The Art and Evolution of Piste Maps: A Tribute to Pierre Novat

Picture this: You arrive at your dream ski destination, fresh mountain air filling your lungs as you step onto the snow-packed streets. Before buckling up your ski boots, what’s the first thing you reach for? If you’re like most skiing enthusiasts, it’s the piste map, a folded sheet of carefully illustrated trails and lifts that will guide your alpine adventures for the week. More than just a navigation tool, it’s a symbol of anticipation, discovery, and even nostalgia.

For decades, one name was synonymous with these maps: Pierre Novat. This Lyon-born artist didn’t just design piste maps; he painted breathtaking mountain landscapes that captured the essence of each resort. His work spanned some of the most famous ski areas in the world, including the vast domains of Les Trois Vallées, La Plagne, Val d’Isère and Tignes. His maps, hand-drawn with meticulous detail and artistic flair, became as iconic as the ski resorts themselves.

Pierre Novat: The Man Who Illustrated the Alps

Novat’s legacy in ski cartography began in the early 1960s when he was commissioned to create a piste map for Val d’Isère. At the time, most ski maps were rudimentary, often little more than technical blueprints. Novat revolutionised the concept by using an artistic approach, rendering the mountains in a way that made them both visually stunning and intuitively easy to read.

Unlike traditional cartographers, Novat didn’t adhere strictly to topographical accuracy. Instead, he employed a unique perspective that emphasised key skiable areas, ensuring that trails, lifts, and off-piste zones were immediately recognisable. This blend of realism and creative interpretation made his maps not just functional but also captivating works of art. Over his lifetime, Novat crafted over 250 piste maps, covering legendary destinations such as Méribel, Courchevel, and Les Arcs. Even today, many resorts continue to use variations of his original designs.

The Shift to Digital: Progress or Loss?

In recent years, the traditional paper piste map has begun to fade from ski culture, replaced by digital alternatives. Resorts now encourage visitors to download interactive apps, offering real-time updates on lift statuses, avalanche risks, and even GPS tracking.

This transition brings undeniable benefits:

• Sustainability – Printing tens of thousands of maps each season is costly and environmentally taxing. Digital versions reduce waste and align with ski resorts eco-friendly initiatives.
• Functionality – Live updates ensure skiers always have the latest information, unlike static paper maps that quickly become outdated.
• Convenience – Anyone who has tried to unfold a map on a wind-whipped chairlift knows the struggle. Digital maps eliminate the need for cold fingers wrestling with paper.

Yet, something is lost in the shift to screens. The act of gathering around a chalet table, tracing ski routes with eager fingers, and plotting the next day’s challenges is a ritual that digital maps struggle to replicate. Novat’s maps, in particular, evoked a romance that pixels on a screen can’t quite match.

Keeping the Piste Map Tradition Alive

While paper maps may be disappearing from resorts, their artistic and nostalgic value endures. Many skiers now seek creative ways to celebrate their love for Novat’s iconic designs:

• Framed Piste Map Prints – High-quality prints of Novat’s maps make for stunning wall art, a perfect memento of past ski trips.
• Customised Ski Posters – Some companies offer personalized piste maps featuring favourite runs or routes skied.
• Map-Inspired Apparel and Accessories – From ski-themed mugs to piste map neck gaiters, Novat’s designs continue to inspire creative merchandise.

The Final Run

Pierre Novat’s piste maps were never just about directions, they captured the spirit of the skiing holiday itself. While digital innovation pushes ski resorts forward, Novat’s work reminds us of the artistry and passion that once defined how we explored the mountains. Whether you prefer the old-school charm of paper or the convenience of an app, one thing remains the same: the thrill of carving through fresh snow, guided by the invisible hand of a mapmaker who truly understood the magic of the mountains.