The hills are alive with the sound of laughter
Monday February 15, 2010 - Email this article to a friend

There's a bit of music as well but mainly it's laughter at the Altitude Festival in Meribel. It's now in its 3rd year and takes place next month.

For some reason stand-up comedy is not a form of entertainment normally associated with ski resorts. Strange really because laughing is something we all do quite a lot of when we're out skiing and snowboarding.

It's a bit like eating an Indian meal or going to the cinema; we do them automatically back home in the UK but not in the mountains.

Except Meribel that is.

This year there's Al Murray, Rufus Hound, Phil Kaye Rich Hall and Jonathan Ross's house band on his TV show, 4 Poofs and a Piano.

Stand up at altitudeIt was founded by Marcus Brigstocke.

"It's the highlight of the year for me. Sliding, jokes and tunes is there anything finer?" says Brigstocke.

PlanetSKI content editor, James Cove, will be in the resort and will keep us informed of what it is like.

"It's just not something I would associate with a ski resort but then I remember a few years ago going to the Caprices music Festival in Crans Montana and it was one of only a handful taking place in those days. Now every resort seems to hold them," says Cove.

Maybe it will be the same with comedy festivals. Keep an eye out for our PlanetSK reports from March 20^th and find out.

If you want to be at the Altitude Festival then Crystal is offering 7 nights catered accommodation in the Chalet L'Orgentil in Meribel from 20-27 March. Price is £609 per person for the week including return flights from the UK and transfers. Flights from nine UK airports available. Crystal Ski tel: 0871 231 2256, www.crystalski.co.uk.