Snow Ball Music Festival kicks off festival season this weekend with three days against the gorgeous backdrop of Vail Valley, CO. A precursor to Coachella, Sasquatch, Ultra, and other upcoming music festivals, Snow Ball will feature a mix of well-known headliners as well as up-and-coming acts, including several Colorado-based bands.

Many of the local bands billed for Snow Ball, including Candy Claws, The Chain Gang of 1974 and Gauntlet Hair, have received notable national attention over the past year. Festival planner Latane Hughes says local acts will play a large role in Snow Ball’s inaugural year.

. “Snowdrift Wish” – Candy Claws

“The local talent is the soul of this festival,” he said. “We are depending on them to help us inspire and inform music lovers all over Colorado of this first year festival, and [we’re] also excited to have them bring their locally renowned live performances to a national crowd.”

Festival creator Chad Donnelly said his vision was to create a unique festival experience where attendees could experience both the music and the location.

“From the beginning, the idea was to really bridge the mountains and the music,” Donnelly said. “We are an entirely different type of festival across the board. The winter environment provides a backdrop unlike any other festival in the US. From skiing and snowboarding during the day, to the late night parties in the evening, I truly believe this experience will prove to be totally unique from start to finish.”

While festival goers are encouraged to plan for the chilly, unpredictable weather, Snow Ball will feature two covered and heated outdoor stages and one main stage, the “Dance Dome.”

“We have some really cool activation planned for the space, things that wouldn’t normally work during the summer months because of the temperatures.”

To see the full Snow Ball Music Fest lineup and to purchase tickets, visit here.

Written by Brianna Hernandez