’Winter 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 ski/snowboard action 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 excellent skier or photographer either. We cater to all levels to provide you with the most comfortable experience.

Winter camping photos copyright: Audi + Raphael Surmont

Pricing & Details

A three day winter mountain photography workshop in Verbier, Switzerland
This 2-night, 3-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. 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 ski/snowboard 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.

What’s included:
- 2 nights + 3 days
- All meals included
- Tents, mats + sleeping bags
- Chef + staff
- Coffee, water and drinks available

What’s not included:
- Flights
- Insurance
- Camera equipment

Itinerary

Day 1 (Landscape Photography)
3pm: Meet Melody & Antoine inside the Olympique Restaurant at Attelas for introduction
4.30pm: Check in to your tent
5.30pm: Early evening mountainscape photography + sunset
7.30pm: Dinner and drinks around the campfire
9pm: Intro to photographing the stars over the mountains

Day 2 (Landscape and Astro Photography)
6.30am: Shooting the incredible sunrise over le Massif du Mont Blanc and les Dents du Midi
7.30am: Breakfast, coffee, & a warm campfire
8.30am: Early morning Landscape photography
10am: Lunch will be packed and provided for those who wish to go off and explore (Skiing, snowboarding, ski touring)
4pm: Mountain Landscape Photography + sunset
7.30pm: Dinner and drinks around the campfire
9pm: Capturing the moon
10pm: Drinks around the campfire

Day 3 (Ski & Landscape Photography)
7.30am: Breakfast around the campfire
9am: Pack up camp/kit ready to be transported down
10am: Ski Photography (With professional skier)
1pm: Lunch at Incontro
2pm: Ski Photography (with professional skier)
5pm: Recap in Mountain Air Cafe in Verbier

Subjects covered over the 3 day workshop

  • Capturing sunrise/sunset over the mountain peaks

  • Capturing the stars and the moon over the mountain peaks

  • Capturing action and outdoor activities

  • Content creation + social media

  • Fine art print tips

  • An introduction to post production process

Location

Verbier, Switzerland

Camp Elevation:
2727m

Average temperatures at camp altitude April:
At 2700 meters in Verbier during April, temperatures are generally colder than at lower altitudes. You can expect the average temperatures to be lower, typically ranging from about -5°C to 3°C (23°F to 37°F) during the day. Night time and early morning temperatures are likely to be colder, often well below freezing.

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

  • 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.