Dates Oct 6–18, 2007
Leaders José Delgado and second leader TBA
Fee $5,195 from Geneva, Switzerland
Deposit $400
Limit 16
Terms and Conditions

Since the beginning of the "Golden Era" of travel, the untamed majesty of Europe’s Alps has beckoned travelers, alpinists, artists and photographers to a region of highly concentrated scenic splendor straddling the borders of Switzerland, France and Italy. For photographers, there is no other place in the world with such a remarkably accessible and photogenic collection of towering glaciated peaks and lush forested valleys.

Fall is an exceptional time to photograph the Alps. The jaw-dropping mountain scenery is punctuated by the golden fall colors of larches, chestnuts and maples. In this autumn period between the summer hiking and the winter ski seasons, tourist numbers are very low. October is the prime month for stable fair weather, offering the best chances for the snowy summits to be free of clouds.

From three convenient bases, we will spend almost two weeks shooting in Zermatt (Matterhorn area) and the Berner Oberland (Jungfrau country) in Switzerland, as well as in Chamonix (Mont Blanc area) in nearby France. We’ll ride numerous cable cars,
funiculars and cog trains high into the Alps for lofty perspectives difficult to achieve in other mountainous regions. On one cable car we’ll ascend to a height of 13,000 feet—from that elevation the view into three countries, and the photography, is absolutely incredible.

We’ll hike along a number of trails—one of the more noteworthy routes offers magical vistas of the world famous Matterhorn reflected in two mirror-smooth alpine tarns. One tarn is framed in larches, which should be golden during our trip. In every village and town, flower boxes overflow with color on the windowsills of the classic chalets. We’ll easily pass 100,000 or more.

We expect to have great photo opportunities to shoot many of Western Europe’s most noteworthy mountains including those towering 4,000-meter triplets—the Eiger, Mönch

and Jungfrau—plus the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and the superlative Chamonix Needles. We’ve selected great hotels that offer comfortable and upscale accommodations and delicious regional foods in great shooting locations—and away from most of the mayhem of the tourist centers. To fully enjoy this trip will require some moderate hiking at high elevations (5,000 feet or more) and participating in cable car excursions to altitudes of 10,000 feet and more. Several villages we will visit have banned motor vehicles due to air pollution concerns, and all time spent in those communities will be on foot!

Join us for a truly spectacular photo shoot providing awe-inspiring views, blazing fall colors, a festive alpine resort atmosphere and an itinerary that should run like Swiss clockwork!



Day 1
Participants depart for Geneva.

Day 2 (Oct 7)
Arrive in Geneva and transfer to our hotel. We meet for dinner this evening. (D)

Day 3
We head to the charming village of Lauterbrunnen, stopping for lunch at famous Gruyeres. We shoot the Mönch this evening. (BLD)

Day 4
We photograph fall colors, a spectacular waterfall and floriferous gardens, followed by an afternoon cable car ride to 10,000 feet for mountain scenics at sunset. (BLD)

Day 5
The mountain landscapes and fall colors of Kleine Scheidegg and alpenglow on the Jungfrau are reached by cog trains on today’s shoot. (BLD)

Day 6
We drive to Chamonix arriving in time for evening light on the Chamonix Needles. (BLD)

Day 7
A cable car to Aiguilles du Midi provides inspirational views of Mont Blanc, the Giants Thumb and the Chamonix Needles. (BLD)

Day 8
We ride by cog train to Montenvers for fall color and mountain scenic shots. (BLD)

Day 9
A drive to Tasch delivers us to the train station for our short trip to Zermatt. Afternoon shoot of the Matterhorn and fall colors. (BLD)

Day 10
Morning shoot of Matterhorn at first light. Cog train to Gornergrat with stops at Riffelalp and Riffelberg. (BLD)

Day 11
Morning shoot of Matterhorn at first light. Funicular train trip through steep mountain tunnel, hike to Matterhorn reflecting tarns. (BLD)

Day 12
Morning shoot of Matterhorn at first light. Afternoon train to Tasch. Evening shoot of scenic Chillon Castle and return to Geneva. (BLD)

Day 13 (Oct 18)
Participants may depart at any time today.


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