Over 1000m2 of art painted on the slopes of Paradiski

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the connection between Les Arcs–Peisey and La Plagne (2003–2023), the Paradiski ski area commissioned internationally renowned land artist Saype to create two monumental frescoes covering more than 1,000m² of snow-covered slopes.

The artworks depict two children roped together, a powerful reference to both mountaineering culture and the physical link created by the Vanoise Express.

“By drawing this roped pair of children, I wanted to show that we need to work together, trust each other, and overcome challenges,” the artist explained.

“What inspired me in this project proposed by Paradiski is the connection between these resorts thanks to this incredible cable car,” the artist explained. “The mountain is a world that inspires me both as a beautiful postcard and as a high-altitude environment that can be hostile, especially for carrying out my ephemeral creation work. […] By drawing this roped pair of children, I wanted to show that we need to work together, trust each other to move forward and overcome the challenges we face.”

The ephemeral works are intended to raise environmental awareness.

A Technical and Environmental Feat

Creating art at altitude is not romantic Instagram work. It is logistical warfare.

• Surface: Snow on active ski pistes

• Altitude: Approx. 1,800–2,000m

• Material: Biodegradable charcoal-based pigment

• Area covered: Over 1,000m²

• Lifespan: Temporary, designed to disappear

Saype’s technique uses natural binders and charcoal-based paint that degrades without leaving toxic residue. According to the artist’s studio, all materials are certified environmentally safe and comply with local ecological regulations (Source: Saype Studio – www.saype.com).

SEE THE MAKING OF HERE

The temporary work was made with biodegradable charcoal-based paint. Saype is known worldwide for his frescoes made on grass, earth, sand, and snow, around the world. He has worked in New York, Paris, Venice, Geneva, Cape Town, Turin, Dubai, Nairobi, Istanbul, Ouagadougou, and Miami. The passage of his frescoes, meant to fade away, aims to shift mindsets while respecting the environment. His work can be found at www.saype.com

Starting December 20th, skiers will be able to discover the making of these two works at the Vanoise Express cable car stations in Montchavin-Les Coches and Peisey-Vallandry. The ski area of Paradiski boasts 425 km of slopes shared between La Plagne, Champagny, Peisey, and Les Arcs, making it one of the largest in the Alps.

Paradiski, one of the biggest ski areas in the Alpes with super property prices

Paradiski is a renowned ski area in the French Alps, offering an extensive and diverse skiing experience. It encompasses the areas of Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, and La Plagne. With its impressive infrastructure, Paradiski boasts around 260 ski lifts, providing easy access to its vast terrain. The area features approximately 425 kilometres of ski slopes catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to experts. This vast network of slopes includes a wide variety of runs, from long cruising blues to challenging blacks, and plenty of off-piste opportunities for the adventurous.

Additionally, Paradiski is known for its modern facilities, including the Vanoise Express, one of the world’s largest and fastest double-decker cable cars, which links Les Arcs and La Plagne, enhancing the connectivity of the ski area. With its high altitude, the region guarantees good snow conditions throughout the season, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.