Parsenn Bahn Davos | 1930s

Parsenn Bahn Davos, Circa 1930, by Helmut Kurtz

This striking Art Deco-era poster promotes the Parsenn funicular railway in Davos, Switzerland. It presents a bold contrast between a sharply angled red train car ascending a high viaduct and a group of skiers gracefully carving their way down the snow-covered slopes. The perspective creates a sense of movement and adventure, with the monochromatic skiers in the foreground contrasting against the crisp blue sky and Alpine peaks. The text reads, "in die klassischen Skifelder der Alpen" (to the classic ski fields of the Alps).

The Parsenn Bahn, established in 1931, was a key development in the transformation of Davos into a world-class ski resort. Originally built to access the high-altitude Parsenn ski area, the funicular made the deep powder slopes of the Swiss Alps more accessible to both local and international visitors. In the early 20th century, Switzerland was at the forefront of ski tourism, attracting enthusiasts from across Europe, particularly from Germany and Britain.

Helmut Kurtz was a notable Swiss graphic designer and poster artist, active in the early to mid-20th century. His works often featured strong geometric compositions, dynamic perspectives, and effective use of typography to create a compelling sense of movement. Like many designers of his era, he drew inspiration from modernist trends, including the Bauhaus and Constructivist movements, which emphasized functional and visually striking design.