Enter Our Photo Competition: This Is Skiing To Me

Those familiar with our holidays may recognise the artwork featured throughout many of our chalets. We’ve been commissioning work from the very talented Tony Foster for over a decade, and his distinctive canvases have become part of the VIP SKI signature. Tony is based in Kent and is a versatile muralist and figure painter. Over many years he has brought warmth, colour, and originality to our interiors, from bold abstract pieces to evocative alpine scenes, all painted to commission. Tony’s work usually begins in the studio, tailored to the space, mood, and atmosphere of each chalet.

Watercolour painting of skier standing at top of steep ski slope — Tony’s initial sketches capture the spirit of the mountains ahead of his in-resort residency

Watercolour painting of ski lifts with LA PLAGNE written in white above lifts — Sketches capturing energy, mood, and mountain form before the full picture unfolds in resort

Art that belongs to the mountains

This summer, however, the canvas is bigger, and so is the inspiration. In preparation for our new chalets at the Graciosa in La Plagne, Tony will spend the month of August living and painting in the resort, absorbing the scenery, light, and textures that will shape his next body of work. With around 250 canvases planned for the suites and communal areas, we want this new collection to be rooted in place, shaped by the view from the window and the mountain air.

A glimpse of what's to come

Here are some of the early concept sketches from his studio in Kent, and they’re full of promise. From sweeping ridge lines to glimpses of Alpine wildlife, they offer a beautiful preview of what’s to come. We can’t wait to see the finished collection hung in the Graciosa this November.

Black and white sketch of Ibex wearing ski goggles — These concept sketches lay the groundwork for the final artworks, soon to be completed in the heart of La Plagne

Watercolour painting of ski tracks on fresh snow — First strokes of inspiration. Tony’s preparatory work ahead of creating site-specific pieces at The Graciosa

Watercolour painting of ski lifts coming up mountain — A glimpse into the artist’s process - loose, expressive sketches drawn in anticipation of time on the mountain

Watercolour painting of skiers skiing down fresh snow — Tony’s sketches will evolve into finished artworks, shaped by the snow, light and landscape of La Plagne

Watercolour painting of astronaut skiing down slope with planet earth in distance — Share your own mountain memory for a chance to win a bespoke Tony Foster canvas, inspired by the same snowy spirit as these early sketches

Share your favourite memory with us

To mark this new chapter of creativity, and to celebrate the joy of seeing the mountains through different eyes, we’d love to invite you to take part in a unique competition. We’re inviting guests, past and present, to share their favourite mountain memory - a photo that says “this is what skiing means to me.” It might be a photo of a quiet morning walk through the trees. A ski day snapshot with friends. Your child’s first snowman. Or the simple magic of mountain light from your chalet window.

Smiling painted face sculpture in Tignes with blue sky and snowy background — We can't wait to see the mountains through your eyes...

How to enter

Email your photo to media@vip-chalets.com with the subject line Alpine View, or share it on Instagram using the hashtag #VIPAlpineView and tag @vip_ski_official.

Entries close at midnight on Monday 25th August 2025. The winner will be drawn and notified by Friday 29th August 2025.

The prize

Every entry will go into a prize draw to win one of Tony Foster’s original canvases, a stunning piece featured in this very blog. A slice of the Alps, brought to life on canvas, and yours to take home.

We can’t wait to see your moments, the mountain views that mean something to you, captured through your lens. After all, just like Tony’s paintings, no two perspectives are ever quite the same.