Music to your ears, quite literally, as you sit amongst the mountains, taking in the sweet serenade of folk, jazz and soul music that echoes throughout. Situated in the heart of the Dolomites, in the Alpe di Siusi – South Tyrol’s notorious mountain meadow – the Swing on Snow festival is an unmatched festival for both music and ski lovers alike. An annual, well-loved event in the South Tyrol region, it is an absolute must for those who enjoy good music, exceptional skiing, luxurious hotels and regional cuisine.

Playing in the Alpe di Siusi throughout the day and moving to the resort villages of Castelrotto, Siusi, Fiè and Tires at night, the Swing on Snow festival ensures that all are entertained both on and off the slopes. The festival, taking place in South Tyrol, in the Dolomites mountains, is positioned in a UNESCO world heritage site, adding magnificent touches of natural beauty to the lively festival.

Beginning in 2005, the Swing on Snow festival takes place over a period of eight days, and has attracted jazz, folk, swing and even pop lovers from all over the globe. Alpe di Siusi remains one of the Alps’ highest pastures in Europe, expanding over a surface of 56 square metres. The pasture provides a quaint setting like no other, enabling ski and swing lovers to enjoy their two enthusiasms.

In the midst of the Alpe di Siusi, the Swing on Snow festival begins on the slopes, spurring on the exhilarated skiers racing down them, with their joyful music. At noon, the bands move throughout various ski huts, making it a stunningly unique experience, and a memorable change to a typical concert setting. A stunning visit in the winter, the Alpe di Siusi meadow is covered in a thick blanket of snow, transforming it into a marvellous winter wonderland – an idyllic setting against the Dolomite mountains, perfect for auditory pleasure. The festival is made up mostly of local bands, alongside the creation of stunning regional South Tyrolean food, which accompanies the Swing on Snow festival.

Amongst the Alpe di Siusi, providing fine cuisine for skiers who wish to sit and listen to the joyous tunes of the Swing on Snow, are various on-slope restaurants. Situated directly by the Alpe di Suisi, on the Seiser Alm, the Icaro restaurant proves popular with many, using the most in-season South Tyrolean ingredients and the finest local wines which accompany the culinary of South Tyrol and Mediterranean cuisine. Additionally, the quaint farm restaurant of Trattoria Pitschlmann also provides traditional South Tyrolean dishes, as well as a live music night and barbecue dinner every Friday.

The villages below the Alpe di Siusi also boast stunning culinary delights. Fiè allo Sciliar, for example, is home to numerous restaurants and taverns where the South Tyrolean cuisine is at the forefront. The village of Castelrotto, on the other hand, provides restaurants such as the Liftstüberl, which is renowned for its mix of Italian and German cuisine, with a stunning view of the Schlern mountain.

Wherever you choose to dine around the Alpe di Siusi, you can be sure that in the surrounding villages, you will hear the sweet sound of the bands of the Swing on snow festival, echoing through the mountainous region. You may even get to hear them up close in the evening, when the bands move to play in the resort villages.

Whilst the Alpe di Siusi itself is not a resort, rather surrounded by resorts, it is home to some stunning stand-alone luxury hotels. Five star lodging, Alder Lodge Alpe, is a unique mountain retreat situated directly on the Alpe di Suisi. The hotel is comprised of a central wooden lodge, surrounded by 12 smaller chalets. All the buildings are based on models of ancient Tyrolean mountain huts. Each chalet is equipped with a private balcony, sauna and open fire. The main lodge boasts stunning spa facilities, including a panoramic spa and infinity pool.

This is the perfect hotel for those seeking a luxury stay whilst being in the heart of the Alpe di Siusi, and who want to have full access to the unforgettable music of the Swing on Snow bands.

For those who have a passion for the finest jazz and swing music, and also who love to ski in a stunning area with fantastic slopes, the Swing on Snow festival is an unmissable eight-day retreat. Situated in one of the most incredible UNESCO world heritage sites, full of luxury hotels and dining outlets, it is truly unmissable for those who appreciate good music, fine wine and exquisite lodging experiences.