’Summer Basecamp’ - Verbier Outdoor Photo Workshop
About
Melody Sky Photography and Basecamp Events have created this very special mountain photography workshop which promises maximum adventure with minimum effort. You will arrive at a fully set-up camp with all amenities provided, meaning you can focus on capturing awe-inspiring images while we take care of the rest. Enjoy warm campfire dinners prepared by our private chef, featuring locally-sourced cuisine and clean and comfortable tents with the most most impressive views.
Experience the magical blend of sunrise, sunset, and the night sky along with some biking, hiking and other outdoor sports with our exclusive camp in Verbier. Surrounded by the Corbassiere glacier descending from the Grand Combin, the impressive Massif du Mont Blanc, and the spectacular form of les Dents du Midi. There are few rooms that offer a more captivating view.
The premium camp ensures a seamless and refined experience from start to finish. We take care of every detail, setting up the camp to perfection before you arrive. You will be greeted with welcome drinks and canapés, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening photographing the night sky over the high mountain peaks. The dining experience will rival that of a reputable mountain restaurant, with sumptuous meals served amidst breathtaking natural surroundings.
This camp is aimed at people who want to be able to access the high mountain areas that are not usually accessible at night, sunrise or sunset and open up the opportunity for you to capture the most incredible images. You do not need to be an outdoor professional or photographer either. We cater to all levels to provide you with the most comfortable experience.
Pricing & Details
A five day winter mountain photography workshop in Verbier, Switzerland
This 6-night, 6-day workshop will focus on the sunrise and the early day light, sunset and the late afternoon/early evening light and also when the stars appear. There will be a different activity to shoot each day too (Hiking, biking, climbing etc). The group will have the middle of the afternoon free when the light is high (and not very nice for photography). Therefore you can also take the opportunity to explore the mountains and take part in many of the activities available or simply relax and enjoy the camp. We can provide excellent bike/hiking guides (at an additional fee) for those who wish to take advantage of the activities on offer in Verbier. The camp is very comfortable and even has a sauna, toilets and a shower! All meals are prepared by our in-house chef, using locally sourced, healthy and organic ingredients. On the Wednesday we a a mid week break at our hotel partner Hotel de Verbier (or your chosen accommodation option) for a freshen up, to download images etc , then head back up to camp on Thursday morning.
What’s included:
- 6 nights + 6 days photography guidance
- All meals included
- Tents, mats + sleeping bags
- Chef + staff
- Coffee + water, alcoholic drinks available
What’s not included:
- Flights
- Insurance
- Camera equipment
Itinerary
Day 0 - Saturday (Landscape Photography)
Arrival Day - Check in to the hotel
6.00pm: Meet Melody & Antoine for the introduction to outdoor photography and the plan for the week
7.30pm: Dinner at the hotel
Day 1 - Sunday (Landscape and Astro Photography)
Breakfast at the hotel
8.30am: Meet Antoine & Melody in reception to go up the mountain
9am: Get lift up the Mountain
9.30am: Check in to your tent and introduction to camp and camp staff
10-12pm: Introduction to shooting in the outdoors
12-1pm: Lunch
1-5pm: E-Bike tour with photo sessions and advice
5-6pm: Refresh
6-7pm: Apero at camp bar
7-8pm: Dinner at camp
8-11pm: Mountain Landscape Photography - Sunset, Milky Way, moon and stars
Day 2 (Biking + Landscape Photography)
6-8am: Shooting sunrise and early morning light landscapes
8-9am: Breakfast at the camp
9am-12pm: Shooting an activity (Biking)
12-1pm: freshen up at camp
1-2pm: Lunch at camp
2-5pm: Freetime - Activity (Biking, hiking, climbing etc)
5-6pm: freshen up at camp
6-7pm: Apero at camp bar
7-8pm: Dinner at camp
8-11pm: Mountain Landscape Photography - Sunset, Milky Way, moon and stars
Day 3 (Hiking + Landscape Photography)
6-8am: Shooting sunrise and early morning light landscapes
8-9am: Breakfast at the camp
9am-3pm: Shooting an activity (Hiking Lac des Vaux with Packed lunch)
3-5pm: Freetime - Activity (Biking, hiking, climbing etc)
5-6pm: freshen up at camp
6-7pm: Apero at camp bar
7-8pm: Dinner at camp
8-11pm: Mountain Landscape Photography - Sunset, Milky Way, moon and stars
Day 4 (Hiking + Landscape then hotel stay refresh)
6-8am: Shooting sunrise and early morning light landscapes
8-9am: Breakfast at the camp
9am-12pm: Shooting an activity (Hiking)
12-1pm: Pack up what you need from the camp for hotel stay
1-2pm: Lunch at camp
2-4pm: Freetime - Activity (Biking, hiking, climbing etc)
4.30pm: Get lift down to Verbier
6-7pm: Apero at camp bar
5-6pm: Check in to Hotel de Verbier
7-8pm: Dinner at Fer a Cheval
Day 5 (Hiking & Landscape Photography)
8.30am: Meet Antoine & Melody in reception to go up the mountain
9am: Get lift up the Mountain
9.30am: Drop your kit off in to your tent
10am-5pm: Shooting an activity (Hiking)
5-6pm: Refresh
6-7pm: Apero at camp bar
7-8pm: Dinner at camp
8-11pm: Mountain Landscape Photography - Sunset, Milky Way, moon and stars
Day 6 (Biking & Landscape Photography)
6-8am: Shooting sunrise and early morning light landscapes
8-9am: Breakfast at the camp
9am-12pm: Shooting an activity (Biking with bike pro)
12-1pm: freshen up at camp
1-2pm: Lunch at camp
2-5pm: Freetime - Activity (Biking, hiking, climbing etc)
5-6pm: freshen up at camp
6-7pm: Apero at camp bar
7-8pm: Dinner at camp
8-11pm: Mountain Landscape Photography - Sunset, Milky Way, moon and star
Day 7 (Sunrise Photography & Departure)
5am: Shooting sunrise on top of Mont Fort
8-9am: Breakfast at Blacktap Restaurant
10am: Check out of camp
Location
Verbier, Switzerland
Camp Elevation:
2265m
Average temperatures at camp altitude July, August and September:
In Verbier at an altitude of 2200 meters in. the summer season, the weather is warmer, but still cooler than at lower elevations. During the day, average temperatures can range from about 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 68°F). Nighttime temperatures are cooler, and you can expect them to drop to around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
These temperatures are indicative and can vary based on specific weather patterns and year-to-year variations. Mountain weather can also be unpredictable, with sudden changes, including cooler temperatures and rain, even in summer. If you're planning to visit or engage in outdoor activities, it's wise to prepare for a range of conditions and check local weather forecasts closer to your visit.
Given these conditions, if you're engaging in outdoor activities at this altitude, it's crucial to be well-prepared with appropriate winter gear, including thermal layers, waterproof and windproof outer layers, and protection against the sun, which can be surprisingly strong at higher elevations even in colder temperatures.
Nearest airport:
Geneva airport
Drive: Geneva Airport to Verbier: 160 kms - 2hrs
Train: Geneva Airport to Verbier: 2.5hrs | CHF59.80 | www.sbb.ch
Equipment
The following equipment is recommend. Melody will have a selection of lenses that you can try out. We also have a partnership with a reputable camera and lens rental company in Zurich who can have rental equipment delivered to us prior to your arrival (at an extra cost).
A DSLR/mirrorless camera body with at least one lens
A wide angle lens + a zoom lens recommended
A tripod
Cable Release
Weather proof camera bag
Spare batteries (as many as possible)
Battery charger
Cards for your camera
We also work with our friends at Cirkel Supply who rent premium outdoor clothing and equipment. They make the rental of high quality and ultimate convenience: simply order on Cirkel's website, and have it delivered to your accommodation.
Rental is a great tool for adventurers like you to reduce the impact of your next trip. Cirkel's service is estimated to emit 76% less CO2 than a linear sales equivalent: buy less, use more, go explore!
Responsibility
We understand the challenges associated with organising such remarkable experience and have assembled a team that is well-equipped to overcome any obstacles. We keep everything local and sustainable.
We collaborate with local communities and utilise locally sourced products and resources for activities and culinary offerings, promoting cultural immersion.
We pay the utmost importance of environmental preservation, leaving the camp locations in pristine condition as if untouched by our presence.
We provide participants with an unparalleled experience in both activities and base camp life, fostering a sense of camaraderie and adventure.
We generate employment opportunities by utilising local resources for activities and culinary preparations.
We use recycled tableware.
We provide the use of all camping gear so the client does not need to own or purchase any for this experience.
We have partnered with people who hold the same values in sustainability as ourselves, such as Hotel de Verbier (our accommodation partner) and Cirkel Supply (our gear rental partner).
Team
-
Melody Sky
MELODY SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
-
Antoine Blazieu
FOUNDER BASECAMP EVENTS
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Katie Reisz
BUSINESS MANAGER MELODY SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
-
Emma Carr
SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING
-
Vincent Mairiniac
CAMP CHEF
Partners
Booking
Interested in joining in on the workshop? If so, please fill in the following short questionnaire and we will send you a booking and payment link.
Payment Terms:
50% deposit is required to confirm your place on the camp/workshop The remaining 50% is payable 30 days before the workshop starts.
Cancellation Policy:
The contract can be cancelled up to 60 days before the workshop commences After this date, the deposit is non-refundable.
Bad Weather:
Many weather conditions can create incredible imagery. I myself find clear blue sky days a little boring to photograph. So unless the weather is really bad, don’t worry, we will continue as usual. In the case that the weather is extremely bad as to be a danger or completely uncomfortable, we may take the decision to either postpone (if possible for our booked clients), rebook or refund. But we will discuss with you beforehand.
