28.07.2025 – 09:44

Nendaz Tourisme

International Alphorn Festival of Nendaz : A competition for the musicians and tradition packed festivities for the public

International Alphorn Festival of Nendaz :

A competition for the musicians and tradition packed festivities for the public

The International Alphorn Festival (FICA) took place in Haute-Nendaz from the 25th to the 27th of July 2025. Here's a summary of the 24th edition in a few key figures: three days of festivities, a hundred Alphorn blowers, around twenty folk groups, a first victory for the Zurich trio SonderBar and a marriage proposal during the competition !

During this festival, the Alphorn returns to its preferred environment, the mountains, where it has evolved from a means of communication to an authentic ambassador of Swiss folklore. Both musicians and spectators are drawn to this festival, and come back in large numbers every year for these moments of communion between music and the stunning natural surroundings.

For this 24th edition, the sun played hide-and-seek behind the clouds. But that didn't dampen the spectators' spirits, who turned out in force, sometimes under umbrellas on Saturday, but all with great big smiles on their faces throughout the weekend. Over twenty groups took part in entertaining the public over the three days of festivities, including dancers, yodellers, bell-ringers, musicians, whip-crackers and flag- throwers.

All generations united by tradition

This event is a true people's celebration, bringing together all generations - this year more than ever. The youngest player, aged 9, delighted the audience by taking part in the competition alongside Dad, while the oldest player was 81. The grand parade on Saturday attracted a large number of families, offering a truly authentic occasion in the heart of Nendaz. Another example of intergenerational communion was the Simon&Mac concert on Friday evening. The famous Italian duo promised a mix of tradition and contemporary music. The wager paid off: children, teenagers, parents and grandparents danced together to the unique sounds of accordion, percussion and electro music.

A first victory for the SonderBar trio

This is the sixth time that Zurich-born Andrea Friemel, Manuela Kubli and Fredy Fankhauser have taken part in the International Alphorn Festival. Sometimes together, sometimes solo, they've never made the trip for nothing: at least one of them has invariably reached the grand final. In 2018, for their very first participation, they had already struck hard by winning first place in the group category as well as the OFF competition. This Sunday, their tenacity was finally rewarded: the SonderBar Trio was crowned grand winner of the final ! « It's a wonderful surprise for us; we weren't expecting it », they confide with emotion. But given their track record, it's a well-deserved victory, and fitting recognition of their commitment and passion. Well done to them !

A wedding proposal

This year's Nendaz International Alphorn Festival was the scene of an event as rare as it was heart-warming. Second place went to the great Savoyards, the Quatuor de la Tourette. Their appearance before the jury took an unexpected turn when Philippe Gantelet took the opportunity to propose to his partner Mägi Hinder, also a member of the group. Fifteen years after their first meeting, here in Nendaz as part of the festival, she said “yes”. It was a moment in time that clearly brought them luck, as they made it through to the final.

The next edition of the International Alphorn Festival of Nendaz has already been scheduled for the 24th, 25th and 26th of July, 2026 !

For all further information :Baptiste Constantin, Managing Director of Nendaz Tourisme and President of the organizing committee - 079 303 41 10 – baptiste.constantin@nendaz.ch