Patrick Thorne, Author at InTheSnow

Comedians Andrew Maxwell and Marcus Brigstocke are co-founders of the Altitude Comedy Festival, billed as the world’s number one alpine comedy festival. Returning to the iconic snowy peaks of Mayrhofen, Austria at the end of the upcoming ski season, the next staging of Altitude will take place from 30th March to 3rd April 2026, bringing together top-tier comedy with breathtaking mountain adventure. The much-loved festival, which has now been running for almost two decades, take place from 30th March to 3rd April 2026, bringing together top-tier comedy with breathtaking mountain adventure. The 2026 line up and festival details are below the interview. John Bishop, Marcus Brigstocke and Andrew Maxwell between shows at Altitude ITS> How did you get into skiing/boarding? AM> I was at a party with Simon Pegg, he was banging on about how cool snowboarding was. At the time, a bunch of my mates from back home in Dublin were living out in Munich. When you’re in the city centre of Munich, you can actually see the snow-capped Alps, so when I was out there visiting them I persuaded my friends to head up into the mountains to try snowboarding. None of us had any background in winter sports, but that’s where our addiction began. MB> I’m posh… so it was really only a matter of time before I found myself in Val D’Isere. I don’t even really know how it happened. One minute I was buying a gillet and red corduroy trousers - next thing I knew I was in Dick’s T Bar wearing a pair of skis. ITS> How did Altitude come about? AM> The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is basically a month of Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, and I’d often try to find my comedic peers to do something one Sunday afternoon. One of the people who agreed to take up the challenge was Marcus Brigstocke. On the outskirts of Edinburgh is Hillend Dry Ski Slope, where I persuaded Marcus to try snowboarding — although snowboarding on dry slopes is terrible! Nevertheless, it lit a fire in him to spend more time on one board, not two. Marcus later connected with Rich in Méribel, and between them they created an après-ski comedy bar scene across the French Alps. Out of that, Altitude was born. MB (pictured below)> It was drunken bet made between people whose lives lack structure. And one of the best things I’ve ever done. Marcus Brigstocke at Altitude Festival ITS> Why do you think it has lasted so long? MB> Because it’s brilliant. We slide about all day in the mountains having fun in the snow and then laugh and laugh and laugh until very late at night. Then we get up and do it again. AM> Because it’s a “two-for”! We Irish and English love a two-for-one: mountains by day and comedy by night. Ski all day, laugh all night was born right there and it truly is one of the best comedy festivals in the world. ITS> What’s the most challenging thing about organising the festival each year? AM (pictured below)> It’s persuading people that winter sports aren’t the Henley Regatta. The mountains belong to everyone especially the Austrian Alps, which are such a welcoming environment. Men, women, young or old, from any background, the people in the Tirol will roll out the red carpet for you. MB> Trying to explain to people who haven’t done it before that you don’t need to enjoy (or even have any interest in) skiing to have an excellent time in Mayrhofen. Andrew at Altitude 2019 ITS> Which parts do you enjoy the most? AM> My personal favourite moment of every festival is the opening gala, when the new comedy fans and comedians who’ve never been to Altitude before have had their first day out on the slopes and then met up on the mountain. They’re living their best life, and everyone’s so delighted. I just love seeing their faces. MB> Having naked saunas with people who’ve just seen you do 40 minutes of stand up. It’s an excellent leveller. But more honestly - hanging out with all the people (guests & comedians) who come to the festival. It’s pretty much the most welcoming and friendly week of my year. ITS> Any little things about the festival people might not know? AM> The best thing about Altitude is that the comedians, the audience, and the locals all spend a week together in a beautiful, chocolate-box Tyrolean village. We bump into each other in the shops, on the slopes, and in the ski lifts, it’s such a special atmosphere. MB> And we’re back to the naked sauna… ITS> Why have you stuck with Mayrhofen? MB> Oompah Music is obviously the main draw. Beyond that - it’s a flat valley base, so easy to get around. The skiing is very very good. Even late season the snow on the glacier is excellent. AM> It’s beautiful, the runs are awesome, the people are just super nice, and the venues where we perform are incredible! ITS> What’s your top insider tip at Altitude? AM> Once you’ve finally got your boots on (ski or snowboard) take a 20-minute walk around town before you head up the mountain. Have a coffee, or a snack from Hans the Butcher, and take it all in your stride. Ease yourself in. Altitude 2013 ITS> Why should people book for Altitude 2026? AM> We always have an incredible line-up, but next year we’ve outdone ourselves. I can’t wait to get out there and perform with so many mates and fantastic clowns. MB> The line-up is mind blowing. The food and drink will be plentiful and delicious. The atmosphere is absolutely joyful. You will laugh a lot. The sliding is great. You can have a naked spa with some of the best comedians in the world. The Altitude Comedy Festival Since launching in 2007, Altitude has built an international reputation for pairing world-class comedy with unforgettable mountain experiences and 2026 will be no exception. From Gala shows that make Live at the Apollo look tame, to apres-ski improv top late night old school comedy club mayhem, loved by the comedians and the audiences alike Altitude Comedy Festival attracts a dynamic mix of comedy legends and rising stars, all performing against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian Alps. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the scene, Altitude guarantees big laughs and unforgettable memories. A recent winner of Best Overseas Festival at the UK Festival Awards and nominated for four other UK Festival Awards and four European Festival Awards, Altitude has carved out a unique space in the comedy world, a snow-drenched celebration of laughter, adventure, and community. 2026 Line up Al Murray, Paul Smith, Jason Byrne, Marcus Brigstocke, Andrew Maxwell, Felicity Ward, Deirdre O’Kane, Emmanuel Sonubi, Abandoman, Justin Moorhouse, Emma Doran, Rob Rouse, Mark Nelson, Ryan Cullen, Glenn Wool, Karl Spain, Diederik Zuurmond, Lori Smith, Gareth Waugh, The International Impro All-Stars (Steve Frost, Steve Steen, Ian Coppinger & Special Guests), Plus… Oh My God! It’s The Church (Reverend Michael Alabama Jackson & Sister Mary Lou), Live Mountain Top Comedy Podcasts (including Keep it Tight with Deidre O’Kane and Emma Doran, Eejits of the World with Andrew Maxwell and Glenn Wool and Absolutely Cuts with Mark Nelson and Ryan Cullen), a Silent Disco, The Clown Hill Race & even more TBA. Mayrhofen Festival Location: Mayrhofen Set in the heart of the Zillertal Valley, in the Austrian Tirol, nestled between the Penken and Ahorn mountains, Mayrhofen offers something for everyone from seasoned skiers and snowboarders to complete beginners. (you will see most of the comedians learning to ski or board in the first few days which is a show on its own). As for non-skiers they can enjoy world-class saunas, spas and wellness centres, tobogganing, ice caves, schnapps distilleries, paragliding, pampering, 5-star restaurants, outrageous apreś-ski or simply soak in the mountain views with a mug of hot chocolate (mit Rum). Early Bird Tickets & Monthly Payment Plans now on sale The Best Ski Holiday Deals

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