When it comes to big rock and pop stars performing in the Alps, Ischgl has long been the first place you think of with their famed Top of the mountain concerts, which used to close out their season in May, but now start their season too whilst the end has grown into a month long festival.
They now have competition from Schladming however, which began its season last winter with two nights of Robbie Williams performing. This year they've announced plans to go one better with a three night opening festival featuring three pop and rock stars playing successive evenings. They hope that'll attract 45,000 people to stay and ski there.
Bryan Adams, Sting and Simply Red attended a launch event for what is being billed as the 'Ski Opening - The Grand Festival' from 6-8 December.
Bryan Adams will open the series of concerts on Friday, 6 December. He will perform his hits as well as songs from his new album, which he wrote during the pandemic. Sting will then perform some of his hits with his new band on Saturday 7 December. Simply Red's Mick Hucknall is celebrating his 40th stage anniversary and will be going on tour so fans can get a foretaste on 8 December in Schladming.
Special packages including tickets and accommodation in the region are available directly from Schladming-Dachstein: www.schladming-dachstein.at/skiopening