LONDON.- On 22 January 2015 Christie’s South Kensington will host its highly anticipated 17th annual Ski Sale, the only auction of its kind worldwide. 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 travel luggage. Estimates range from £800 to £80,000.

Switzerland was the most prolific country for ski tourism posters during the 20th 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 150th 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 20th century posters advertising Swiss resorts, including St. Moritz, Davos, Zermatt, Gstaad and Verbier. Highlights are Carl Moos’ St Moritz (estimate: £18,000-22,000); a 1918 poster for Davos by Emil Cardinaux (estimate: £12,000-18,000); and a group of Zermatt posters depicting the iconic mountain, such as a 1947 lithograph in colours designed by Schol (estimate: £4,000-6,000).

Whilst ski posters depict the romance of travel, the auction also offers today’s discerning traveller a selection of stylish Louis Vuitton luggage. Renowned across the world for their iconic monogramed trunks, holdalls and bags, Louis Vuitton epitomises luxury travel and highlights in the sale include a magnificent pair of desk trunks (estimate: £50,000-80,000).

LUGGAGE
• A trio of limited edition paperweight trunks and an Aero snow globe Louis Vuitton 2013, 2012 & 2000 Estimate: £1,200-1,500

• A pair of monogram canvas Braken suitcases Louis Vuitton, 20th century Estimate: £1,500-2,000

SWITZERLAND
• Alex Walter Diggelmann, Gstaad Estimate: £3,000-5,000
• Emil Cardinaux, Zermatt Estimate: £8,000-12,000
• Martin Peikert, Verbier Estimate: £2,000-3,000

FRANCE
• Leonetto Cappello, Superbagneres-Luchon Estimate: £5,000-7,000
• Robert Falcucci, Monte Carlo Estimate: £10,000-15,000
• Roger Broders, Les Sports d’Hiver a St.Pierre de Chartreuse Estimate: £10,000-15,000

ITALY
• Franz Lenhart, Winter Sport in Italien Estimate: £4,000-6,000
• Franz Lenhart, Cortina Estimate: £8,000-12,000
• Franz Lenhart, Madonna di Campiglio Estimate: £3,000-5,000

US
• T.M. Joanethis, Dartmouth Estimate: £2,500-3,500
• Sascha Maurer, Flexible Flyer Estimate: £1,800-2,200
• John R. Bowers, Dartmouth Estimate: £1,500-2,000