Les Sommets du Rire

Laughter at Altitude: A Comedy Festival in the Heart of Beaufortain

Les Sommets du Rire is the flagship winter cultural event of the Arêches-Beaufort resort, nestled at an altitude of 1,080 meters in the Beaufortain massif in Savoie. Since 2004, this comedy festival has brought together a loyal and enthusiastic audience every late January in the Salle de la Chaudanne for three evenings of shows where laughter echoes among the snow-capped peaks.

A Launchpad for Young Talents

The unique feature of Les Sommets du Rire lies in its unique format combining headliners and discoveries. Each evening begins at 8:30 PM with an opening act by young talents who present 10 to 12-minute sets, offering a valuable showcase for the new generation of comedy. After a friendly intermission at the bar, a confirmed artist takes over at 10 PM for a full show. The festival awards a jury prize and a public prize to the best young comedians, who return the following year for longer sets.

Over 20 Years of Laughter in the Mountains

Founded in 2004 by the Comité des Fêtes d'Arêches, the festival has established itself as a must-attend event on the Savoyard winter calendar. Over the years, it has hosted numerous talented comedians, some at the beginning of their careers, others already established on the national scene. The 22nd edition in January 2026 testifies to the longevity and success of this cultural initiative in a mountain setting.

A Warm and Friendly Atmosphere

The atmosphere of Les Sommets du Rire is unique: the Salle de la Chaudanne, with its human scale, creates a rare proximity between artists and spectators. The intermission at the bar between the two parts of each evening is a moment of typical mountain conviviality, where holidaymakers and locals meet for a drink before laughing together. The festival contributes to the winter animation of the resort, complementing skiing activities.