Christie’s/ South Kensington – celebrated 150 years of winter tourism in Switzerland

Every January, The Ski Sale at Christie’s presents enthusiasts of the world’s foremost winter sport with an extensive selection of vintage posters depicting the action on the slopes and the stunning mountain scenery, capturing an era of glamour. This year the sale features an impressive group of ski posters from Switzerland as well as popular and rare posters from France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Norway and Australia, with a section dedicated to US and Canadian resorts.

These iconic posters are offered alongside 25 lots of vintage Louis Vuitton travel luggage. Estimates range from £800 to £80,000. Switzerland was the most prolific country for ski tourism posters during the 20^th century and amongst the first to establish ski resorts, which remain popular to this day. The 2014/15 winter sees Switzerland celebrate 150 years of winter tourism: St. Mortiz and Davos welcomed their first guests in 1864 and 1865 respectively. 2015 also marks the 150^th anniversary of the first Matterhorn ascent, which the village of Zermatt will celebrate with events and festivities. The Ski Sale comprises a fantastic group of 20^th century posters advertising Swiss resorts, including St. Moritz.