Don’t miss a bit of culture on your ski holiday

New historic monument in Avoriaz

The unique architecture found in Avoriaz, part of the massive Franco/Swiss Portes du Soleil ski area, has often divided opinion, with some admiring the bold originality while others dislike its stark departure from traditional Alpine style.

The avant-garde architecture of Les Hauts-Forts 2 in the French resort has now been officially recognised and protected by the prefectural order (Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region), after a two-year review by the Ministry of Culture.

The building, originally one of the first of its kind in Avoriaz, resulted from a vision of architect Jacques Labro (1935-2024), who is acknowledged as the father of the resort’s organic architecture. Les Hauts-Forts 2 is the first property in the resort to join a prestigious inventory of historic monuments in France.

Jacques Labro’s development of Avoriaz is recognised as the greatest work of his life. The majority of the purpose-built properties that make up the resort all feature wooden facades designed to look as though they are part of the surrounding landscape.

Labro, who died last year at the age of 89, became involved in the 1960s, when, not long after he graduated from the Beaux-Arts, he was invited to join a team led by French ski champion Jean Vuarnet to develop a new area above Morzine.

Classical music festival in Megève

Rock, disco, and techno music festivals in ski resorts have become major attractions for skiers and snowboarders over the last couple of decades but if you prefer your music to be more traditionally classical, The Classiciquicime Festival in Megève will be right up your street during your ski holiday in Megeve.

The festival, which is being held in the French resort for the second time, offers a varied and modern program involving more than 200 artists from around the world. It takes place over four days from 26 – 29 March 2026, and audiences can enjoy 10 concerts spread across three different venues.

There will also be off-site performances in the village square and even in the mountains. The festival also features fun and educational concerts, gourmet musical brunches, and relaxed music cafés that encourage interaction with the performers.

Families are encouraged to enjoy musical snacks, pocket concerts, and activities designed especially for young listeners, helping children discover classical music in a warm and engaging atmosphere.

Visitors are encouraged to book tickets online. They are priced from €16 / £14 pp.

To find out more about music festivals in ski resorts this season, speak to the experts at Ski Line, who can also advise you on the range of accommodation available.