The second edition of the Slopesound Festival brought vibrant energy to the slopes and festival tent, even as wind and rain swept through Saanenmöser. With international live acts, improved infrastructure, and a remarkable level of volunteer dedication, the festival struck a chord with music lovers. Still, the organisers see room to grow, particularly when it comes to attendance.

A Strong Showing for Slopesound’s Second Round
Despite challenging weather conditions, the organisers of the Slopesound Festival reported a positive outcome as the event returned for its second year. Enhanced infrastructure and a diverse music line-up added to the festival’s appeal. However, as the team revealed in an interview, there's still potential to grow the audience.

From 14 to 16 March 2025, the Saanenmöser ski area again transformed into a unique mountaintop music venue. With 17 live acts and several DJs, the festival delivered a rich variety of sounds. The line-up included international old-school hip-hop favourites like the US-based “Delinquent Habits” and Sweden’s “Looptroop Rockers”, alongside elements of rock and reggae. A standout performance came from “Samora”, a Dutch singer who captivated the crowd with her high-energy blend of reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeat. Also featured were the lively “Saint City Orchestra” and “Seraina Telli”, adding even more flavour to the programme.

Stormy Skies and Logistical Triumphs
This year’s festival faced some challenging weather: wind and rain tested both the infrastructure and the team behind the event. Yet, essential improvements had been made compared to last year, particularly in weatherproofing. The main tent offered better shelter, significantly enhancing guest comfort.

Despite the tireless efforts of the organisers – many of whom worked on a volunteer basis – the event wasn’t sold out, according to festival spokesperson Nicolas Zürcher, who took on media responsibilities this year, around 400 to 500 guests attended each evening. However, getting an accurate headcount was tricky: during the day, ski pass holders could access the slope-side concerts for free, with ticketing only in place for evening events in the main area.

A Labour of Love – and a Technical Feat
Pulling off a festival in an alpine setting is no small feat, says Zürcher. “We began planning in September and needed about six or seven meetings to bring it all together. We aim to be young and dynamic,” he added. Zürcher, who is also a DJ, contributed to the festival’s vibe by performing from atop a piste groomer.

A visual highlight? A giant 126-kilogram disco ball suspended from a gondola dazzled spectators throughout the weekend. “That thing is seriously heavy,” confirmed Nick Krebs, the festival’s technical lead. Another crowd-pleaser was the Pistenbully Party, where DJs spun tracks from a snowcat while skiers and snowboarders followed the beat down the mountain.

Rooted in the Region, with a Diverse Audience
Most festivalgoers hailed from the local area – particularly Saanenland, Thun, and Bern. “That tells us the festival resonates with people in the region,” said Zürcher. Krebs agreed: “The mix of winter sports and live music creates a special atmosphere that guests really enjoy.”

Supporting emerging talent is a key part of the festival’s identity. The organisers intentionally choose artists who operate outside the mainstream, giving the event an authentic and distinctive edge. “That’s what sets Slopesound apart,” Zürcher noted.

While this year’s edition wasn’t a sell-out, and weather conditions were far from ideal, the overall takeaway was optimistic. “People loved the different mountain venues, the upgraded infrastructure, and the diverse music programme. Our volunteers, who gave so much of their time and energy, should be proud,” Zürcher concluded.

Based on AvS | EOP

Next year's event will take place on the weekend of March 13–15, 2026. Meanwhile, visit www.slopesound.ch for more info.