Majestic ascent

This superb black-and-white panoramic photograph highlights the most beautiful summits of the Valais Alps. Our journey begins at summit du Pigne d'Arolla, the emblematic mountain of the Val d'Hérens. Culminating at 3781 metres above the Val d'Arolla, it offers a superb frame for learning about mountaineering and discovering the Alps on touring skis. Its ridge leads to the Serpentine, a magnificent snow dome. At its foot, the Pointes de Tsenâ Réfien ridge leads to the Pas de Chèvres pass, on the border between the Val d'Hérens and the Val d'Hérémence. Then our eyes fly to summit Mont Blanc de Cheilon. A gigantic pyramid, its feet shelter the Cabane des Dix, the only sign of human presence in the heart of this sumptuous realm. The mountain rises above Lac des Dix and the Grande Dixence dam, fed by melting ice. We then cross the Col de Cheilon to reach Grand Combin on the horizon, towering over the Val de Bagnes. To its left, the Tour de Boussine, usually so unobtrusive, here adds to the enormous scale of the mythical Combins.

I've waited a long time for the snow to return in late summer. When the storm meets cooler temperatures and the rain turns to snow again. These days, it's raining even on the highest summits in the Alps. It's a sad metamorphosis for a world that used to shine all summer long, but is now condemned to tears.

I love to observe the first snows, which reveal new details as they settle on the rock. Sublimating the grandeur of the glaciers and the beauty of summits. Like a work in charcoal. Sketch of a fabulous journey to the high mountains. Over the years, I've been lucky enough to climb summits . This photograph shows my very first ascent, from the Cabane des Dix to the summit of the Tête Noire. For you too, it marks the start of a new journey. Through the reliefs it draws, and from shadow to light, this work will guide you each day towards new, grandiose and wild alpine landscapes.