Art & Ski: Our Must-Sees in the Alps this Winter

25 Nov 2024

This winter, the renowned ski resorts of St. Moritz, Gstaad, and Verbier are offering much more than just scenic slopes and luxury retreats—they've become key destinations for exceptional art exhibitions, seamlessly merging culture with the stunning alpine backdrop.

Rana Begum, No.1387 Fence _2024_, installation shot from the Verbier 3-D Foundation Sculpture Park. Photographer- Melody Sky.
Rana Begum, No.1387 Fence _2024_, installation shot from the Verbier 3-D Foundation Sculpture Park. Photographer- Melody Sky.
Installation view, Paul McCarthy, Henry Moore Bound to Fail (Bronze), 2004, Hotel Waldhaus am See, St. Moritz, Switzerland, 2018 © Paul McCarthy.
Installation view, Paul McCarthy, Henry Moore Bound to Fail (Bronze), 2004, Hotel Waldhaus am See, St. Moritz, Switzerland, 2018 © Paul McCarthy.
Tarmak22: 'Lantern With No Walls’. Adrian Paci, Installation view of 'The Wanderers’. Courtesy of Tarmak22.
Tarmak22: 'Lantern With No Walls’. Adrian Paci, Installation view of 'The Wanderers’. Courtesy of Tarmak22.

ST. MORITZ

The Engadin region, famed for its breathtaking landscapes and distinctive light, has long inspired artists, giving rise to a rich network of top galleries. Among these, Hauser & Wirth stands as a leading force in contemporary and modern art. The gallery represents influential Swiss artists such as Roman Signer and Pipilotti Rist, as well as international icons like Louise Bourgeois and Paul McCarthy. This winter, Hauser & Wirth presents Jean-Michel Basquiat: Engadin (14 Dec 2024 – 29 Mar 2025), the first solo show of Basquiat’s works inspired by his visits to Switzerland, set against the picturesque Engadin Valley and the Swiss Alps.

Modern art fans will be equally thrilled by Vito Schnabel Gallery’s exhibition The Neverending Story: The Dream (12 Dec 2024 – 16 Feb 2025), celebrating the centennial of Surrealism with works by Man Ray, Yves Tanguy, Salvador Dalí, and Giorgio de Chirico.

For a blend of nature and art, take a scenic walk around Lake St. Moritz. The flat, easy route offers spectacular views of the town and the surrounding peaks of the Upper Engadine and Bernina Valleys. Upon reaching Hotel Waldhaus am See, don’t miss the striking bronze sculpture by Los Angeles-based artist Paul McCarthy overlooking the lake. Nearby, Thaddaeus Ropac presents Hans Josephsohn (26 Dec 2024 – 1 Mar 2025), a retrospective of the Swiss sculptor’s works, with a focus on his abstract late pieces. This exhibition coincides with a major retrospective of Josephsohn’s work at The Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris, offering a rare chance to engage with his art at a pivotal moment of international recognition.

GSTAAD

In Gstaad, make sure to visit Tarmak22, an art space located at Gstaad Saanen Airport. From 12 Dec 2024 – 26 Jan 2025, Tarmak22 will present Lantern With No Walls, an exhibition of moving-image works from Fondazione In Between Art Film. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Bernese Alps, it offers a rare opportunity to view video art that resonates with the region’s natural beauty.

Gagosian Gstaad will also feature Rick Lowe’s In Search of Light (21 Dec 2024 – 26 Jan 2025), a series of works addressing community-building and social change. This exhibition includes drawings, paintings on paper, and a large-scale painting, highlighting Lowe’s commitment to art as a force for transformation.

Local artist Jasmine Wheatcroft will present her latest works at the Gstaad Palace Hotel from 20 to 22 December in the exhibition DE-LIGHTED. This unique collection features fibre optic fabric panels, where light is revealed through abrasion, transforming each piece into a calming daytime display that dazzles after dark. Nestled in a fairytale-like castle, the Gstaad Palace offers a magical winter setting, complemented by exceptional dining, including the famed Grill restaurant!

Also returning for its second edition, Gstaad Art will take place from 14–16 February 2025 at the Festival-Zelt. Featuring 25 top galleries, including PACE, White Cube, and Perrotin, the fair offers a more intimate experience for those wishing to engage with contemporary art in a relaxed yet sophisticated environment.

VERBIER

Verbier is home to the Verbier 3-D Foundation’s Sculpture Park, open year-round. This scenic 3km walk invites visitors to experience works by renowned artists such as James Capper, Gregory Coates, and Zak Ové, all set against the breathtaking alpine landscape. A special highlight this winter is Rana Begum’s recent work, created during her 2024 residency.

For more contemporary art, visit Bel Air Fine Art in the heart of Verbier. Featuring works by icons like Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Banksy, the gallery offers a perfect post-ski destination. Just a short walk away, AIFA Gallery will present Echoes of Form and Colour (14 Dec 2024 – 8 Feb 2025), an exhibition by Japanese artists Natsuki Shibata and Nanami Azuma, exploring the interplay between sculptural ceramics and layered compositions.

For those willing to travel a bit further, Fondation Pierre Gianadda in Martigny is just half an hour from Verbier. In partnership with the Hergé Museum, the Fondation presents The Adventures of Tintin vignettes and photographs by Léonard Gianadda at the Galerie du Foyer (on view until 2 Feb 2025), offering a family-friendly experience. From 14 February, the Fondation will host Francis Bacon: Human Presence, a major exhibition currently being shown at our Club partner the National Portrait Gallery in London!