The faithful music festival is a much-loved break for millions of us, from the muddy fields of England’s Glastonbury Festival to the dry deserts of Northern Mali’s Festival In The Desert. Why not try one of the many frozen festivals that Europe offers? Swide, with a touch of personal experience, have found a couple of treats that will please your ears, cause belly ache, give you the opportunity to flex your skiing skills and befriend the frost in a new way:

Snowbombing. Mayrhofen, Austria. 

First of all, Snowbombing! Conceived in the year 2000, this week-long jumble of winter sports, music and an imaginative twist on traditional culture and can be found at the Austrian Ski Resort of Mayrhofen. It has evolved into Europe’s biggest snow and music festival to be found in the mountains and this year they promise up the ante on what was a very success 2011. With its mix of DJs old and new with a mix of live acts in there to keep the sound track to the week appealing to the masses.

You might be tricked into thinking that Snowbombing is like getting trapped in the freezer with the finest Friday night DJ blasting their beats… well, it’s not. From April 9 – 14 you’ll be working up a sweat to likes of the greats; Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, Editors and Zane Lowe have graced Snowbombing amongst many other. Whilst you are there, there are hotels, hostels and lodges to please any budget, for examples please click here.  So, if you fancy a spot of welcome mischief in one of the most beautiful spots in Europe, Snowballing is for you. For more information and pricing: www.snowbombing.com

Together Winter Music Festival. London, England. 

On the 25^th and 26^th of November, Alexandra Palace, London welcomes lovers of electronic music in all shapes and sizes. From minimal to dubstep and all that lies in between, this event has got it covered. Held in the grand shadows of Alexandra Palace, which is the perfect setting for a bout of blown out Winter beats, you are invited to show your big hands of appreciation. Headlining on Friday are the heavy beats of Chase&Status, complimented by Eric Prydz last EPIC show of the year on Saturday.

If you fancy getting involved with Together Winter Music Festival, see if you can snap up a few last tickets here: www.togetherwmf.com

Up Helly Aa. Lerwick, Shetland Islands.

Now, this is one festival that will give the start of the year a warm kick up the backside. The Up Helly Aa festival, held in Lerwick Scotland, is known as the biggest fire festival in Europe and celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian Vikings in the Shetland Islands and held on the last Tuesday of January annually. It has slowly eveolved into tradition since the 1870s and incorporates as many costumes, beards and beers as it does flaming torches.

The day of Tuesday involves marches, events and, as evening approaches, a torch lit procession and the burning of a hand crafted Galley (tradition Viking boat that the community build construct during Winter) and then dancing and (controlled) debauchery roll on in to the early hours. Luckily for the locals, Wednesday is a holiday allowing all to recover from a night of firey fun in the frozen season. If you are looking for something different and something that you definitely won’t forget then Up Helly Aa is where you should be heading in January. More information for 2012 festival can be found at www.uphellyaa.org and for accommodation www.visit.shetland.org.

Zermatt Unplugged. Zermatt, Switzerland

Perched on the Italian border in the west of Switzerland you’ll find Zermatt. The village, which rests at the foot of the most photographed mountain in the world – Matterhorn, brings the hills alive with the sound of music that pulls those in search of true sound together. The festival has featured Alanis Morrisette, Suzanne Vega and is even supported by legendary Princess Anni-Frid von Reuss, known as the A from ABBA. This year features the wonderful talents of David Gray and Seal, amongst others.

 Sina, Vernissage © Florian Aeby

What makes this festival a must go is its breathtaking location, the surroundings and the fact that you are in the heart of health spa central. So, you can cool your heels all day to the sound of Zermatt Unplugged and then, if you feel the need to warm up with a spot of pampering, check yourself into a first class health spa. For more information about this festival and hotel ideas: www.zermatt-unplugged.ch

Altitude Comedy Festival. Mayrhofen, Austria.

For those who fancy going to Mayrhofen but want to warm up with a good giggle rather than getting in a spin at Snowbombing, then the 5-day Altitude Comedy Festival will be causing laughter induced avalanches and you should get caught in the snow drift. Featuring the world’s biggest comedic talents (Jimmy Carr, Kevin Bridges, The Cuban Brothers), you won’t have a chance to feel the chill of the mountains due to the belly ache you’ll get from the quick fire comedy.

The scenery that accompanies the festival is not to be sniffed at; soaring alpine peaks, pine forests, 200 year old traditional wooden barns and snow swept views, complete the perfect package. And whilst you’re there, why not take to the slopes yourself and create a few laughs of your own (depending on your ski skills of course). Altitude combines all the luxurious elements that a frozen festival can and is begging you to become the butt of the joke. For more: www.altitudefestival.com

Seeing as you're seeing what Frozen Festivals are going on around the Europe, take a look further afield with our selection of Ice Hotels: