Purity

Here, the north face ofObergabelhorn seems to dominate the world. This mythical side of the Swiss Alps can be seen from val d’Anniviers. The Valais mountain, like a fortress, stands on the border between this valley and that of Zermatt.

To create this celestial portrait, I had to set off at night for a long walk across the snowy paths. It took me six long hours of effort to reach the viewpoint I was looking for. That day, several people had to turn back because the snow was falling so heavily. While I usually walk up the mountain in sneakers at this time of year, I had to put on skis to reach my destination. It was still June. But in the spring of 2016, the rainfall was particularly intense and brutal.

I was very lucky to be able to immortalize so much beauty. The weather conditions had to be just right. In this magnificent photograph, the imposing glacial face ofObergabelhorn is sublimated by the exceptional quality of its snow cover. Protected from the onslaught of the wind, the snow clings to the walls, giving the mountain an incomparably pleated Himalayan finery. Unfortunately, this extreme purity of the mountains is now a distant memory. Every year, the snow leaves more room for rock, deserting reliefs increasingly affected by global warming. The light veil of clouds, whose shadows are drawn on the mountain, finally gives it an incredible presence. This play of subdued light amplifies the mystical beauty and grandeur of this Alpine colossus.

In an instant, magical and unreal, all my efforts were rewarded. The moment I realized this view, I was aware of the importance of the spectacle nature was offering me. I knew it would become one of my finest works, so intense was the moment and so powerful was the connection with the mountain.