Vosges Skiing Poster – Sports d’Hiver – Chemins de Fer d’Alsace et de Lorraine – Roger Broders 1930 – Vintage Ski Poster
It’s hardly surprising that Roger Broder’s posters are among the most highly prized and coveted travel posters among vintage poster collectors. One look at this fabulous Vosges Skiing Poster, or any of his other poster designs, it is obvious that his poster artworks were not only visually appealing but also served as effective promotional tools for travel and tourism. Many, like this one, were commissioned by the French railways, Chemins de Fer d’Alsace et de Lorraine, to promote winter sports destinations in the Vosges Mountains and other regions of France.
The Chemins de Fer d’Alsace et de Lorraine, for which Broders created the poster, was a regional railway company in eastern France that operated train services in the Alsace and Lorraine regions. The company used posters as a means of advertising and promoting travel destinations accessible by their rail lines, including the Vosges Mountains for winter sports. Broders’ poster, with its captivating imagery and bold design, would have been displayed at train stations, travel agencies, and other public places to attract attention and generate interest in visiting the Vosges for skiing and other winter sports activities.
The vintage Vosges poster may have been commissioned by the French Railways but there isn’t a locomotive, train, track or carriage in sight on Broder’s artwork. Instead, the illustration evokes the thrill of being at the destination itself. In it a skier elegantly descends the snow-covered slopes of the Vosges Mountains… skiing so fast that he’s nearly out of the image!
As the sun casts its golden rays on the snow-covered slopes of the Vosges Mountain range, a scene comes to life halfway up The Grand Ballon, the highest mountain of the Vosges, peak. A group of climbers, clad in colourful skiing gear, have paused to catch their breath and take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding Munster Valley. The nearby pine trees create a natural V-shape, framing The Hohneck – the third-highest summit in the Vosges – which boasts a distinctive mountain hut at its peak. On a clear day, the view from the top of The Hohneck is unparalleled, encompassing the entire Vosges range, the Black Forest, the Jura range, a significant portion of the Swiss Alps, and even a distant glimpse of Mont Blanc.
The air is crisp and cool, adding to the exhilaration of the moment. One of the earlier climbers is now descending the mountain at breakneck speed, weaving effortlessly between the tall pine trees adorned with a thick layer of glistening snow. His skilful movements and the speed at which he glides down the slope evokes a sense of envy in the onlookers who eagerly await their turn. The skiing scene is a perfect tableau of winter sports in the Vosges Mountains. The Hohneck, one of the highest peaks in the region, is a popular destination for skiing and other winter activities. Its challenging slopes and breathtaking vistas make it a favourite among adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Munster Valley, surrounding the Grand Ballon, is a picturesque landscape blanketed in pristine white. The snow-covered peaks create a stunning contrast against the dark green hues of the ancient forests that dot the valley. The serenity of the scene over the Alsace plain is only interrupted by the excited chatter of the skiers and the sound of their skis slicing through the powdery snow. For those pausing halfway up the Hohneck mountain, it’s a moment of awe and anticipation. They eagerly watch the experienced skier speeding by, imagining themselves soon embarking on their own thrilling descent. The pause provides a chance to take in the natural beauty of the surroundings, with the snow-capped peaks, the dense forests, and the clear blue sky creating a picturesque winter wonderland.
The low sun casts long shadows on the slopes, and the excitement among the climbers grows. They can hardly wait to strap on their skis or sledges and make their way down the mountainside, feeling the rush of the wind against their faces and the thrill of gliding through the snow. The scene is a celebration of the joy and adventure of winter sports in the Vosges Mountains, a place where nature’s beauty and the thrill of outdoor recreation come together in perfect harmony.
The text on the poster, “Sports d’Hiver dans les Vosges,” which translates to “Winter Sports in the Vosges,” is written in bold black letters below the skier, further emphasising the theme of winter sports and adventure. Below the title, the text “La Vallée de Munster and the Hohneck” is written in smaller letters, indicating the specific location depicted in the artwork. This adds an informative element to the poster, providing potential travellers with details about the destination to encourge them to visit the region.
The text on the poster reads – Chemins de Fer d’Alsace et de Lorraine. Sports d’Hiver dans les Vosges. La Vallée de Munster et le Hohneck. The vintage Vosges Skiing Poster is one of Broders’ most notable skiing posters. The poster features Broders’ use of muted colours to distinguish the different whites in the snow scene. The sense of excitement and adventure he has managed to convey is palpable, as the skiers eagerly await their turn to glide down the mountain, capturing the spirit of winter sports in the Vosges Mountains.
The vintage skiing poster also captures the spirit of adventure and leisure that was associated with skiing during the 1930s. Skiing was not only seen as a sport but also as a glamorous and fashionable activity, popular among the elite and upper classes. Broder’s poster image evokes a sense of excitement and joy, inviting the viewer to imagine themselves enjoying the thrill of skiing.
Other Roger Broders vintage travel posters.
Roger Broders, the artist behind this Voges Skiing poster, was a renowned French illustrator and poster artist who gained fame in the early 20th century for his iconic travel posters. He was known for his distinctive style that often combined bold colours, dynamic compositions, and a sense of adventure, capturing the excitement and allure of travel destinations. Among his many works, Broders created several notable skiing posters that have become highly collectable and sought-after by art and skiing enthusiasts alike.
He created numerous posters, not only for the Chemins de Fer d’Alsace et de Lorraine but also for other French railway companies and travel agencies, during the early to mid-20th century. Broders’ distinctive style made his posters stand out and memorable. From 1922 to 1932, Broders fully dedicated himself to poster art, though overall he produced fewer than 100 posters many have become iconic images to poster enthusiasts.
Among the most beloved images of Broder’s works are those designed to advertise a group of villages in France that, thanks to the surge in popularity of skiing and winter sports, were rapidly evolving into fully-fledged ski resorts. These images often depicted winter sports scenes that encompassed various ski resorts. Examples include his 1929 Sports D’Hiver au Col De Vosa par St Gervais poster for the PLM railway company. It depicts a crowd of skiers disembarking from the Mont-Blanc tramway on the mountain slopes of Col De Vosa.
Another notable PLM skiing poster by Broders is titled “Les Sports d’hiver St Pierre de Chartreuse” The Chartreuse poster offers a wonderful view across the snow-covered landscape of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France and features an enthralled crowd of spectators gathered to watch a downhill bobsleigh race.
Not all his winter scenes included winter sports of skiing. One of our favourite Roger Broder’s images is his 1930 La Savoie poster which features a simply stunning scene of a log cabin standing in the foothills of the magnificent La Grand Casse, the highest mountain of the Vanoise Massif in the Graian Alps.
It was only winter scenes that Broders created. Some of his most iconic posters featured the fashionable beaches of the Cote D’Azur. Two of his most loved poster designs are the 1928 Calvi Beach poster advertising the beautiful seaside resort in Corsica. It features the ‘Venus’ of Calvi, standing on the beach in the Corsican resort with Calvi’s sweeping bay of powdered white sand in the background. A personal favourite is the artist’s 1929 rendering of Monte Carl in which from his vantage point high up in the stands of the Monte Carlo Tennis Club the poster features a couple holding rackets, joining a large crowd of people watching tennis being played on the three courts below.
Broders’ skiing posters were not only visually appealing but also served as effective promotional tools for travel and tourism. They were often commissioned by the French railway companies, to promote a variety of destinations throughout France. Broders’ posters were highly successful in attracting tourists, both domestic and international, to these destinations, as they conveyed the excitement, beauty, and adventure of skiing in a visually captivating way. There’s one thing for sure Broder knew how to capture a moment.
How much is an original 1930 Roger Broders Vosges Skiing Poster worth?
Roger Broders, a French illustrator and poster artist, was known for his iconic travel posters that promoted various tourist destinations and modes of transportation in France. His distinctive style often featured bold, simplified forms, vivid colours, and a sense of movement, which made his posters eye-catching and memorable. The “Sports d’Hiver dans les Vosges” poster by Broders is a fine example of his work, showcasing the beauty and appeal of the Vosges Mountains as a winter sports destination in the 1930s.
Today, vintage travel posters like the one created by Roger Broders are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike. They are appreciated for their artistic merit, historical significance, and nostalgic charm. Broders’ poster showcasing the Vosges Mountains as a winter sports destination remains a timeless piece of art that captures the allure and excitement of skiing in the 1930s. It serves as a reminder of the early days of winter tourism and the role of travel posters in promoting leisure and adventure in iconic destinations around the world. Today, it is considered a classic piece of art and a testament to the early days of winter tourism and the role of travel posters in promoting leisure and adventure destinations.
Many of Broders original stone lithographed prints fetch thousands of pounds when they appear at public auction or private sale. This rare and highly-sought after Vosges Skiing Poster is no exception. An original copy was put up for auction in 2011 and achieved a peak price of over $7,500. More recently, another Broders A-rated Vosges poster reached a new pinnacle when it sold at auction for £11,900. More recently, in 2023, an original copy was listed for sale on an online original poster site with a price tag of £15,000.
There’s no denying it – being able to own your own original Swiss skiing poster must feel as good as a thrilling downhill ski. If you can find an original print and can afford to buy it, you’re almost certainly on to a winner. The allure of owning a piece of ski history, with its timeless charm and artistic beauty, is truly aspirational. And, as an investment, chances are in just a few years you’ll be able to sell it for more than you paid for it.
However, for most of us, even at entry-level prices many of these rare collectables are as out of reach as a double black diamond ski run or owning our own luxury ski chalet. Let’s face it, £12,000 for an original Roger Broders Skiing poster could be three or four good family skiing holidays for most skiing enthusiasts!
This is where our stunning high-quality reproductions come into their own. They offer a compelling alternative allowing you to indulge in the beauty and nostalgia of vintage ski art without breaking the bank. Our stunning, superb reproductions capture the essence of the original artwork, with crisp details and vibrant colours that are sure to make a statement when framed and hung in your home. Our reproductions are not just affordable alternatives to originals, but a great way to elevate your home decor and showcase your love for skiing in a truly unique and aspirational way. Order yours today! You won’t be disappointed.
