Magical Memories: Day One Recap
WELCOME TO QUEENSTOWN BABY!!!
Snow Machiners, that was truly one for the books and we’re only rounding up day one! The pre-parties were 🔥, the colourful ski onesies were out in full force and the energy was there to match. What a flying start to the biggest and best après celebration of the year. If that’s what we can expect from day one we’re extremely excited and a little scared (in a good way) about what’s to come. Day one highlight reel incoming… 👇
Bungy Launch Party
Jumping straight into the action, the Bungy Launch Party at the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge on Tuesday night was NEXT LEVEL. Dance battles broke out, pants were split (Chelsea Carrol we see you legend 👀) and alt-pop duo, Neil Frances finished an epic set by jumping off the bridge (with their feet attached, duh). The adrenaline-fuelled jumps kept the vibe high, the Better Beer kept us all hydrated, and the good tunes took us well past sunset. Shout out to none other than Lenni Vibe, Neil Frances, Set Mo, and George FM’s official party starters, Sin Howard and Brook Gibson.
@snowmachinefest WE’RE OFF TO A FLYING START! #snowmachine #apres #apresski
Snowballers Party
Your vibe attracts your tribe! When we put a call out to the universe to see who wanted a Snow Machine patch delivered to their home, we didn’t expect the response that we got from SO many good roosters. Snowballers, you know who you are. A reward was promised for sewing your patch on your gear and it was delivered: a surprise party at the Snow Machine Saloon in town. What an unreal evening with DJs on deck, shots on rotation and new friends left, right and centre.
Snow Machine Mountain Madness
For those that made like a bluebird and got up the hill early, you were rewarded with fresh tracks, crisp alpine air AKA your ‘first night fever’ cure, slushy spring snow, and sunshine – the mountains were well and truly calling. Novices and pros alike, we loved seeing you shredding the slopes, taking lessons, and practising new tricks! From skiing to the four mountain stages, the vibes were pumping en masse All. Day. Long!
Après Chalet
The iconic purple Après Chalet at Coronet Peak has made a roaring comeback this year! Yesterday’s tunes from Curtis Young and boogie-inducing DJ sets from Kate Fox and Sweet Mix Kids kept the energy in check. Did you also spy Rick’s Schvitz AKA our après sauna on the slopes? Who went full steam? If you’re keen for round two with sauna master, Rick Gutzewitz, or want to give the guided rounds of steam-infused sauna, aromatherapy, and ice-bath immersions a go, tickets are still available (come get sweaty with us).
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OOSC Stage
Is there anything better than skiing up to a bar on the slopes, an insane retro-style bar might we add, grabbing an icy beverage and dancing to tunes on tunes on tunes?! Bringing the retro-style après party all day, every day, the OOSC Stage did what it promised. Long live retro! With vibrant and of course vibey performances from Loveless DJs and Nate Divine, it was a banger. Bring on day two (and three and four!).
First Base
On the other side of town, the slopeside parties continued with some pretty REMARKABLE energy! What started as a good ol’ ski sesh pit-stop in the morning, turned into a raving party when the clock struck 11 a.m. at First Base. The belly slides from Curved Headwall (above the stage) started, the dance-offs continued and the insane views made one epic backdrop for it all. One word: iconic. Who was with us soaking up the sweet sounds of First Base, Piste Evo and Neil Frances’ DJ Set?
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Diamond Deck
It was hard to go past Diamond Deck at The Remarkables base building yesterday without grabbing a drink and cutting some serious shapes. When lunchtime rolled around and the ski lessons had wrapped up everyone was keen for a little midday boogie and bev! Ben Lock and Slush kept the crowds coming and the energy roaring. Après all day, baby.
Canyon Kick Off
There is nothing like back to back après parties – are we right?! The sell-out Canyon Kick-Off certainly set the tone for the three days ahead. In other words: full throttle! Wall-to-wall canyon action on the Shotover Jet was teamed with a sonic journey of the senses – delivered by true vibe-leaders Stace Cadet, Art vs. Science and Danny Clayton all night long.
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VIP Party at Snow Machine Saloon
Last but not least the VIP party at Snow Machine Saloon sent it far and wide last night. Our boys, The Inspired Unemployed made a guest appearance and the bar tab we put down disappeared quicker than an icicle on a sunny day. YEWWW!
May the magical memories and day one energy continue. Welcome to day two Snow Machiners!