SWISS ALPS - Peaks & Pics
- The Alps through the Lens with Craig Richards
Our days will be spent on the trails, indulging in the beauty of the Alps, albeit with a photographer's eye. Each evening will be spent reviewing the day's images, and working closely with Craig discussing photographic techniques and theory along with hands-on practical training.
The most important part of photography is seeing, and the second most important thing is carrying that seeing through to a final image that conveys your thoughts to others. Whether your route is traditional film-based photography or digital photography, this workshop will dramatically enhance your seeing, and your ability to carry it through to the final print. You'll learn about strong seeing, about light, about effective composition, about creating a mood and interpreting a scene to turn it into your own vision. You'll learn how to express yourself better about the world that is photographically important to you, and how to create whole new worlds.
In addition, the workshop will feature complete reviews and discussions of your work, with an eye toward suggesting ways to refine and improve the imagery. Craig will present selections of his own work, explaining every aspect of the thinking behind the imagery, the initial exposures and developments of the negatives, and the printing of the final image.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: ARRIVAL DAY
Transfer to Chamonix. Welcome dinner and night in Les Praz.
Day 2: AIGUILLE DU MIDI - MONTENVERS
Depending on weather, we will either take the Aiguille du Midi cable-car or the Flégère cable-car. From the top station of the Aiguillle du Midi at nearly 4000m, the views are simply spectacular. The Mont Blanc is really right there , almost within reach.
The Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and numerous 4000 metre peaks can be seen far off in the distance. Back at the mid-station, our hike begins under the famed Chamonix Aiguilles or Needles, fins of compact granite which tower above the valley. A short, 3-hour hikes leads us to the Montenvers train station and hotel where we can enjoy a fine lunch and then return journey to Chamonix can be made by cog rail.
Our other option would be to take the Flégère gondola to the top station and hike to Lac Blanc, possibly one of the most photographed mountain vistas in the Alps for good reason The entire range unfolds before us from the Mont Blanc all the way to the Aiguille du Tour and distant Grandes Jorasses. After a hearty lunch, we can expect to be back down in Les Praz with plenty of time to explore Chamonix or simply luxuriate in the comfort of our hotel.
4 Hours of hiking. Hotel in Les Praz de Chamonix.
Day 3: CHAMONIX - MARTIGNY
Our day begins with a short 45-minute transfer to the former Roman garrison town of Martigny, strategically located on the Rhone River. The drive is in itself spectacular as the road meanders past vineyards which hang precipitously to cliff faces. Once on the valley floor, Martigny is ours to explore. A planned visit to a vineyard and then time to photograph some of the vestiges of Roman architecture such as the splendid arena which is still in use today-for cow fights only!
Overnight in Martigny. 2 hours of city hiking only.
Day 4: MARTIGNY - CABANE DES DIX
Our taxi will meet us early for a fairly long drive (2.5hrs) to the magnificent Grande Dixence dam, at one point, one of the world's largest. After a short visit to a museum dedicated to the Swiss' herculean dam building projects in the Valais canton since the 1950s, a gondola whisks us to the top of the edifice and the beginning of our hike. The walk begins along a flat path circumventing the Lac des Dix and finally up along a lateral moraine where we climb steadily to the Cabane des Dix. Owned by the Swiss Alpine Club, this rugged structure has been built to withstand the elements and to welcome weary hikers and climbers. Stunning views out over the Cheillon Glacier as the hut is perched on a rocky promontory with commanding views of the surrounding glaciers. A wonderful meal awaits us along with the friendly hut keepers, Pierre and Beatrice. A night not to be missed! 5 hours of hiking. Overnight Cabane des Dix. Dormitory accommodation.
Day 5: CABANE DES DIX - AROLLA
An early start will allow us to indulge in what we came for: stunning Alpine scenery. As the sun hits the peaks before us, the mountains come alive in a profusion of colours. Our hike takes us across a flat glacier leading to our main challenge of the day, the Reidmatten pass with its steep, rocky scramble leading to a very rugged but short section just under the col or pass. Weather-permitting, the Matterhorn can be seen in the nearby Mattertal. Our descent takes us to the hamlet of Arolla, once a thriving summer mountaineering centre during the "Golden Years" of mountaineering.
Hotel in Arolla. 5 hours of hiking.
Day 6: AROLLA - CABANE DE MOIRY
Taking the early morning Swiss Post bus from Arolla, we descend to the village of Les Hauderes and then on to La Forclaz. A steep hike awaits us as we wind our way up through pastures, and past small raccards or shepherds' huts.
Once above tree line the pass is visible in the distance. Views from the Col du Tsate are incredible as the large Glacier de Moiry unfolds before us as we head down to the snout of the glacier. A steep trail along the lateral moraine takes us to the newly renovated Cabane de Moiry for a much deserved rest. The cabane, with a recent addition to the old building offers great views in all directions. Built overlooking the Glacier de Moiry, the views from the large terrace are a photographer's dream.
8 hours of walking. Dormitory accommodation. No luggage transfer.
Day 7 : CABANE DE MOIRY - ZINAL
An alpine start awaits us as a long day is in store. We leave the Moiry hut and the glaciers behind as we follow a path called the 'Haut Tour du Lac' or high-level lake traverse.
The Moiry lake is often turquoise, changing from dark green to light blue, contrasting amazingly with the snow-capped mountains above.
This is one of the more memorable hikes of the trip. Following a contour line above the Moiry dam, we hike towards the Col de Sorbois before descending to Zinal a thriving mountain town in both summer and winter.
Overnight in a majestic, 150 year old hotel. Luggage transfer.
Day 8 : ZINAL - HOTEL WEISSHORN
A steep climb out awaits us right from the start as we make our way above tree-line. Our objective for the day is the Hotel Weisshorn, one of the few remaining hotels from the 'Golden Age' of mountaineering. The hike is relatively easy with the difficulties at the beginning. There is ample time today for a hearty lunch on the trail and maybe an impromptu lecture by Craig along the way. Highlights of today's walk include grand alpine landscapes, many interesting shepherd's hamlets and sweeping views out to the Rhone Valley not to mention a night spent in 19 th century splendour. 6 hours of hiking. Hotel, no luggage.
Day 9: HOTEL WEISSHORN - SAAS FEE
A day to make any fan of public transportation exuberant! We begin with a short walk to the funicular and then down to Vissoie where we join the Swiss Post bus network taking us all the way to the car-free ski resort of Saas Fee. After check-in, we will explore this town surrounded by majestic peaks and formidable glaciers. Today, our work shop themes will include architecture and portrait photography followed by an evening session. 2 hours of relatively flat walking. Upscale hotel with luggage transfers.
Day 10: SAAS FEE - MACUGNAGA
Say "au-revoir " to Switzerland and "buongiorno" to Italy.We begin our trip with a short ride on the post bus to our starting point at Mattmark. We stroll along the lakeside, before beginning our first climb to the pass at Monte Moro at 2868m where the statue of the Madonna of the Snows waits for us on the summit. Here we hope to see our first views of Monte Rosa and its impressive east face - one of the highest in the Alps. We have a splendid meal in an Italian Alpine Club hut to look forward to before our descent to Macugnaga.
We descend through rocky ground and pine woods until we reach the ancient path which takes us to the charming village of Macugnaga below the formidable southeast face of the Monte Rosa, the Alps' second highest peak.
Elevation gain 656m (2160ft), descent 1536m (5060ft). 7 hours of walking Charming hotel.
Day 11: MACUGNAGA - ALAGNA
Today we head up to the lake at Quarazza, before wandering along the river through spruce forest to the pastures at Alpe Piana where cows may ask for some of your picnic!
Next it's onto the ancient road, which takes us to the Colle del Turlo at 2738m. The 'road' is a wonder of engineering and craftsmanship and you can't help but marvel at ingenuity of the engineers and builders who cut stones and laid steps most of the way up to the pass
This is a long day, but thankfully the 'road' continues down the other side where it meanders past ancient settlements to Alagna making for a pleasant descent to hotel in the centre of town.
Elevation gain 1421m (4690ft), descent 1548m 6-8 hours of hiking. Hotel in town with luggage.
Day 12: ALAGNA - GRESSONEY-LA-TRINITE
We begin our day by heading up into the Valle d'Otro, again passing some wonderful old buildings in the high meadows before beginning our climb proper to the Passo Foric at 2432m. Walking past shepherds and their animals, one has ample opportunity to photograph what has been going on for thousands of years in these mountains.
Before reaching the pass, we will stop for a late lunch at the Gugliermina refuge and taste their amazing soups and homemade tarts.
Once at the pass, we will be able to see the south side of the Monte Rosa Range., before we begin our descent to the green waters of Lago Gabiet and down to the charming village of Gressoney La Trinité.
We also have the option of shortening the descent by taking a cable care from Gabiet down to Stafal giving us more time to relax in town and enjoy our cozy, yet, modern hotel. Elevation gain: 1691m ( 5580ft), descent 500m (1500ft) or 1100m (3300ft).
Day 13: GRESSONEY-LA-TRINITE - CHAMPOLUC
The trail begins right from the hotel lobby as we cross the Torrente Lys and head up a ski trail towards the lift station. Enjoy spectacular views of Monte Rosa as we ascend toward our pass. Ample photographic opportunities await us today before cresting the Pentecoll at 2770m and then heading toward the ancient hamlet of Champoluc.
After a few steep switchbacks in the trees, we enter a narrow valley, where several stone buildings remain. From here, we have sweeping views of Lyskam and Pollux and the ski resort of Champoluc and the famous pyramid of the Matterhorn but seen from the south.
A beautiful descent past some high mountain lakes takes us down to our quiet village for the evening. 4 Star accommodation. Luggage. Elevation gain 947m (3125ft), descent 1200m (3600ft) .
Day 14: CHAMPOLUC - BREUIL/CERVINIA
A short transfer takes us toward Alpe Varda and Alpe Mase and views of the glaciated slopes of the Breithorn.
After climbing through larch woods and high meadows, where grazing cattle can be found, we climb above the green waters of the Gran Lago to the Colle Superieur delle Cime Bianche at 2982m.
Here we expect our great views of the famous Matterhorn, before heading down past the lake Breuil and our accommodation for the night a short distance from town. 7 hours of hiking.
Elevation gain 1412m (4630ft), descent 932m (3060ft).
Day 15: PLAN MAISON - ZERMATT
We have an easy morning taking a series of cable cars getting us to Plan Maison and Testa Grigia. This is a hut situated 200m higher than the Theodulo Refuge.
Lift for part of the descent is optional. 3-6 hours of hiking depending on lift use. Hotel in Zermatt. Luggage transfer. Descent 1900m (6300ft).
Day 16: DEPARTURE DAY
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