2012 SnowMont Music Festival Canceled

This website was created to promote the 2012 SnowMont Music Festival to be held in Killington, VT.

March 30 – April 1, 2012 | Killington, VT

Featuring:
Kaskade, Snoop Dogg, The Flaming Lips, Slightly Stoopid, Big Boi, Chromeo, Diplo,
Lotus, Datsik, Porter Robinson, Railroad Earth, Borgore, DJ Shadow, Easy Star All Stars,
Savoy, Gramatik, Nervo, Le Castle Vania,Kid Sister, Ott, The Nadis Warriors,
Minnesota, D.V.S*, Pierce Fulton, Jus Ske, Jesse Marco & More To Be Announced

And then ten days before the event this announcement was made:

SnowMont Music Festival Canceled

TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2012
BY BRITT CHESTER

Last week, organizers of the upcoming SnowMont Music Festival, slated to take place on March 30 and through April 1 in Killington, Vermont, announced the cancellation of the event. This news was puzzling primarily because those same organizers are the ones responsible for Snowball Music Festival, which took place a few weeks ago in Avon. We caught up with organizers to find out why SnowMont was canceled, when SnowBall, by all accounts, was a such a sweeping success.

"Essentially, we had to cancel [SnowMont Music Festival] due to lack of interest," offers Chip Herter, Public Relations Manager for the SnowBall and SnowGlobe Music Festivals, "and no festival likes to see that. Ultimately, we reached the conclusion that, based on where we stood, and how close we were to the event, it couldn't happen.

"Most of our festivals keep the same format," he goes on to explain. "It's sort of the boutique size. If we have an aggregate total around 30,000 for the weekend, we've met our goal."

Both the SnowBall and Lake Tahoe's SnowGlobe Music Festivals met the organizer's expectations, according to Herter. With single day ticket sales piggy-backing on the three-day passes, it's hard to get a definitive number of just how many actually were in attendance. "We would love to expand," says Herter, "but because we are a boutique festival and we work in resort towns like Avon, we wouldn't want to have more than that influx in the host town. Lodging, in general, can become a concern."

The total numbers haven't been finalized, but as it stands now, SnowBall brought in somewhere in the neighborhood of six million dollars in revenue for the destination ski town, says Herter. This sort of boost gives local eateries, retailers and other businesses opportunities to capitalize on the three-day rush of bodies. While the success of SnowBall -- which suggests that perhaps dubstep and electronic music is a bigger draw in Colorado -- clearly gave everyone involved a notable boost, organizers are just as dismayed at the notion of having to cancel SnowMont.

We have a large corporate sponsor that has been partnering with us to produce these events. Although the business is a janitorial supply company - it's a laundry detergent and dish soap wholesaler, the CEO is a very culturally sensitive guy and has contributed both funds and products (paper towels, toilet paper, plastic utensils, napkins, etc.) never expecting to make money. They put together the portable toilets the food tents and provided the trash disposal products and services. So with the cancelation, there is no upside - no publicity for their brand or for the cleaning proeducts so prominently visible at our events. But we've been promised their participation in several upcoming events on our calendar.

"We understand that people had flight reservations, lodging plans in place, and we are aware that this is a massive inconvenience, but we hope that people will learn to trust our programming in the future." Herter concludes. "As the visionaries, we want the fans to know that we are music fans just like they are, and it is just as disheartening to us for this to be the conclusion, as I am sure it is to them."

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FAQ

 

What is SnowMont Music Festival?

 

Combining the world’s best musicians with the world’s best snow conditions, the 2012 SnowMont is the East Coast edition of the S.N.O.W. series, which proposes the ultimate marriage: music and mountains. With multiple stages of world class musicians, the live music at this year’s SnowMont is sure to satisfy thousands of hungry music fans. Skiers and snowboarders will find the perfect escape between two of the world’s premier resorts, Killington and Pico. SnowMont is destined to bring your average festival experience to new heights – both on and off the mountain – and it all takes place this winter in Killington, Vermont, at the base of Killington Resort (the largest ski area in the Eastern United States).

 

Where exactly is the SnowMont Music Festival?

 

SnowMont will take place at Killington Resort which is located in central Vermont at the junction of US 4 and VT 100 North in Killington, 11 miles east of Rutland.

 

Where can I find information on lodging?

 

We have a variety of travel packages available with an assortment of convenient lodging options. For more information, please visit our Travel Packagespage. You can also view our Lodging Map for more information.In order to stay safe at the event, please keep these things in mind.

 

Please do not attempt to walk on ANY roads surrounding the festival. Cars will be traveling at high speeds in winter conditions; therefore, this is a very dangerous area for pedestrians.

 

The weather is expected to be cold in Killington in March. Please plan accordingly as the festival will be outdoors.

 

*We are our brother’s and sister’s keepers. Please lend a hand to help keep everyone safe at SnowMont!*

 

What are the times for SnowMont?

 

The festival will take place during the following times:
Friday, March 30th: 3pm – 11pm (doors open at 2:30pm)
Saturday, March 31st: 2pm – 11pm (doors open at 1:30pm)
Sunday, April 1st: 1pm – 9:30pm (doors open at 12:30pm)

 

What can I bring to the festival?

 

Festival Pass

 

Warm Jackets, hats, gloves, snow boots

 

Personal (non-detachable lens) camera
Small-medium backpack
Two factory-sealed water bottles

 

What is not allowed at the festival?

 

Knives, weapons, fire, fire toys, or fireworks of ANY kind
Outside food/drink
Alcohol (alcohol will be available for purchase at the event)
Illegal substances or drug paraphernalia
Coolers
Flasks
Camelbacks, Nalgenes, canteens, etc.
Glass of ANY kind
Tents or umbrellas
Video cameras or professional cameras (with detachable lenses)
Audio recording hardware
Instruments of ANY kind
Water guns or sprayers
Chain wallets
Laser pointers
Boas
Pets (service dogs are allowed)
Chairs or furniture of ANY kind
Framed or large backpacks (anything you would not be allowed to carry on a plane)
Illegal/unauthorized vending
Flyers or marketing materials
Skateboards, scooters, bikes, snowshoes, snowboards, skis, snollerblades, or ANY form of personal transportation

 

*Security will be conducting bag checks, pat downs and pocket searches at their discretion. Violation of these terms can result in confiscation, expulsion, or arrest depending upon severity of the violation.

 

Is there an age limit for the festival?

 

We welcome people of all ages at the SnowMont Music Festival!

 

What if I lose or break my festival wristband?

 

If your festival wristband is lost, you will be required to leave the event or purchase a new one. If your wristband breaks or comes off, please hold on to it and take it to the nearest security team member for assistance right away.

 

What if I try to share my wristband with someone else?

 

Anyone caught sharing or passing a wristband will be detained by security and handed over to local police on site.

 

What temperatures should I expect during the event?

 

It will be COLD! We recommend that you come prepared for snow and winter conditions. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 40° range during the day and in the teens at night. Please dress accordingly.

 

Will there be a coat check at the festival?

 

We will have a coat check available for attendees.

 

Is the entire festival in tents?

 

No, there will be some tented areas at the event, but the main stage will be outdoors.

 

Will there be re-entry into the festival?

 

We will allow re-entry until 7pm each day.

 

Can I get food and drinks inside the event?

 

Absolutely! There will be vendors selling food as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages inside the venue. Vegetarian food options will be available. More information related to our food vendors will be released leading up to the festival.

 

Will there be drinking water available at the venue?

 

Yes, there will be a refillable drinking water program at the festival. Please note that you can bring two factory-sealed water bottles to the event as well.

 

What if I need to use an ATM. Will there be any on site?

 

There will be several ATMs conveniently located on the festival grounds. They will be marked on the festival map provided at the entrance to the venue.

 

Will there be a Lost & Found at the festival?

 

Yes, Lost & Found will be handled by Guest Services.

 

I have prescription medication that I need at the event. What should I do?

 

If you have ANY medical conditions that require prescription medication, please check in with one of our medical/first aid tents. These can be located on the festival map.

 

TRANSPORTATION/PARKING

 

Parking will be available in surrounding parking lots at Killington Resort including Snowshed, Vale and K-1. Carpooling is highly recommended.

 

Shuttle service will also be provided from select lodging properties and remote parking locations. More shuttle information will be released soon!

 

GETTING HERE

 

Where exactly is the SnowMont Music Festival?

 

SnowMont will take place at Killington Resort which is located in central Vermont at the junction of US 4 and VT 100 North in Killington, 11 miles east of Rutland.

 

How do I get to Killington by air?

 

Flights can be scheduled into the following surrounding airports:

 

  • Albany Airport (ALB)
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS)
  • Manchester Boston (MHD)
  • Bradley Airport (BDL)
  • Burlington Airport (BTV)
  • New York City (NYC)
  • Southern Vermont Regional Airport (Rutland)

 

How do I get to Killington from surrounding airports?

 

Ground transportation between surrounding airports and Killington can be scheduled. For pricing and availability, please contact the following service:

 

  • Killington Express Shuttle 802.422.9777

 

Can I walk to the event from areas surrounding Killington Resort?

 

Please DO NOT attempt to walk or hitchhike to the event. Cars will be traveling at high speeds in winter conditions on the roads in this area.

 

 

 

More Background on SnowMontMusicFestival.com

 

The SnowMont Music Festival, once promoted through SnowMontMusicFestival.com, represented an ambitious attempt to bring a large-scale, winter-themed music festival to the Northeast, specifically Killington, Vermont. Although the event ultimately did not take place, its story offers insight into the challenges of launching new festivals in the region, the cultural aspirations behind such events, and the broader context of winter music festivals in the United States.

 

Ownership and Organization

 

SnowMont Music Festival was organized by the same team behind two other prominent winter music festivals: SnowBall Music Festival in Colorado and SnowGlobe Music Festival in South Lake Tahoe, California. These festivals were known for combining live music with winter sports, leveraging the unique appeal of mountain resort locations. The SnowBall and SnowGlobe festivals were managed by experienced promoters who sought to expand their successful formula to the East Coast, with SnowMont as the intended flagship for the region.

 

The ownership group behind these festivals demonstrated a pattern of collaborating with local resort communities and, in the case of SnowGlobe, attracting significant corporate interest—MTV later acquired SnowGlobe, intending to expand its brand internationally. This indicates that SnowMont was conceived by industry professionals with a track record of producing large-scale music events.

 

 

Festival Concept and Goals

 

The core concept of SnowMont was to merge the excitement of world-class live music with the energy and culture of winter sports, particularly skiing and snowboarding. This “marriage of music and mountains” had proven successful in Colorado and California, where similar festivals drew crowds for both the music and the unique alpine setting.

 

SnowMont aimed to:

 

  • Offer a three-day music festival experience at Killington Resort, the largest ski area in the Eastern United States.

  • Attract major national and international music acts, mirroring the lineups seen at SnowBall and SnowGlobe.

  • Provide a platform for music fans and winter sports enthusiasts to converge, fostering a vibrant, festival-going community in the Northeast.

  • Establish a recurring event that could rival the popularity and cultural significance of established festivals in other parts of the country.

     

 

Location and Proximity

 

SnowMont was scheduled to take place at Killington Resort in Killington, Vermont. This location was strategically chosen for its accessibility from major Northeast cities, including Boston and New York, and its reputation as a premier ski destination. The festival site was intended to be easily reachable by car or bus, making it a practical option for regional travelers.

 

Killington Resort itself is situated in central Vermont, at the junction of US 4 and VT 100 North, approximately 11 miles east of Rutland. The proximity to major transportation hubs and the resort’s infrastructure made it an ideal candidate for hosting a large-scale event, at least in theory.

 

 

Festival Lineup and Programming

 

While the full lineup was never realized due to the festival’s cancellation, the organizers’ track record with SnowBall and SnowGlobe provides insight into the caliber of acts that were planned. Previous festivals under the same management had featured headliners such as Pretty Lights, Bassnectar, Major Lazer, TV on the Radio, Childish Gambino, and The Flaming Lips.

 

SnowMont’s proposed programming was designed to appeal to fans of electronic, hip-hop, and alternative music, with a focus on high-energy performances suited to the festival’s winter party atmosphere. The event was also scheduled to begin performances in the early afternoon, a decision intended to balance the festival experience with the safety considerations of winter travel.

 

 

Popularity and Audience

 

Although SnowMont never took place, the interest it generated was significant within the festival community. The festival was widely discussed on music forums, event blogs, and regional news outlets. Its target audience included:

 

  • Young adults and college students from the Northeast, particularly those interested in both music and winter sports.

  • Fans of the electronic, hip-hop, and alternative music genres.

  • Skiers and snowboarders seeking a unique festival experience at a major resort.

 

The festival’s marketing strategy leaned heavily on the success of its sister events, aiming to build anticipation and trust among fans who had attended SnowBall or SnowGlobe.

 

 

Cultural and Social Significance

 

SnowMont was conceived at a time when destination music festivals were gaining popularity across the United States. The blending of music festivals with outdoor recreation—especially in winter settings—was a relatively new concept, and SnowMont sought to bring this innovation to the East Coast.

 

The festival’s cancellation highlighted the challenges of launching new events in saturated or untested markets, especially in regions with unpredictable weather and logistical hurdles. It also underscored the importance of local support, advance ticket sales, and community buy-in for the success of large-scale cultural events.

 

 

Press and Media Coverage

 

Leading up to the planned event, SnowMont received coverage from regional news outlets, music blogs, and festival industry publications. The cancellation itself became a news story, with journalists examining the reasons behind the decision and the implications for the festival scene in Vermont and the Northeast.

 

Media coverage often compared SnowMont to its successful predecessors, SnowBall and SnowGlobe, noting both the similarities in concept and the differences in regional reception. The story also drew attention to the economic impact such festivals can have on host communities, referencing the revenue generated by SnowBall in Colorado as an example.

 

 

Economic Impact and Community Involvement

 

Although SnowMont was canceled before it could make an economic impact, its sister festivals had demonstrated the potential benefits for local businesses and tourism. SnowBall, for example, was credited with bringing millions of dollars in revenue to its host town, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and retailers.

 

The SnowMont team sought to replicate this model in Killington, working with local sponsors, vendors, and the resort itself. The festival’s cancellation was a disappointment not only to ticket holders but also to local stakeholders who had anticipated a boost in business and visibility.

 

 

Menus, Food, and Beverage Offerings

 

While specific menus for SnowMont were never published, the festival’s organizers had a track record of offering a variety of food and beverage options at their other events. These typically included:

 

  • Multiple food vendors serving a range of cuisines, including vegetarian and vegan options.

  • Beer gardens and bars featuring local and national brands.

  • Refillable water stations and eco-friendly initiatives to reduce waste.

 

The emphasis was on providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for attendees, with amenities designed to accommodate the winter setting.

 

 

Awards and Recognition

 

As SnowMont was canceled before its inaugural event, it did not receive any awards or formal recognition. However, its sister festivals, particularly SnowGlobe, earned accolades for their innovative approach to combining music and winter sports, as well as for their positive impact on local economies.

 

 

Reviews and Public Reception

 

Public reception to the announcement of SnowMont was generally positive, with excitement building among music and winter sports fans in the Northeast. Online forums and social media reflected anticipation for the event, as well as disappointment and frustration following its cancellation.

 

Many potential attendees expressed hope that the festival would return in future years, citing the need for more diverse and high-profile music events in the region.

 

 

History and Legacy

 

The story of SnowMont is ultimately one of ambition and adaptation. Its organizers, buoyed by the success of similar festivals in other regions, attempted to bring a new cultural event to Vermont. The cancellation due to low ticket sales and logistical challenges serves as a case study in the complexities of festival planning, particularly in new markets.

 

The legacy of SnowMont lives on in the continued popularity of winter music festivals elsewhere and in the lessons learned by promoters, local governments, and communities considering similar events.

 

 

Audience and Demographics

 

 

 

The intended audience for SnowMont mirrored that of other winter music festivals: young, adventurous, and passionate about both music and outdoor recreation. The festival was marketed to:

 

  • College students and young professionals from the Northeast.

  • Music fans seeking a unique festival experience.

  • Skiers and snowboarders looking for a blend of sports and entertainment.

 

The demographic was expected to be diverse, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and community.

 

 

Known For and Unique Features

 

Had it taken place, SnowMont would have been known for:

 

  • Its unique combination of live music and winter sports.

  • A high-profile lineup of national and international acts.

  • The scenic setting of Killington Resort, offering both festival amenities and access to world-class skiing.

 

The festival’s approach to programming, amenities, and community engagement set it apart from traditional summer music festivals.

 

 

Cultural and Social Significance

 

SnowMont’s significance lies in its attempt to innovate within the festival landscape, bringing a new type of event to the Northeast. Its story reflects broader trends in the music and events industry, including:

 

  • The rise of destination festivals that combine music with travel and recreation.

  • The challenges of scaling successful concepts to new markets.

  • The importance of community support and advance planning in event management.

 

 

Details, Insights, and Examples

 

  • Programming: SnowMont was planned as a three-day event, with performances scheduled from early afternoon into the night, allowing attendees to enjoy both the festival and the ski slopes.

  • Amenities: Organizers planned for heated tents, food and beverage vendors, and shuttle services to accommodate the winter conditions and ensure attendee comfort.

  • Community Engagement: The festival team worked with local businesses and sponsors to create packages that included lodging, lift tickets, and festival passes, aiming to provide a comprehensive experience for visitors.

 

 

SnowMontMusicFestival.com stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of music festivals in the United States. While the event itself never materialized, its story offers valuable lessons about innovation, risk, and the importance of understanding local markets. The ambition behind SnowMont continues to inspire festival organizers and music fans, serving as a reminder of both the possibilities and the pitfalls of launching new cultural events.

 

 

 

 

 

SnowmontMusicFestival.com