Rise Festival 2025

Scheduled to mark its 10th anniversary from December 7th-14th, Rise Festival is set to return to the beautiful, snow-laden village of Les Deux Alpes in France, reinforcing its reputation as the “celebration at the summit of the world.” Recognized as the largest independent ski festival globally, Rise Festival will present a week brimming with remarkable programming packed with skiing, snowboarding, and state-of-the-art music alongside international sounds, offering the ultimate winter music journey.

Boasting three primary stages, five indoor locations, and one repurposed warehouse, Rise Festival is set to welcome attendees from more than 60 different countries for its nearly sold-out ski festival destination. Each day will feature a fresh snowy escapade accompanied by the sounds of Chase & Status, Gorgon City, Sub Focus, Sammy Virji, Hedex, Fish56Octagon, blk., Arielle Free, Duskus, Riordan, Azzecca, and others.

Alongside the slopes and musical experiences, Rise Festival will provide attendees with exceptional culinary adventures. Participants can reserve a table for “Lunch In The Clouds” at the on-site Le Diable au Cœur restaurant, situated on the mountainside with stunning views. A visit to France wouldn’t be complete without indulging in cheese, so attendees can also secure a spot at the Hommage au Frommage, the ultimate cheese gathering, featuring fondue, raclette, and cheery tunes in an underground dairy cave.

“Rise is like a festival where you craft your own narrative,” Jamie Thomson, the owner of Rise Festival shares. “One moment, you’re grooving under the celestial sky while snow drapes around you, enjoying your beloved artist at the primary stage. The next, you find yourself in a cheese cave relishing fondue with an acoustic guitarist performing timeless classics. Perhaps you’re the early bird tackling paragliding, gliding through the mountains, or snowshoeing amongst the forest filled with Christmas trees. The possibilities are limitless.”

If that’s not enough, there’s also paragliding, aerial helicopter rides, and mountain biking, making it hard to squeeze in some rest amidst all the excitement.

To gear up for this snowy festive celebration, we reached out to Rise Festival founder Jamie Thomson and several artists celebrating this year’s 10th anniversary for their personal tips, must-haves, and can’t-miss events.

What are three must-have items to bring for Rise Festival?

For me, my three must-have items would include my balaclava (essential for me, no matter the weather lol), gloves (also vital — I’m Irish, so you know), and of course my phone or camera as I strive to capture as many moments as I can, particularly on the slopes. For me, one of my favorite activities since I attended last year’s Rise Festival is skiing – it truly ranks among the top experiences I’ve had while on tour.

What’s your best survival tip for a ski festival?

Dress in layers. It can get really cold, especially at night, so at minimum, thermal socks, thermal underwear both top and bottom, plus a cozy hat or beanie are my top suggestions! And, of course, lots of dancing aids too.

Which artist’s performance are you most excited for and why?

For me, it’s Fish56Octagon. He’s a remarkably talented artist creating sounds that he has curated brilliantly over the years and he’s always unpredictable, never fails to impress wherever you catch him live. Additionally, Hannah Laing is simply the GOAT and one of my close friends who consistently impresses.

What recommendation would you give to a first-time skier or those who can ski but haven’t attended a skiing festival before?

I’d strongly suggest taking your ski lessons and truly listening to the instructor as best as you can. It can be quite daunting heading up the slopes for the first time and mishaps can easily occur, but I can undoubtedly say that I felt very confident after my lessons and I absolutely cannot wait to head back up for the second round next month!

You performed at Rise Festival last year, what do you believe is the festival’s standout feature that sets it apart?

The energy and the overall ambiance of the location and setting. Honestly, being amidst the snow was unlike any experience I’ve had before. It felt like a different realm up there. Having my closest friends around also made it even sweeter. It surely was an unforgettable adventure and we plan to make this year’s event even more remarkable.

What are three must-have items to bring for Rise Festival?

Hats are a must for any festival, especially one in the mountains. It’s a total nightmare to choose a fun one that isn’t too hot inside the tents but offers some warmth outside! Quite a tricky balance indeed.

Comfortable footwear. If it’s not too snowy outside then I’d choose comfort over grip, especially if I’m going to be dancing for hours on end!

On a serious note, always carry earplugs to a festival. Once hearing is damaged, you can’t get it back! The basic foam ones are a bit inadequate, so for a modest price increase, you can invest in something durable. You’d definitely spend £30 to restore your hearing when you’re older, so why not protect it while you still have the chance?

What’s your ultimate advice for weathering a ski festival?

Showing my age a bit here, but ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day and night. I can easily become dehydrated when I spend the entire day boarding. If I drink at night and dance for hours, it can lead to a dreadful start the following day — I’ve been there too often and it can ruin the fun. Staying hydrated is simple!

Which set are you most looking forward to seeing and why?

Declan Knapp – he’s an emerging talent who demonstrates a mastery of deep bass. Future garage/house vibes that are absolutely phenomenal! I genuinely want to catch so many acts because the lineup is exceptional and I enjoy various styles of dance music. There’s everything from garage, house, hard techno, and DnB… catering to everyone. But it’s also enjoyable to explore an act or two that you haven’t heard of before and discover something new.

What song are you listening to while skiing down the slopes at Rise Festival?

“Out Of Control” by The Chemical Brothers. I admit that’s slightly biased since I’ve been boarding for 25 years – I’m not reckless, haha. Something like No Geography by The Chemical Brothers, full of tracks that are easy to listen to or sing along with while having a strong beat. I prefer something that isn’t too heavy or deep while boarding, or I lose focus and go off course or something.

What are three essential items to pack for Rise Festival?

A thermal bodysuit with fleece lining. The thin ones that fit snugly yet keep you warm. You can wear them under your ski gear by day and then peel off layers and use it on the dance floor at the rave that same night. Saves packing an extra warm outfit each night.

A crucial accessory is something to warm the ears. This could be an oversized fuzzy hat (chances are you have one from Glastonbury this year), an adorable headband to match every outfit, or a balaclava suited for the head with face cutouts, ensuring everyone sees your dance face while keeping your ears warm.

A reflective ski helmet. I noticed some people had created matching helmets at the last Rise Festival, sparkling against the snowy backdrop and glittering under the festival lights. This requires some creativity and effort but is worth every moment!

What is your best advice for thriving at a ski festival?

Always remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint; those spiced wines hit harder at high altitudes. Take time to enjoy raclette and a quick dip in a hot tub or sauna after hitting the slopes to prepare for the nighttime parties at the festival.

Which artist’s performance are you most excited to see and why?

You absolutely cannot miss Oppidan at my Freeze Your Mind Party on Monday; a mix of garage music amid snow-capped mountains is bound to be electrifying. Azzecca, A-Trip, and Beth are also essential acts to see before they become the headliners of next year. A-Trip is creating euphoric house with a soul touch, Azzecca brings an edgy acid house style, and Beth has made a name for herself with her dynamic and spirited classic house tracks, gaining praise from the likes of Peggy Gou, Capriati, and others. Of course, don’t miss my performances at both the Muzelle and Pano Bar. I’ve been busy crafting a lot of new music and will feature astonishing releases from my Free Your Mind label this year. Expect Latin hits and bass-heavy beats!

What song resonates with you while skiing down the slopes at Rise Festival?

“Control” featuring myself and Be Charlotte. It’s uplifting, emotional, and has an exhilarating synth that’ll push you fast as you race across the snow.

What are three essential items to pack for Rise Festival?

My USB drive, headphones, and ear plugs!!!!

What is your top tip for surviving a ski festival?

Pack ample layers and stay hydrated.

Which artist’s performance are you looking forward to the most and why?

That’s a tough choice; the lineup is fantastic! However, for me, Palms Trax is a definite must-see every time I can catch him.

What song are you playing while skiing down the slopes at Rise Festival?

I’ve been obsessed with the K-lone remix of Shanti Celeste’s “Ice Cream Dream Boy,” so I’d probably be listening to that on repeat.

What are three essential items to pack for Rise Festival?

My USB, my snowboard, and swimming shorts for the hot tub post-ski are essentials.

What is your top survival tip for a ski festival?

Don’t stay out until the music concludes and think you can rise early to catch the first lift the next day. Choose either one. I learned that lesson the hard way on the first day after Bicep last year.

Who are you most excited to see and why?

Riordan. Always good to support yourself.

What advice would you give to a novice skier or someone who skied before but hasn’t been to a skiing festival?

I’ve actually been snowboarding since I was around 13 and have skied a few times as a child prior to that. Snowboarding is arguably my strongest sport. I aim to go on at least one trip each year with friends or family; I love it. My advice for beginners is to prepare for some bumps and acknowledge that the learning curve can be slower compared to skiing. But it’s the best decision you can make and worth every bruise.

Having performed at Rise Festival last year, what do you think is the festival’s standout feature?

It perfectly combines two of my favorite passions – DJing and snowboarding. This makes it a heavenly experience for me. Getting to snowboard alongside DJs and friends whom I typically don’t hit the slopes with adds to the specialness. It was undoubtedly a highlight of 2023 for me and a fantastic year-end celebration. I’m thrilled to do it all again.

What does it mean to celebrate a decade of “partying atop the world” this December?

It’s an amazing honor and a significant achievement for an independent festival. It serves as a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our team and everyone who has been part of this journey through the years. We’re all extremely proud of our accomplishments, and this year we’ve orchestrated an unforgettable week to commemorate it.

Share details about the food at Rise Festival, particularly the “Lunch In The Clouds” experience.

These offerings stem from our passion for culinary delights and music. One of the highlights is the extraordinary Le Diable au Cœur restaurant, situated on the mountainside with breathtaking views. We aimed to create an exceptional offering for our guests: a dining experience that merges stunning vistas, gourmet cuisine, and live music. Envision enjoying a fine meal with a live saxophonist and vocalist providing the soundtrack—it’s genuinely unforgettable. Additionally, there’s the Hommage au Frommage, often referred to as the cheesiest celebration on earth. Featuring fondue, raclette, and upbeat music in a subterranean cheese cave. This has become my personal favorite experience at Rise!

What are three necessary items to bring for Rise Festival?

That’s a breeze: lots of socks, boot dryers, and sunglasses.

What is your primary advice for thriving at a ski festival?

Maintain a balance between skiing (snow), partying (music), and adventure (like paragliding), and ensure you don’t overlook the importance of sleep.

What are three indispensable items to pack for Rise Festival?

⁠I adore everything produced by Oakley, especially their eyewear, so my Oakley Ski Goggles are a must. Naturally, my USB drive and headphones are essential as well.

What essential tip do you have for dealing with a ski festival?

Sunblock is vital. The last time I went skiing, I somehow ended up getting badly sunburned. I can’t let that happen again.

Whose performance are you most excited to see and why?

There are so many outstanding acts this year. It’s hard to select just one. ATRIP and I recently had a great B2B at WHP and I’m looking forward to supporting Sammy Virji next week at his shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco. I released a track with the Joy Anon crew a few months back. Mall Grab is someone I’ve been eager to see for a while, so he’s definitely one to check out.

What advice would you give to a first-time skier or someone familiar with skiing but who hasn’t attended a skiing festival before?

I highly suggest taking ski lessons and paying close attention to your instructor. It can be quite intimidating to ascend the slopes for the first time and mishaps are common, but I can guarantee that I felt substantially more confident following my lessons and I’m eagerly anticipating my return next month for round two!

You performed at Rise Festival last year, what would you say is the best aspect of this festival that makes it unique?

The atmosphere and overall vibe of the environment and location. To be honest, being in the mountains was unlike any experience I’ve had before. It felt as if I had entered another realm. Having my nearest friends with me was the cherry on top. It truly was an unforgettable journey and we’re aiming to make this year’s gathering even more special.

What song do you find yourself listening to while carving down the slopes at Rise Festival?

It’s definitely “Cherry Pie” by Underworld. It’s simply the ideal track to ski to as it’s lengthy and progressive.