We came to the last day of Altitude 2013 with the Impro Allstars performing to yet another packed crowd and getting the evening off to a great start.  The action then moved over the Europahaus and to the final Gala night, and what a night it was.

Andrew Maxwell was our charming host for the closing night and was able to unite the room in a rousing rendition of his take on the Austrian national anthem. Phill Jupitus was the first act and he served up some deeply satisfying poetry describing Jeremy Clarkson as a Mechanophile and his tour support with Madness.  Marcus Brigstocke then took to the stage and once again proved to be one of the most rounded and accomplished comics working today with a slick set that referenced the week’s activities, world politics and more.  Daniel Sloss proved that funny is ageless as he delivered another incredible set, having been consistently hilarious all week.

Full praise has to go to the man who played almost every Altitude 2013 show in one guise or another, always giving his all and getting deservedly incredible reactions, Terry Alderton. He came on to headline for a second time in one week and rarely does an entire room get to experience something quite as special this twice! It was a euphoric and completely unique event that crowned Terry the King of Altitude by both artists and audience alike.

We hope you will agree that Altitude 2013 has, over the course of one week, displayed some of the world’s best comedy shows and we hope that you had as much fun as we did. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who came and made it undoubtedly our best Altitude yet, we hope to welcome you back next year. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the website, and our Facebook and Twitter for all Altitude news.

Monday

The Monday night kicked off with an eclectic and brilliant Impro Allstars show that included not only the stalwarts Andy Smart and Steve Frost but also newbies such as Eddie Izzard.

Bouncing off each other ten to the dozen, the jokes kept coming from thin air as the team took suggestions and stretched them beyond the realms of reason to a place of pure comedy.  What a rare treat it is to see the gang perform in such an intimate venue! When you can practically smell Mr Izzard, it certainly adds something to the atmosphere.

The Gala show began in fine form with festival curator Andrew Maxwell setting the tone and matching the surroundings in some very flattering lederhosen.  Marcus Brigstocke then took the stage with an amazing set which struck a chord with skiers and snowboarders alike. Brendon Burns followed with a fiery performance which the audience loved and confirmed his place in Austrian hearts.

Michael Mittermeier has been one of the undeniable stars of the festival and on this first night he kicked it off the piste!  His water-tight set was full of brilliantly self deprecating material that had the audience on his side from the off. An amazing performance that lead to a rush of tickets for his solo English show “German on Safari” the next day.

Finally taking to the stage riding a wave of expectation was Eddie Izzard, and he did not disappoint. He brought some of the material from his Force Majore tour and it was a wild ride in a the unique Izzard vessel, bringing the audience to complete hysterics.  An amazing night all round and a perfect way to officially kick the festival off in style.

Tuesday

Tuesday started with the brilliant Michael Mittermeier opening proceedings with his solo English show, “German on Safari”.  It was a wonderfully constructed hour that many native English speaking comics would struggle to come close to.

 Later came another Gala, this time hosted by the hype machine Craig Campbell, his mix of booming punchlines and relentless energy shook your diaphragm and tickled your ribs at the same time.  He welcomed onto the stage Benny Boot whose laconic delivery and beautifully crafted jokes went down a storm with audience, from him the baton was passed onto Phil Nichol whose highlights included a filthy rendition of his own song “Elvis Sucks” (I don’t want to ruin the punch line but it needs to be seen to believed). Daniel Sloss then hit the stage with a super tight and hilarious set.

Finally came Terry Alderton who is very much the darling of this festival. It was a mind altering subversive set that doubled back on itself in the same way that you’d imagine the universe to do at its end.  The audience didn’t know which way to look or which punch line to laugh at next as they came in such quick secession.  It came to a climax with the audience all rising to their feet to salute what had been a flawless performance and certainly a highlight of the festival thus far.

The late show that evening welcomed Altitude virgin Rob Beckett into the fold, along with Keith Farnan, Kai Humphries, Daniel Sloss and Brendon Burns all putting on stella performances.

Wednesday

Wednesday had Michael Mittermeier (whose stamina throughout Altitude has been undeniably impressive) out in his German one man show “Black Out”.  After a two and a half hour show even the Germans left in an orderly fashion and with a huge grin on their faces.

Later that day everyone’s favourite smoker Howard Marks performed his world renowned show Mr Nice to a group of boarders who were ready to relax after a long day on the slopes. The mellow vibes were soon shattered by the arrival of Barry Ashworth and MC Sir Real aka The Dub Pistols Soundsystem into the Arena. There was a special guest appearance from Terry Alderton, who took the mic and ran with it giving the audience a genuine rare treat of thumping bass and happy hardcore comedy all in one.  For the lucky few who were in attendance it was a night to remember, as the affectionately nicknamed Dubpistols 3000 (with new member MC Alderton) kicked it in lederhosen.

Another set list came and went in what seemed like no time as time Joel Dommett arguably dominated the random selection of topics he was given with the most amazing comedic ability.

Thursday

Then came what was arguably the main event, an incredible line-up as host Craig Campbell rightfully pointed out.  First on the bill we had a disgruntled Phill Jupitus, whose frustration at his 16 year-old daughter having “gentlemen callers” was something that struck a chord with a fair few of the parents in the room.  His anecdotes and harsh gags catered to every corner of the crowd as the room fell about.  He was followed by the superb Michael Mittermeier who proved once again that he’s not only the king of German comedy but the Prince of Altitude. Later, Andrew Maxwell as usual made it look all too easy as he charmed and cajoled the audience into hysterics.

After an already killer night of comedy, it came time to welcome the headliner of night. John Bishop swaggered onto the stage carrying his own stall,  because he said he was “knackered” as he had brought 12 of his mates over! He was on incredible form delighting the crowd and going further than anyone had expected by bringing an ease on stage and his infectious sense of humour that has made him the huge star he is. With the venue full to capacity, the crowd hung on every word and with such a relatively intimate setting for a huge star the atmosphere was electric. You couldn’t have heard a bomb drop over the sound of laughter that ricocheted throughout the Europahaus.  An incredible night of entertainment and one that would be hard to beat for the rest of the festival – but we’ll give it our best shot!

There are a few time changes to take note of today, so pay attention – below is the new timetable, and remember – it’s party night so get your dancing shoes on!

Kicking things off, Setlist is back to make you giggle from 17:00 at The Piste Takers Inn (Strass) with Paul Provenza, Troy Conrad & very special guests.

Then, everyone’s favourite smoker, the one & only Howard Marks AKA Mr Nice will be sharing his tales from 21:00 at the Strass Arena.

And finally, dance the night away with the Dub Pistols Sound System from 22:30 at the Strass Arena.

And what an amazing day of comedy we have lined up for you after a solid session on the slopes!

Kicking off proceedings at 15:30 will be the International Impro Allstars with Steve Frost and Andy Smart in the Strass Sports Bar aka The Pistetakers Inn.

Then head straight to our main feature, the Gala Show at the Europahaus at 19:30 featuring our headliner Eddie Izzard as well as Michael Mittermeier, Marcus Brigstocke, Brendon Burns and MC Andrew Maxwell.

Finally, at 23:30 in the Strass Arena, Setlist with Paul Provenza, Troy Conrad and special guests will be closing the days antics in truly side-splitting style!

Tickets for today are still available here or in resort, as well as week-long tickets which can be purchased here or in resort.

To keep up to date with all things Altitude throughout the week, keep an eye on this blog as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages, and if you are tweeting, use #Altitude2013 to join the conversation!

See you there comedy and snow lovers from around the world!

We thoroughly enjoyed Comic Relief last night and it suitably warmed up our laughing muscles for a week of fun and frolics in the snow.

Tickets are still available here so come join us!

Michael Mittermeier Live

The weather is looking tip top in Mayrhofen, with 5cm of snow scheduled to fall today alone to ensure the slopes are perfectly powdered for you next week.

Don’t forget that week and day tickets are still available here, there’s still time to be at the funniest show on snow this year!

To help you out, below are a few of the cheapest flights currently available from the UK. So don’t delay, book your holiday to Altitude today!

Book your holiday package now with one of our travel partners, Inghams or Crystal

Other Flights Available

17 March London Luton 08:30 / 11.20 Munich

23 March Munich 11.50 / 12.45 London Luton

£165 Monarch

17 March Edinburgh 13:15 / 16.30 Munich

23 March Munich 14.40 / 16.15 Edinburgh

£222 Easyjet

17 March London Gatwick 07:15 / 10.10 Innsbruck

23 March Innsbruck 11.05 / 11.50 London Gatwick

£224 Easyjet

18 March London Gatwick 07:15 / 10.15 Innsbruck

23 March Innsbruck 11.05 / 11.50 London Gatwick

£227 eDreams

17 March Glasgow 10:35 / 16.45 Munich

23 March Munich 21.10 / 08.25 Glasgow

£363 British Airways

EDDIE IZZARD TO HEADLINE ALTITUDE 2013

Altitude Festival is extremely proud to announce Eddie Izzard will be joining John Bishop as one of this year’s headline acts! Described by John Cleese as ‘the lost Python’, he was listed at number 3 in the 100 Greatest British National Comedians for Channel 4′s 100 Greatest Comedians of All Time countdown. Hailed as one of the foremost stand-ups of this generation, he’s got almost too much talent for just one stage and has stormed the acting world too, with major US roles such as General Erich Fellgiebel in Valkyrie with Tom Cruise, Roman Nagel in Oceans Twelve & Oceans Thirteen alongside George Clooney & Al Pacino and he’s even been in The Simpsons! He’s one of the funniest people on the planet and one of the nicest comedians to boot and he is sure to bring the house down in Mayrhofen!

A truly unique event that fuses the adrenalin rush of a ski holiday with the madcap thrills of a top notch comedy festival, Altitude, now in its seventh year, is the brainchild of Andrew Maxwell and Marcus Brigstocke and has seen the pantheon of comedies greatest stars gracing its line up in previous years. This year is no exception and headliner Eddie Izzard will be joining a litany of previously announced comics including, as previously mentioned, the UK’s hottest comic right now John Bishop, Germany’s No.1 comedian Michael Mittermeier, Scotland’s comedy prodigy Daniel Sloss and Never Mind the Buzzcocks veteran Phill Jupitus. Plus Craig Campbell, Benny Boot, Brendon Burns, Phil Nichol, Howard Marks, Rob Beckett, Keith Farnan, Mark Walker Kai Humphries, The International Impro Allstars; Andy Smart & Steve Frost and Paul Provenza (The Aristocrats, Northern Exposure & The West Wing) & Troy Conrad’s hit LA show SETLIST, all in one of Europe’s most beautiful ski resorts, Mayrhofen, Austria.

TICKET INFORMATION: http://www.ticketline.co.uk/altitude-festival

Full Week Festival Wristband – £169

Discount Tickets for groups of 10 or more! – Call 0844 888 9991 if buying 10 tickets or more and get them for £150 each (plus booking fee)

Accommodation packages are also available:

Hotels, Bed & Breakfast 5 nights (based on 2 sharing) INC. week wristband

2* From £349pp extra nights £40

3* From £449pp extra nights £55

4* from £459pp extra nights £65

WEBSITE: www.altitudefestival.com

2012 Performer Quotes:

“Altitude is awesome!” – Tim Minchin

“People, save your pennies for next years Altitude Festival, skiing all day, and 3 amazing comedy shows each night!” Andy Smart

“Played #altitude Festival in Mayrhofen Austria last night. It’s on till Friday with incredible bills. Go.”  Jimmy Carr

“I had a f*cking blast! Cannot wait for next year.” Rufus Hound

“Well done to everyone involved Altitude Comedy got a good thing going here! Hopefully be back next year. Yaldy.” Kevin Bridges

“Altitude Festival is blinding so far.  Seen some unbelievably good comedy – it’s been a pleasure to play. Have to say Mayrhofen is beautiful.” Marcus Brigstocke

“Massive thanks to all the crew and artist for making it a very special week roll on next year.” Dub Pistols

2012 Press Quotes:

“Back from Altitude Festival with lots of memories – Star turns from Jimmy Carr & Tim Minchin. Laughed myself silly. Everyone book now for 2013.” Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard

“Just back from a fantastic trip to Altitude Comedy Festival in Austria. Comedy and skiing – perfect combo!” Steve Robson, Manchester Evening News

From 2007-2011

“There can be few nicer places to watch comedy than at the Altitude festival “ Daily Telegraph

“Even if you’re useless at it [Skiing or Snowboarding], it’s still worth it for the après’ Guardian

“It is not often you get to see an O2 Arena-filling act in a 100-capacity bar, so this was the kind of thing that made the festival special” Evening Standard

“SKIING, comedy, music. Not a bad combination, in anyone’s book. Hence, the fun had at Altitude Festival this year was – by my maths – at least three times better than any mountain break previously taken.” The Sun

“Altitude Festival keeps the laughter levels flowing long after you dust off your bruised and aching limbs for some well-deserved après-ski and a glass of mulled wine.” Metro

“Altitude festival is well, well WORTH A LOOK. We recommend it highly.” Maxim

‘It is the friendliest, funniest frostival I’ve ever been to!” Virtual Festivals

“The one thing to expect from Altitude is the unexpected – an utterly surreal experience” The Big Issue