Breckenridge Ski Map Sketch
Breckenridge Ski Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado.
This print is of the pencil sketch from 2016 used to lay out the Breckenridge map before painting.
Our custom black wooden frames feature a deep, squared profile to showcase Niehues’ timeless work. Frame width ranges from ⅞ to 1 ⅝ inches, dependent upon on print size, and features a non-glare acrylic front plus foamcore backing.
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The Man Behind The Maps Book
Breckenridge Ski Area Information
Part of what makes James Niehues’s ski maps so unique is his process. He visits each mountain before he ever starts sketching and takes a huge number of aerial referenced photos, flying around the mountain to make sure he understands it from all angles. He then uses those photos to create an incredibly detailed sketch to base his painting on. These sketches include every detail. They also convey important lighting information that will help him with the final painting. Then, only when this very detailed sketch is complete, does Niehues start painting.
This sketch of Breckenridge is as detailed and rich as many other artists’ finished work, but for Niehues it was only a step towards his final product. So if you want to revel in the beauty of Breck in all her monochrome, graphite glory, this is the map for you. It conveys all of the information of the finished Breckenridge ski map, but in a looser, more organic form. If you love the exacting detail of Niehues’s work, as well as skiing Breckenridge, this piece is the perfect wall decoration.
Location: White River National Forest, Summit County, Colorado
Nearest city: Breckenridge
Coordinates: 39.480°N 106.067°W
Vertical: 3,398 feet (1,036 m)
Top elevation: 12,998 feet (3,962 m)
Base elevation: 9,600 feet (2,900 m)
Skiable area: 2,908 acres (11.77 km2)
Runs: 155 total,14% beginner, 31% intermediate, 19% advanced, 36% expert
Longest run: Four O'Clock 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Lift system: 32 total (1 gondola, 4 high-speed six-packs, 6 high-speed quads, 1 fixed grip quad, 1 triple chairlift, 6 double chairlifts, 13 surface)
Terrain parks: 25 acres (10 ha)
Snowfall: 370 in (940 cm) per year
Snowmaking: 600 acres (2.4 km2)
"The 'Rembrandt of snow' has published a hefty coffee table book with a collection of nearly all of his hand-painted maps."
Timeless art for your home
Hand-painted maps require the best reproduction process available. Each illustration starts with a high resolution digital scan. It is then printed on museum quality cotton paper using the latest HDR ink-jet technology.
Legendary Ski Artist James Niehues
If you are a skier or snowboarder, there is a good chance James Niehues has been your mountain guide. Throughout his 30 year career he has worked at the smallest hills and the most expansive resorts in North America. He has left his mark in South America, Australia, Asia and Europe too. And even if you have never shared a bottomless powder day with him, he has always been close by.