The brutalist ski towns of France in the 1960s

In the 1960s, France saw a wave of development in the ski industry, resulting in the creation of some of the most unique and controversial ski towns in the country. These towns, known as 'brutalist ski towns,' were characterized by their stark, concrete architecture and utilitarian design. The brutalist style emerged in the post-war era as a response to the ornate and decorative architecture of the past. Brutalism emphasized the use of raw, unadorned materials and simple geometric shapes, often resulting in buildings that appeared stark and imposing. In the ski industry, brutalism proved to be a popular choice for new developments, as it allowed for quick and cost-effective construction. Many resorts in France embraced this style, resulting in the creation of towns that were starkly different from the traditional chalet-style architecture that had dominated the ski industry up to that point. One of the most famous brutalist ski towns of the 1960s was Avoriaz. Situated in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz was designed by architect Jacques Labro. The town's buildings were constructed entirely from concrete, giving it a distinctly futuristic and industrial feel. Similarly, the resort of Flaine was also designed in the brutalist style. Created by architect Marcel Breuer, Flaine's buildings were characterized by their monolithic concrete facades and sharp, angular lines. While these brutalist ski towns may have been functional and cost-effective to build, they were not always appreciated by visitors. Many found the stark concrete buildings to be cold and unwelcoming, lacking the cozy charm of traditional alpine architecture. Despite the controversy surrounding them, however, the brutalist ski towns of France in the 1960s represented a significant moment in the evolution of ski resort design. They marked a departure from the traditional chalet-style architecture, paving the way for more experimental and modern developments in the years that followed. Today, many of these brutalist ski towns have undergone significant renovations, with some buildings being updated and modernized while others have been replaced entirely. However, the legacy of these 1960s developments remains, with their distinctive architectural style reminding us of a time when the ski industry was undergoing a significant transformation. In conclusion, the brutalist ski towns of France in the 1960s were a unique and controversial development in the history of alpine architecture. While they may have been criticized at the time for their stark, functional design, they marked a significant shift away from traditional alpine architecture and paved the way for more experimental and innovative ski resort designs in the years that followed. Today, while many of these brutalist ski towns have been updated and modernized, their legacy remains as a testament to the ever-evolving world of ski resort design.