The Artists Behind the Most Iconic Alpine Ski Posters

The Alpine ski posters are visual treasures that capture the beauty of the mountains, the thrill of skiing, and the evolution of design over the years. However, behind each poster lies a talented artist whose work has helped shape ski culture and the history of art. This article highlights some of these artists who created the most iconic ski posters of the Alps.

1. Roger Broders (1883-1953)

Broders is one of the most famous travel poster artists of the early 20th century. His Art Deco style is instantly recognizable, characterized by bold lines, vibrant colors, and elegant typography. His famous poster for Chamonix – Mont Blanc in 1930 is an emblematic example of his work, capturing the excitement and thrill of skiing.

2. Carl Moos (1878-1959)

Moos was a German painter and illustrator who created numerous travel and sports posters. His poster for the first Winter Olympics in St. Moritz in 1924 is one of the most famous in ski history. The poster features a skier in mid-jump, with the Swiss mountains in the background, perfectly illustrating the dynamism and adrenaline of the sport.

3. Pierre Boucher (1906-2000)

French photographer and graphic designer Pierre Boucher combined his two talents to create innovative and captivating ski posters. His poster for Méribel in 1946 is a striking example of his style, with vibrant colors and geometric shapes that convey a sense of movement and energy.

4. Hugo Laubi (1888-1959)

Laubi, a Swiss artist, is known for his travel posters depicting the mountain landscapes of his homeland. His poster for Zermatt in 1958, with its panoramic view of the Matterhorn, is an iconic representation of the natural beauty of the Alps and the allure of skiing.

5. Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (1949-présent)

Castelbajac is a French designer known for his avant-garde approach to fashion and design. His poster for Val d’Isère in 1989 is a modern work of art, with vibrant colors and geometric shapes that stylize the mountains, skiers, and the sun.

6. François Mangeol (1976-présent)

Mangeol is a contemporary French artist known for his work in graphic design. His series of posters for Les Arcs in 2023 blends vintage design elements with a modern sensibility, creating images that are both nostalgic and resolutely current.

These artists, among others, played a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of the Alps as a ski destination. Their posters have become icons not only in the world of skiing but also in the history of art and design.

7. Martin Peikert (1901-1975)

Peikert was a renowned Swiss artist known for his travel posters, particularly those depicting Swiss ski resorts. His poster for Lauchernalp in the 1950s, with its wintery color palette and skier in action, is a classic example of his distinctive and detailed style.

8. Georges Dorival (1879-1968)

Dorival, a French artist, is particularly known for his posters of the Villars ski resort in the 1920s. His use of soft colors and simple shapes gives an impression of calm and tranquility while highlighting the natural beauty of the Alps.

9. Walter Herdeg (1908-1995)

Herdeg, a Swiss graphic designer and publisher, greatly influenced graphic design in the 20th century. His poster for St. Moritz in 1947, with its elegant skier and modern typography, is an iconic work that embodies the glamour and luxury of this famous ski resort.

10. Paul Ordner (1901-1969)

Ordner was a renowned French illustrator known for his sports posters. His dynamic and colorful representation of winter sports in Megève in the 1930s showcases his ability to capture the movement and excitement of skiing.

In conclusion, these artists have managed to capture the essence of skiing in the Alps through their posters. Their works have not only promoted ski resorts and tourist destinations but have also contributed to the history of art and design. Their posters continue to inspire artists and designers today, making these artists an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Alps.