Ischgl (ischgl.com)have announced their Festival Opening Week details from 23 November 2012.
The famous Austrian party town makes a big deal of its opening – in late November, and closing, in early May, by bringing in pop and rock stars to play free concerts for ticket holders. Stars to perform have included Rihanna, Kylie, Katy Perry and Elton (twice).
It's all designed to highlight just how snowsure Ischgl is.
That was a challenge a year ago during the ultra warm autumn 2011, but Ischgl spent a reputed €1m on snowmaking and opened on time, while Europe's highest resort, Val Thorens, had to postpone their planned November opening.
So this year the highlight of the Festival Opening Week is the Top of the Mountain Opening Concert on 1 December 2012, featuring the veteran German band The Scorpions, who with 47 years of history, are the most successful German rock band ever.
"When they play their hits such as "The spirit of Rock will never die" and "Wind of Change," not only the audience will fall into a euphoric-emotional winter mood, but the Scorpions themselves, too." Said a statement from the organisers.
The Scorpions gig will be the culmination of four concerts featuring international acts played in the evenings while in the daytime Ischgl aims to open 238km of slopes at altitudes with guaranteed snow and skiing over the border to Swiss Samnaun.