SNOWBOMBING. Who could say no to a dance party on Alpine terrain? Better yet, I figured out a way to do it for freesies.

 

“Figuring out a way” actually gives me way too much credit because it’s simply a matter of signing up for a long-established program that handles a lot of the bitchwork at festivals. Welcome to the not-so-fabulous but emphasis on all expense paid experience of volunteering. Or, as it is referred to here in the UK with the fancier, subservient-sounding term, stewarding.

 

What exactly does volunteering at Snowbombing entail? Naturally, this is the first question that people ask when considering the role. I, on the other hand, strapped for cash and deprived of a proper snow season this year, simply asked, “Is my snowboard rental covered too?”

 

So before we get into the boring part concerning “duties and responsibilities,” let’s just cut straight to the chase i.e. all the fun bits that’ll make you actually want to volunteer. Included in the volunteer package is a round trip journey to and from Mayrhofen in Austria, hotel accommodation, festival ticket, lift ticket, rental, and vouchers for lunch and dinner (breakfast is provided by the hotel). All of this within the context of a raging EDM music festival in the Alps.

 

 

SWEET, where do I sign up? You can navigate your way through by scrolling to the bottom of snowbombing.com and clicking on CAREERS. There’s a link for FESTIVAL STEWARD that brings you to a page with important information, especially on how to apply. Hate to strangle anyone’s hope of volunteering at Snowbombing this year, but it was pretty clear when I got the call that they’ve booked up for all the help they need. My advice is to apply early for next year and don’t expect to get lucky like me and get hired last minute.

 

I know I said I’d get into the boring part about the actual job description, but I really have no idea as I embark for the festival next week. So far, it’s been a really low-key “training” via Google Hangouts and receiving a handful of items in the mail (branded T-shirts, signage and DVDs for the coach). Oh right, the transport to and from Austria via coach is due to the fact that you’re meant to represent the festival on it. Last I checked, bus rides from London to Mayrhofen could take 20 hours, GAG. Okay, not ideal, but it’s important to remember, IT’S FREE.

 

But if the stewarding responsibilities listed on the site are as ambiguous and unclear to you as they are to me, you’ll just have to sustain interest in this blog and tune in to read my posts once I’ve been snowbombed.