What’s on: Wild winter sports and concerts galore

Film festival, Winterthur, February 25-27

Low budgets meet high levels of creativity at the annual “LichtSpielTage” festival, now in its 14^th year. The focus is on independent underground films, most of which are just a few minutes long. Keep in mind: most movies are in German.

Horned sledge race, St. Moritz, February 26

Friday marks the 10^th annual International “Hornschlitten” Grand Prix. Fifteen fearless teams take on the Olympia Bob Run St. Moritz-Celerina, which measures 1,722 metres in length. Let’s hope it’s not as dangerous as the one in Vancouver.

Bluegrass nights, Zurich, February 26-27

It’s time for the International Country Music Festival’s bluegrass nights. Three bands take the stage, including “The Challenge” (CH), “Bluegrass Family” (CH) and “The Grascals” (USA), who play both Friday and Saturday.

André Rieu, Zurich, February 26-27

With the support of his “Johann Strauss Orchestra”, Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu works his waltzy magic at Zurich’s Hallenstadion this weekend. This tour promotes his latest album, “André Rieu im Wunderland“.

Carnival, Yverdon-les-Bains, February 26-28

While most Swiss towns have recovered from their carnival-induced hangovers, Yverdon-les-Bains is just getting started. “La vie de Chat'eau” is the theme, and eight bands provide the soundtrack for the three-day winter festival.

Winx on Ice, Lugano, February 27

Pretty costumes, beautiful colours and imaginative sets – here’s one for the little ones as well as the young-at-heart. “Winx on Ice” is all about fairies, witches and magic, plus the eternal battle between good and evil. Shows at 11am and 3pm.

Dee Dee Bridgewater, Lucerne, February 27

Lucerne’s Culture and Convention Centre (KKL) welcomes Dee Dee Bridgewater. “To Billie With Love” – A Celebration of “Lady Day”, is the name of her current programme, a tribute to jazz singer Billie Holiday.

Fun riders special weekend, Bürchen, February 27-28

The “Fun riders” snowboard club puts on the 10^th annual special weekend in the Valaisian town of Bürchen. In addition to the “King of Rail” contest and a sledding race, an igloo party and a Beatles cover band promise good fun by starlight.

Goms race, Obergoms, February 27-28

Calling all cross-country fans. This weekend marks the 38^th International Gommerlauf in canton Valais. Some 1,800 participants from 12 nations are expected, and spontaneous skiers can even sign up on the day.

WHITESTYLE Open, Mürren, February 27-28

Freeskiing and snowboarding are on the agenda in the Bernese Oberland resort of Mürren. In addition to high-adrenaline contests, the weekend offers the chance to test equipment and take lessons with the pros for a mere ten francs.

50 Cent, Zurich, February 28

American rapper Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent), swings by Zurich’s Hallenstadion as part of his “Before I Self Destruct” world tour, named after his new album of the same name. “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” (2003), sold 12 million copies worldwide.

Coming soon:

Motor Show, Geneva, March 4-14

Big numbers in honour of the 80^th Geneva International Motor Show: 250 exhibitors from 30 countries representing 700 marques. Of the 100 world and European private vehicle premiers, 16 are either electric or alternatively powered.