Adelboden Swiss Ski Championships

This bold and graphic original vintage poster was issued for the 1re Semaine de Championnats Suisse de Ski held in Adelboden from 4 to 11 February 1951. The title translates to “1st Week of the Swiss Ski Championships,” reflecting a major national winter sports event bringing together multiple skiing disciplines.

The design is a striking example of early 1950s Swiss modernism, built around a powerful red background and a central snowflake motif rendered in a sculptural, almost architectural style. At the heart of the composition sits a heraldic eagle, surrounded by circular medallions depicting the various competitions included in the championships—downhill, slalom, giant slalom, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined—each reduced to elegant, minimal forms.

The event itself was a comprehensive showcase of Swiss skiing, featuring cross-country races over 18 km and 50 km, a relay, ski jumping, Nordic combined, and alpine disciplines including downhill, giant slalom, and slalom for both men and women. This wide range of competitions is clearly reflected in the poster’s iconography, making it not only visually striking but also historically informative.

The clean typography and balanced composition reflect the clarity and precision associated with Swiss graphic design of the period, while the limited color palette enhances the poster’s visual impact.

Condition: Mounted on linen; the poster presents very well with strong colors and excellent overall display quality.

A classic and highly decorative Swiss skiing poster from the early postwar period, appealing to collectors of winter sports memorabilia and mid-century graphic design.