"The 'rembrandt of snow' has published a hefty coffee table book with a collection of nearly all of his hand-painted maps."
The Man Behind the Maps Video

In James' own words

Hear from James Niehues about the why this project is so important to him and how it came about.

 

About the book

Whether you have skied one area or have traveled the world, you have used James Niehues' maps.

This project was born out of Niehues' desire to chronicle his life's work. The book includes background on trail map making, Niehues' career and incredible impact on the industry, as well as nearly 200 ski resorts. Its full color, timeless design provides an art book that will look great in your home or your favorite ski cabin.

The Man Behind The Maps Book

Launched on Kickstarter

Initially a dream of James Niehues, this became a reality thanks to generous donations and overwhelming support from his fans. Launched in November of 2018, James Niehues: The Man Behind the Maps became the highest supported Art-Illustration project on Kickstarter. At the close of the campaign, over 5,000 people had supported the project, making it a reality.

More ways to enjoy

The #1 selling ski book of all time

The #1 selling ski book of all time

Customer Reviews

Based on 278 reviews
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Anonymous
Makes a wonderful

Makes a wonderful gift!

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Dylan
Great read & great art

If you’ve ever skied at a major resort, chances are you’ve held a trail map illustrated by James Niehues. Legendary Ski Artist James Niehues captures not only the beauty of his work but also the legacy he’s built over decades of meticulously hand-painting ski maps used by millions worldwide.

The book itself is beautifully produced, with high-quality printing that really does justice to his paintings. Each page highlights his unmatched ability to blend artistry with utility—his maps aren’t just functional, they’re works of art that capture the grandeur of the mountains.

What makes this book stand out is that it’s more than just a collection of maps. It tells the story of Niehues’ career, his process, and the passion he poured into every brushstroke. Whether you’re a skier, a lover of landscapes, or simply someone who appreciates fine illustration, this book is a must-have for your collection.

In short: Legendary Ski Artist James Niehues is both a coffee table centerpiece and a heartfelt tribute to the man who shaped how generations of skiers have experienced the slopes.

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Anonymous
Great! An 80th birthday gift

Great! I gave the book to my husband Reid Cederlof for his 80th birthday. He is very much enjoying it.

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John Scott
The book was a gift to my son

The book was a gift to my son, who already knew a lot about James Niehues. He was amazed going through the book, and showing his kids all of the ski areas he had skied during the years. The book is a masterpiece. Thanks for getting it to us.

K
Kelly Woodard

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