Scattered across the mountains of the Val de Bagnes, tower the infamous structures that offer easy access to the highest peaks. Inspired by these feats of engineering, local artist Sam Bruchez has brought to life a series of prints titled “Pistes Noires”

The idea for the project was sparked when Sam, a graphic designer born and raised in Verbier, was hiking during the off-season. He noticed that each installation was impressively anchored on steep rocky hills of the resort. “I wanted to find a way to highlight these often-overlooked marvels,” Sam says.

He began asking around, and eventually found himself in front of Téléverbier’s operations manager. “It was really a privileged moment when we met at the Gare de Médran and took the elevator underground to the archives,” Sam continues. “I was given free access to rummage around as much as I wanted.”

In January 2013, Sam found himself with the keys to the archives of Téléverbier. While his friends were out enjoying the snow, he was in a dark, cold bunker exploring aisles upon aisles of legal files, aerial photographs, newspaper clippings, complaint letters (“Oh yeah, they’ve been getting those since the 1970s,” Sam says), along with architectural and engineering plans dating back to the origins of the resort in 1950. 

“The research was captivating because I would recognise each document I found,” Sam says. In addition to learning all about the origins of the resort, Sam uncovered numerous random facts. “Did yo u know the arrival station at the Mont-Fort, due to the glacial terrain, is actually held in balance by two huge concrete blocks?” he says. “Next time you go to admire the view, look under your feet; those blocks hold everything in place.”

This interesting journey into the archives launched a long-term print project. Its first portion has been revealed this winter in a limited series of high-quality screen prints. 

With Sam’s work in mind, skiers might see the slopes in a new way. “I’m hoping that the next time someone goes skiing, they will notice the inventiveness of these infrastructures,” he says. “I’m also aiming to highlight the work and resourcefulness being put into granting skiers such easy access to the top of the Alps.”

To view or purchase one of Sam’s prints – plus those of other local and famous Alpine print artists – head to the new Alpimages Gallery at Route de Verbier Station 61.
www.alpimages.ch