During the 1970s, locals began organising a winter festival close to the beginning of each ski season, starting with a 1975 event organised by musician Peter Doyle and Laurie Wilde, manager of Eichardt's Hotel.
[3] In the years since that time, the festival grew to the point where events spread over ten days each June, and attract over 40,000 people.
The main part of the festival was the final four days, with free live entertainment in and around the town.
A music and comedy programme was augmented by events ranging from a polar plunge to tug of war on skis.
Other events at previous festivals have included New Zealand Ice Hockey League matches and the Peak-to-Peak endurance race.