9.30am.

The contest continues in the afternoon with a 9-hole Texas Scramble at the Eichenheim golf course. The first tee-off is at 1pm and the day finishes with an awards ceremony and celebration at 5pm.

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Ischgl, Austria

The Black Eyed Peas will be bringing the curtain down on Ischgl’s winter season with a performance at the Austrian resort’s Top of the Mountain Closing Concert on the 30th April.

Skiers and snowboarders with a valid ski pass can access the open-air extravaganza for free and then enjoy a final day on the Silvretta arena slopes as the lifts are staying open until the 1st May 2024.

The Black Eyed Peas are an American group which formed in 1995 and whose breakthrough came as a result of hits such as ‘Where Is the Love?’ and ‘Let’s Get It Started’.

They became known for their energetic performances and the band members have maintained their reputation as pop culture icons with chart-topping singles like ‘Boom Boom Pow’ and ‘I Gotta Feeling’.

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Megeve, France

Many end-of-season activities are snow-related in some way, but if you are more of a culture vulture the French resort of Megeve is offering something a little bit different alongside its other more lively events.

Throughout the season, the resort has hosted Les Formes de la Forêt, a new exhibition which celebrates the artistry of woodworking and time is running out for skiers and snowboarders who would like to view the artwork and sculptures.

Ten wood artists from Europe are showcasing their craft, and examples include Pierre Renart’s sculptural furniture, John Alfredo Harris’s exquisite beech vases, Alain Mailland’s sculptures, and wood creations by Steven Leprizé (ARCA). The exhibition runs until the 5th May 2024 (tickets from €5) but the ski season ends on the 7th April 2024.

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Resorts Prepare End Of Season Celebrations: A Summary

As the ski season draws to a close, resorts in France and Austria are gearing up for some unique end-of-season celebrations. Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil hosts the quirky Fine-Cup soapbox race down the slopes, followed by lively après-ski parties. Meanwhile, Kitzbühel in Austria offers the Kitzbühel Spring Games, featuring events like the Pool Slide Contest and the Masters of Swing, blending skiing with golf. Ischgl in Austria wraps up the season with a high-energy performance by The Black Eyed Peas at the Top of the Mountain Closing Concert, while Megeve in France offers a cultural twist with the Les Formes de la Forêt wood art exhibition. These events offer a fun and diverse way to bid farewell to the winter season amidst the snowy mountains.