Sound | Escape 2026: A Free Musical Odyssey in Kitzbühel
The thrill is palpable as Kitzbühel Tourism announces the return of the Sound | Escape Festival, set to take place from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 22, 2026. Following the spectacular success of last year’s festival, this year promises an extraordinary lineup featuring some of the world’s hottest international DJs alongside Austria’s finest electronic artists.
Unmatched Access and Experience
What makes Sound | Escape stand out from other Alpine music festivals is its price — it’s absolutely free! Attendees only need to cover the cost of a mountain lift pass, making it incredibly accessible for music lovers and winter sports enthusiasts alike. For those eager to hit the slopes while enjoying exhilarating electronic tunes, Kitzbühel, renowned for its stunning landscapes, is a thrilling destination this March.
Welcoming Everybody
The festival encapsulates the essence of community, welcoming not only local residents but also music enthusiasts from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a snowboarding pro, or merely an admirer of fine music, Sound | Escape caters to all. Even foot passengers can partake, with special gondola passes priced at just €20. This initiative supports inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can immerse themselves in both winter sports and the vibrant world of electronic music.
Stellar Lineup
The third edition of Sound | Escape is already generating buzz with an impressive artist lineup. Previous headliners have made waves in the electronic music scene; for instance, Jan Blomqvist headlined in 2024, and the legendary Sven Väth followed in 2025. This year’s spotlight shines on Claptone, the enigmatic artist known for his high-energy performances and signature gold Venetian mask, who has graced stages around the world.
Alongside Claptone, the festival will showcase acts such as Kilimanjaro from Scotland, and Joyce Muniz from Brazil, bringing a diverse range of sounds. Austria will also be represented by local talents like Marvin Aloys, Steve Hope, and Wolfram, ensuring an electric atmosphere that isn’t to be missed.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Viktoria Veider-Walser, Managing Director of Kitzbühel Tourism, highlights the festival’s significance, stating, “For many years, our businesses have placed a strong focus on electronic music in the mountains.” With Sound | Escape, Kitzbühel has successfully bridged the gap between valley and mountain, creating a unique cultural experience. The festival epitomizes a new age of integration between winter sports and electronic music, a vision that is poised to thrive in the years to come.
Explore Kitzbühel Beyond the Festival
Accessibility is a key feature of Sound | Escape; most venues can be reached directly from the gondola stations. Once the daily performances conclude, visitors can descend into the charming valley of Kitzbühel, where countless establishments and activities await. From cozy après-ski spots to cultural hotspots, the town itself is a treasure trove of experiences, ensuring that attendees can extend their enjoyment beyond the music.
Detailed Ski Lift Info
If you’re planning to attend, here are the operational hours for the ski lifts during the festival:
- Friday, March 20, 2026: Hornbahn closes at 19:00; Hahnenkammbahn closes at 23:00 (with an operational pause from 17:00 to 17:45).
- Saturday, March 21, 2026: Fleckalmbahn closes at 18:30; Hahnenkammbahn closes at 18:00.
Don’t forget, access to the mountain venues requires a valid gondola ticket from Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel.
Special Tickets for Foot Passengers
For those attending on foot, there are special access tickets available during the festival:
- March 20, 2026: Exclusive tickets are available at the Hornbahn valley station, only valid for the gondola ride from the valley station to Alpenhaus.
- March 21, 2026: Tickets will be sold exclusively at the Fleckalmbahn valley station for access to the Hahnenkamm Alpine Stage.
Join the Celebration
Sound | Escape 2026 sets the stage for a sensational Alpine experience. To find out more, visit the official website soundescape.kitzbuehel.com or check out their Instagram page @soundescape_kitzbuehel. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to embrace both the beauty of the snow-covered Alps and the electrifying beats of some of the best DJs in the world!
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Embrace the beats against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps. Kitzbühel awaits!
