March
> Rock The Pistes, 15–21
Rock The Pistes returns to the Portes du Soleil with afternoon outdoor gigs performed free of charge at resorts around the huge Franco-Swiss ski region.
> World Cup Finals, Meribel, 16–22
The big ending celebration of the World Cup season takes place at the heart of Les 3 Vallées this year when the most successful racers wind up the competitive season and decide who’s top dog.
> The Brits, Tignes, 21–28
The longest-running winter festival, staged since 1989, is back in Tignes with its successful mix of world-class freestyle competition and fun partying. The 2015 line-up will include resident DJs Kommissar and Tony B.
> Snowboxx, Alpe d’Huez, 21–28
The affordable and laidback Snowboxx festival (accommodation, lift pass and festival ticket from little more than the cost of a lift pass at £229) moves from Andorra to the excellent Alpe d’Huez this season. snowboxx.com
> Altitude Comedy Festival, 23–27
What better stage for this perfect mix of boarding, comedy and music than in one of Tirol’s leading resorts, Mayrhofen. This year’s headliners are Bill Bailey and Sean Lock. altitudefestival.com
> Xtreme Verbier, 28
Every year, Verbier hosts the much anticipated final of Freeride World. With competitors descending treacherous narrow passages and extreme slopes on the legendary north face, the Bec des Rosses is the ultimate playground for the best freeriders on the planet. freerideworldtour.com
April
> Black Weekend, 3–6
Wild off-piste skiing, gear testing, tartiflette or a “hot dog” (a dual track of mogul skiing) organised by the brand Black Crows skis, it has to be Chamonix’s infamous Black Weekend. As for music there are three stages of which two are at high altitude and 20 live performances and DJ sets.
> Snowbombing, Mayrhofen
The biggest music festival, Snowbombing, returns to the Austrian Tirol for its annual takeover of Mayrhofen, always one of the best bets for the biggest acts and parties. snowbombing.com
> The White Thrill, St Anton, 18
This end-of-season free-for-all spectacular sees 555 participants race down 9km of unprepared slopes, over 1,300m of vertical, including 150m uphill.
May
> Top of the Mountain
Ischgl’s season-ending Top of the Mountain concert always secures the biggest star to hit the slopes each season for their final weekend at the start of the month. Last winter it was Robbie Williams – who will it be for 2015? ischgl.com