Industry News
The inimitable artist responsible for crafting intimate depictions of more than 200 ski areas across the globe is set to release more than two dozen original artworks of famed resorts in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Idaho for public purchase. That artist, James Niehues, has spent more than 35 years creating ski maps that have been as integral to a day on the mountain as skis, and heโs opening up his personal vault once again to offer originals from 10 different resorts. Fans and avid skiers will have the chance to own an original rendering of their favorite resort beginning on March 17, 2022. All proceeds from the Okemo and Sun Valley sale will go to support the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.
- Related: The Making of a Trail Map: A Behind the Scenes Look With James Niehues and Sun Peaks Resort, BC
The successful sale of previous Niehues works featuring resorts across the western United Statesย as well as NFTs and other product partnerships – has resulted in a $120,000 Kickstarter campaign to support Stark Mountain Foundation in support of Mad River Glen, $70,000 to bene๏ฌt the Colorado Snowsports Museum, and $20,000 for the National Ability Center. Now, as a member of the 2019 inductee class, Niehues now looks to champion the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame as they continue to honor and celebrate the athletes and snow sport pioneers who have made a signi๏ฌcant impact on skiing and snowboarding in America.
Beginning Thursday, March 17 at 9 pm EST and closing Sunday, March 27 at 9 pm EST, the general public will have the opportunity to buy original resort paintings and sketches from Sun Valley (โ93) in Idaho; Stowe (โ90), Okemo (โ90-โ99), Bromley (โ07), Jay Peak (โ00), and Sugarbush (โ90, โ94) in Vermont; and, Loon (โ89-โ11), Bretton Woods (โ98), Cranmore (โ94-โ00) and Waterville Valleyย (โ89-โ11) in New Hampshire. With some iterations spanning decades, those interested are able to have an original of their favorite resort as they remember it best.
โThe paintings and sketches in this release are some of the oldest pieces in my collection, and Iโm thrilled to be able to help support the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame with proceeds from my original Okemo and Sun Valley paintings. There are so many icons in the ski and snowboard world that have called these mountains home, many of whom are in the Hall of Fame, and Iโm proud to support their commitment to the preservation of skiing history.โ
– James Niehues
In addition to the original art, limited-edition, large format canvas prints featuring Okemo, Stowe, Sugarbush and Look will also be available at jamesniehues.com.ย
โOpen Road Ski Company has been fortunate to work with James on projects ranging from theย release of The Man Behind the Maps to curating the collections of his original art. My co-founder Ben Farrow and I are thrilled for James to be inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, and weโre pleased to be working alongside him to show the organization his appreciation.โ
– Toddย Bennet, co-founder of Open Road Ski Company
Interested collectors are encouraged to act quickly, as these original pieces of ski history will only be available for 10 days. For more information on when and where these originals will be available, and to browse additional Niehues art available for purchase, please visit jamesniehues.com. Fans may also follow his adventures on Instagram (@jamesniehues), Twitter (@jamesniehues), and Facebook (@jamesniehuesorsc).
For over 30 years, James Niehuesโ maps have been integral to the enjoyment of skiers and snowboarders at resorts and mountains across the globe. He has painted nearly every ski resort in North America, plus ski maps on four other continents over the course of his inimitable career.
Each map is hand-crafted over several months, and many are still in use today. His recent book, The Man Behind the Maps – a compilation of the more than 200 individual trail maps he has painted – is loved by skiers and snowboarders around the world. His book was the top-selling ski book of 2020 and has over 500 ๏ฌve-star reviews.
