Classicaval

Thirty years of classical music in the mountains

Classicaval was born over thirty years ago from the passion of Jean Reizine, an Avalin at heart and a convinced music lover, who dreamed of offering Val-d'Isère a cultural event worthy of its international reputation. His bold gamble — programming classical music in a ski resort — proved visionary: the festival has become a must-see cultural event, attracting a loyal audience of music lovers and music-loving skiers from all over the world.

Over the years, Classicaval has forged its identity around two founding values: sharing and transmission. Each edition highlights promising young musicians, selected by the artistic directors and accompanied by the festival's resident artists. This role as a springboard for the new musical generation makes Classicaval a unique festival on the French classical scene.

The Val-d'Isère church, an exceptional acoustic setting

Classicaval concerts mainly take place in the Val-d'Isère church, whose remarkable acoustics and serene atmosphere offer an ideal setting for chamber music and recitals. The intimacy of the venue creates a rare closeness between artists and the public, allowing for attentive listening and shared emotion that have earned the festival its reputation.

But Classicaval is not confined to the church. The festival also takes over unusual venues: schools, mountain summits — notably the summit of Bellevarde at over 2,800 meters — ski slopes, and public spaces with free-access pianos. These unconventional performances help to democratize classical music and introduce it to audiences who might not have entered a concert hall.

Two Opuses for a musical winter

For several years, Classicaval has been presented in two distinct sessions: Opus 1 in January and Opus 2 in March. This original format allows for two cultural highlights during the ski season, each with its own programming and guest artists. Concerts start at 6:30 PM and last 1 hour and 15 minutes without an intermission, a condensed and intense format that respects the rhythm of ski days.

The 2026 edition, the 32nd festival, will notably feature pianist and composer Bruno Fontaine, a collaborator of Barbara and Michel Portal, and clarinettist Pierre Génisson, two major figures on the French music scene.

Influence beyond the resort

Classicaval benefits from the support of the Val-d'Isère resort and its tourist office, who fully integrate the festival into the resort's winter cultural offerings. The event contributes to Val-d'Isère's image as an exceptional destination, combining winter sports and high-level culture. The festival is promoted on Val-d'Isère's social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube) and has a dedicated online ticketing service.