Storm and Serenity

Epic journey to the heart of the Imperial Crown of Zinal, on the border between val d’Anniviers and the Zermatt valley. In this black and white photograph, two mythical summits of the Swiss Alps rise in majesty. In the foreground, the slender silhouette of the Zinalrothorn, culminating at 4221 meters above sea level, reminds me of the famous Needles of Chamonix. The image highlights the Rothorn ridge and the normal route, the easiest way to reach summit, two magnificent routes popular with mountaineers. In the background, the imposing Weisshorn dominates the entire massif at an altitude of 4506 metres. In this picture, its three ridges are superbly outlined. On the left, its incredible north ridge crosses the Grand Gendarme, perfectly aligned with the summit of the Zinalrothorn. In the center, the Schaligrat reveals itself between light and shadow. Climbing it remains one of the finest adventures the Alps have to offer. On the right, completely plastered with snow, appears the normal route to summit.

I took this exceptional panorama in winter, when the mountain was prey to the unpredictable and violent effects of a foehn storm. When such a phenomenon sweeps across the Italian border of the Alps, meteorologists are helpless and their forecasts are imprecise. All that's left for me to do is believe with all my might and try my luck at summits. Getting there, waiting, hoping, bending my back and persevering until that happy day when nature finally agrees to reveal its absolute beauty. This is the daily lot of the mountain photographer. And that's why I love my job. It's a never-ending adventure, punctuated by the unexpected and connected to nature, that brings to light wonderful, timeless moments of which only the high mountains have the secret.

I dreamt of this magical moment for several years. I longed to immortalize these legendary mountains. The Zinalrothorn, like a sharp needle slicing through the clouds to reach the sky. The Weisshorn, an aesthetically perfect natural pyramid towering relentlessly in the air. Each of its three faces has a span of over 1000 metres. The undisputed master of the Imperial Crown, it elegantly unfurls its cloak of light and shadow. It's hard to remain insensitive to such a masterpiece of nature! The dramatic intensity of the painting is incredible. I love the deep, powerful contrasts that sculpt this portrait. And the striking balance of the two summits brings serenity and strength to the photograph.