Comedy, skiing and a few beers - what could be better?
When is it?
January 2017 - dates TBC.
Where?
Mayrhofen, Austria.
How much are tickets?
Altitude offers two types of tickets - you can buy a wristband-only pass if you’re a local, or you can splurge on an all-inclusive package, so accommodation, lift passes and airport transfers are included. In 2016, flying from Manchester for seven nights half-boarding was £404 per person. Flying from Gatwick’s may be a little pricier - the same package cost £444, but if you’re London-based, this may be the best option!
Day tickets vary in price - you’ll be paying around £45 - £55, depending on the popularity of the headliner. A full week wristband costs around £180.
Fancy an upgrade? The Comedy Gold VIP Ticket Upgrade will set you back a cool £120, but if you love to laugh, it’s worth it.
Are the acts any good?
Let’s put it this way - if you don’t find this festival funny, you’re in serious need of a humour transplant. Previous acts include John Bishop, Jim Jefferies and Sean Lock, as well as Katherine Ryan, Beardyman (that’s a catchy name) and Stephen K Amos. It’s not unusual to see the talent whizzing down the slopes alongside you; plenty of the comedians come to enjoy the fine skiing on offer.
The shows tend to start at around 5pm - perfect timing, as you can grab a hard-earned drink and settle back to unwind with a dose of comedy. Night owls are well catered for, as the laughs carry on until past midnight. There’s also a nightclub made of snow. Let’s hope things don’t heat up too much...
What about the skiing?
If stunning alpine peaks, stunning plateaus and lush pine forests, are your thing, you’re in luck. There’s no shortage of slopes - you have 625km of pistes to play with. Oh, did we mention the 4,000m glacier you can explore?
Altitude’s the last word in powdery perfection, so even if you’re not a huge comedy fan, you’ll be satisfied with the entertainment on offer.
What else do you need to know?
Are you a secret foodie? If so, you’ll love it here. There are 43 restaurants and 18 bars to work your way through, so you’ll never lack a snack or two. Plus, beer only costs a few euros, you can even order takeaway sandwiches so you’ll have something to munch on during the day.
Once your belly’s full and you’re raring to go, you can always try tackling Austria’s steepest piste - the Harakiri Run! If the adrenaline pushes you over the edge and you fall off your skis, it’s all good - Columbus Direct’s ski and snowboard insurance can be on hand to take care of you. So even if your funny bone takes a knock, you’ll still be smiling.