Swiss Alps Winter Photography Workshop
February 2 – 9, 2027
(8 Days / 7 Nights)
Swiss Alps Winter Photography Workshop
February 2 – 9, 2027
8 days / 7 nights | Small group | Two instructors
Workshop price: $5,500 per person
Reserve your place with a $800 deposit
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Photograph the Swiss Alps in Winter
Spend eight unforgettable days photographing some of Switzerland's most spectacular winter landscapes. From the iconic Matterhorn and the Great Aletsch Glacier to the legendary Eiger North Face, frozen alpine lakes and snow-covered mountain villages, this workshop combines world-class locations with personal instruction in a small group.
Quick facts
Dates: February 2–9, 2027
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Location: Bernese Oberland and Valais, Switzerland
Arrival and departure: Zurich Airport
Meeting time: February 2 at 10:00 AM
Return to Zurich Airport: February 9, approximately 3:00–4:00 PM
Workshop price: USD 5,500
Deposit: USD 800
Accommodation: Seven nights in a private room with private bathroom
Group size: Maximum 12 participants
Instructors: Andrea Sanchini and Terje Svendsen
Instructor ratio: Maximum six participants per instructor
Photography level: Beginner to advanced
Physical level: Moderate winter conditions
Transport: Workshop transport in vans, trains, cable cars and mountain railways
Meals included: Daily breakfast
Post-workshop support: Two online image-review sessions
Photograph the Swiss Alps in Winter
Winter transforms the Swiss Alps into one of Europe’s most powerful landscape photography destinations.
Snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, glaciers, alpine forests and dramatic weather create opportunities for both grand mountain views and quieter, more atmospheric images. In February, the days are getting longer, but the mountains still hold a strong winter character, with the possibility of fresh snow, clear cold mornings, dramatic cloud and warm alpenglow.
During this workshop, we travel through two exceptional regions: the Bernese Oberland and Valais.
Our subjects may include:
Snow-covered alpine peaks
Glaciers and ice landscapes
Frozen or partly frozen mountain lakes
Winter forests and valleys
Traditional alpine villages
Sunrise and sunset alpenglow
The Great Aletsch Glacier
The Matterhorn and the Zermatt region
Mountain railways, cable cars and high viewpoints
Details, textures and patterns in snow and ice
The itinerary includes several well-known Swiss landscapes, but the workshop is not just about visiting famous viewpoints. Our goal is to help you understand light, atmosphere and composition so you can create stronger winter landscape photographs.
Why Choose Our Swiss Alps Winter Photography Workshop?
Photograph the Best of the Swiss Alps in Winter
The Swiss Alps are one of Europe's premier destinations for winter landscape photography. During this eight-day workshop, we photograph some of Switzerland's most spectacular locations, including Wengen, Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidegg, Oeschinensee, the Great Aletsch Glacier, Arolla and the iconic Matterhorn. By travelling through several mountain regions, you'll experience an exceptional variety of landscapes while building a diverse portfolio of winter images.
Local Knowledge and Flexible Planning
Winter conditions in the mountains can change quickly. As a Swiss landscape photographer, Andrea brings extensive local knowledge of the region, including mountain weather, seasonal road access, cable cars and railways.
Rather than following a fixed schedule regardless of conditions, we keep the itinerary flexible. This allows us to adapt each day to the weather and maximise our chances of photographing the Swiss Alps in the best possible light.
Two Instructors and Personal Guidance
With two instructors and a maximum of twelve participants, you'll receive plenty of individual attention throughout the workshop.
Whether you need help with composition, camera settings, exposure, filters or photographing in snow and changing winter light, we're there to help. Our goal is not simply to visit great locations, but to help you become a stronger and more confident landscape photographer.
A Diverse Winter Photography Experience
From panoramic mountain viewpoints and glaciers to frozen lakes, snow-covered forests and picturesque alpine villages, this workshop showcases the incredible diversity of the Swiss Alps in winter.
Each day presents new photographic opportunities, allowing you to create a varied collection of images while experiencing some of the country's most famous mountain landscapes.
Small Group and Hassle-Free Logistics
The workshop is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of personal guidance.
All transport during the workshop is included, with convenient pickup and return at Zurich Airport. We take care of the driving and mountain logistics, allowing you to focus entirely on your photography.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the workshop, we will work on:
Creating stronger and more intentional compositions
Simplifying complex mountain scenes
Working with snow, ice and winter textures
Using light, shadow and alpenglow in mountain photography
Building depth and balance in wide alpine landscapes
Finding smaller, more intimate compositions
Reading changing mountain weather
Choosing the right lens and focal length for each scene
Refining exposure and camera technique in snow
Creating images in cold and challenging conditions
Building a stronger and more cohesive winter portfolio
The teaching is adapted to your experience level and photographic goals.
Is This Workshop Right for You?
This workshop is suitable for photographers from beginner to advanced level.
You should have a basic familiarity with your camera, but you do not need to be an expert. We provide help with exposure, focusing, filters, lens choice, composition and field technique throughout the week.
This workshop may suit you if you:
Enjoy mountain and winter landscape photography
Want to photograph snow, glaciers and dramatic alpine scenery
Are comfortable with early starts
Want personal guidance in a small group
Prefer organised transport and local planning
Are prepared for cold weather and changing mountain conditions
Enjoy learning in a relaxed and supportive group
This is not a strenuous hiking workshop, but winter conditions can make even short walks more demanding. Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking on snow-covered or uneven paths
Physical Requirements
The workshop is focused on photography rather than long hikes.
Most locations are reached by van, train, cable car or mountain railway, followed by short walks. However, snow, ice, cold and altitude can make the conditions more challenging.
Participants should be comfortable:
Walking on snow-covered or icy paths
Carrying camera equipment in winter conditions
Standing outside in cold weather for extended periods
Walking before sunrise or after sunset with a headlamp
Travelling by cable car, train and mountain railway
Working at higher elevations
Adapting to changes in weather and access
A detailed clothing and equipment guide will be provided before the workshop.
Please contact us before booking if you are unsure whether the physical requirements are
A Typical Day
Winter light dictates our schedule.
Most days begin before sunrise as we travel to a selected location while the landscape is still quiet. Early mornings can offer fresh snow, calm conditions, alpenglow and fewer people in the landscape.
After the morning session, we return for breakfast or continue towards the next location. The middle of the day may be used for travel, rest, scouting, image reviews or photography in softer winter light.
In the afternoon, we head out again for sunset and blue hour.
Some days may be long when conditions are promising. Other days will include more time to rest, review images and prepare for the next session.
The itinerary remains flexible so we can respond to mountain weather, light and transport conditions.
Planned Itinerary
The itinerary below shows the locations we plan to photograph.
Because this is a winter workshop in the mountains, the order of locations may change. Cable cars, mountain railways, roads and trails can be affected by snow, wind or weather. We will always adapt the programme to give the group the best available photography and the safest possible experience.
Day 1 - February 2
Arrival and First Winter Landscapes
We meet at Zurich Airport at 10:00 AM before travelling through the beautiful Swiss countryside to the Bernese Oberland. After arriving in Interlaken, we either check into our hotel or leave our luggage before heading out for our first photography session.
Our first destination is either Niederhorn or Stockhorn, depending on weather and mountain conditions. Both locations offer breathtaking panoramic views across snow-covered peaks, frozen valleys and the lakes of the Bernese Oberland. Although we descend before the final lift closes, the late afternoon light often provides beautiful winter colours and excellent photographic opportunities.
In the evening, we return to Interlaken, enjoy our welcome dinner and introduce the plans for the week ahead.
Day 2 - February 3
Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg
We leave before dawn for Lauterbrunnen and take the mountain railway to the picturesque village of Wengen. From here we photograph sunrise as the first light illuminates the famous peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. After our morning session, we enjoy breakfast in Wengen before continuing our day in the mountains.
After sunrise in Wengen, we continue to Kleine Scheidegg, where we'll photograph the legendary Eiger North Face together with the iconic trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. These mountains are among the most recognizable alpine landscapes in the world and have inspired climbers and photographers for generations.
Day 3 - February 4
Flexible Mountain Landscapes and Oeschinensee
Winter conditions often vary from one valley to another, so today remains flexible to take advantage of the best weather.
If conditions favour the valleys, we photograph the spectacular winter scenery of Rosenlaui, where frozen waterfalls, forests and dramatic limestone cliffs create unique compositions. If mountain conditions are better elsewhere, we may instead head to Niederhorn for sweeping panoramic views across Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps.
Later, we continue to Kandersteg and take the cable car to Oeschinensee, one of Switzerland's most spectacular alpine lakes. Winter often transforms the lake into a peaceful landscape of snow, ice and dramatic mountain scenery, providing excellent opportunities through sunset and blue hour.
Day 4 - February 5
Bettmeralp and the Great Aletsch Glacier
After breakfast, we travel south into the canton of Valais, home to the largest glacier in the Alps. We stay in the historic town of Brig, which provides an ideal base for exploring the Aletsch Glacier region.
After checking into our hotel and enjoying a relaxed lunch or image review session, we drive to the cable car station and ascend to Bettmeralp, a charming car-free alpine village. Depending on weather and lift operations, we continue to Bettmerhorn or another nearby viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Great Aletsch Glacier.
The evening is dedicated to photographing this UNESCO World Heritage landscape as the winter light fades across the surrounding peaks.
Day 5 - February 6
Eggishorn and Arolla
We start the day with breathtaking views over the Great Aletsch Glacier. Weather permitting, we take the first cable car to Eggishorn, one of Switzerland's finest viewpoints, where the glacier winds through the surrounding peaks below.
Later, we drive through the Valais region to the alpine village of Arolla. After checking into our hotel, we head out for an evening photography session near Glacier du Mont Miné or another carefully selected location, depending on conditions.
Day 6 - February 7
Arolla and the Matterhorn
Our morning begins in the beautiful Arolla valley, where we photograph glaciers, snow-covered peaks and the striking landscape around Mont Collon.
After breakfast, we travel to Zermatt, Switzerland's famous mountain village beneath the Matterhorn. In the afternoon, we take the Gornergrat Railway for an unforgettable evening overlooking the Matterhorn, Gorner Glacier and the Monte Rosa massif.
Day 7 - February 8
Schwarzsee and the Matterhorn
Our final full day is dedicated to the spectacular landscapes surrounding the Matterhorn. We begin before sunrise at one of our favourite viewpoints, selected according to the weather and snow conditions.
After a relaxed midday break, we take the cable car to Schwarzsee, where we spend the afternoon and evening photographing the iconic mountain from a variety of perspectives before enjoying our farewell dinner in Zermatt.
Day 8 - February 9
Farewell to the Swiss Alps
Our final morning offers one last opportunity to photograph the spectacular landscapes around Zermatt, with the exact location chosen according to the conditions.
After breakfast, we begin the journey back to Zurich Airport, where we expect to arrive between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Ambitions & Goals
This workshop is designed to help you grow as a photographer while building a strong and varied portfolio from one of Switzerland’s most rewarding alpine regions.
We want you to return home with photographs you are genuinely proud of, but also with something that lasts beyond the workshop: stronger visual awareness, greater confidence in the field, and a deeper understanding of how to work with alpine light, changing weather, composition, timing, and location.
Throughout the workshop, our goal is to provide close personal guidance and create a relaxed, supportive environment where you can enjoy the experience, learn from the landscape, and develop your photography in a meaningful way.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included for all seven nights of the workshop.
Each participant will have a private room with a private bathroom unless otherwise agreed.
To maximise our time in the field and minimise unnecessary driving, we stay in several carefully selected locations throughout the workshop. This allows us to be close to many of the best sunrise and sunset photography locations while experiencing different regions of the Swiss Alps.
Our planned overnight stays are:
Interlaken (3 nights)
Brig (1 night)
Arolla (1 night)
Zermatt (2 nights)
Final hotel details will be provided to participants before the workshop.
Meals
Daily continental breakfast is included.
Lunches and dinners are not included, allowing us to keep the schedule flexible around the light and weather.
We will help coordinate meal options throughout the workshop.
A welcome or farewell aperitif may be added to the programme once the final package has been confirmed.
Participants should advise us in advance of allergies or dietary requirements.
Recommended Camera Equipment
We recommend bringing:
Camera with manual controls
Wide-angle lens
Standard zoom lens
Telephoto lens
Sturdy tripod
Polarising filter
Neutral-density filters, if available
Spare batteries
Memory cards
Lens cloths
Camera rain cover
Headlamp
A detailed equipment list will be provided after booking.
Clothing and Winter Conditions
February in the Swiss Alps can bring a wide range of winter conditions.
Temperatures may be cold, especially before sunrise, after sunset and at higher elevations. Snow, wind, ice, fog and strong sun are all possible.
Participants should bring proper winter clothing, including:
Warm insulated jacket
Waterproof shell jacket
Waterproof trousers
Thermal base layers
Warm mid-layers
Hat and gloves
Warm socks
Winter boots with good traction; microspikes strongly recommended
Hiking poles (recommended for stability on snow and ice)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Small daypack
Headlamp
Water bottle or thermos
A detailed clothing guide will be provided before the workshop.
Post-Workshop Support
The learning continues after we leave Switzerland.
Participants are invited to two online group sessions where we review selected photographs, discuss editing choices and continue the learning from the field.
You will also be invited to a private WhatsApp group before the workshop. This is used for preparation, practical information and communication during the trip
Start: 2 February at 10:00 AM
End: 9 February at 3:00 PM
This workshop gives you seven days of focused photography in one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain regions, with two instructors, a small group, and a carefully planned route designed around the best available conditions.
Included in the workshop
Eight-day, seven-night photography workshop
Seven nights of accommodation
Private room with private bathroom
Daily breakfast
Zurich Airport pickup and return
Transport during the workshop
Photography instruction from two instructors
Maximum six participants per instructor
Sunrise and sunset photography sessions
Image reviews and group discussions
Individual mentoring in the field
Private participant WhatsApp group
Detailed travel and preparation information
Recommended equipment and clothing list
Two online post-workshop image-review sessions
Not included
Flights to and from Switzerland
Lunches and dinners
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks
Camera equipment
Visa or entry-related expenses
Additional accommodation before or after the workshop
Price
Total trip price: $5,500 per person
Deposit: $800 to reserve your place
Single rooms are included for all participants.
Swiss Alps Winter Photography Workshop
February 2 – 9, 2026
Booking information
Your place is confirmed once your deposit has been paid. After booking, you will receive practical information about the workshop, travel planning, recommended gear, and the next steps before departure.
Choosing an international winter photography workshop is a significant decision.
You may have questions about the walking, winter conditions, accommodation, equipment, physical requirements, flights or whether the workshop is suitable for your experience level.
Send us a message and we will be happy to help.
Meet the Instructors
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Andrea Sanchini is an Italian fine art landscape photographer based in Bern, Switzerland. His work is inspired by the dramatic landscapes of the Alps and combines technical precision with a strong artistic approach influenced by Romanticism and classical painting.
Andrea has extensive experience photographing throughout Switzerland, northern Italy, and the French Alps. He also works as a landscape photography instructor with the Swiss Photo Club, where he leads workshops and courses in alpine environments.
His work has been exhibited internationally and recognized in several major photography competitions and festivals, including the Chamonix Photo Festival, Festival Photo Montier, and the European Photography Awards.
Portfolio: andreasanchiniphotography.com
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Terje is a full-time Norwegian photographer specializing in landscape and cityscape photography. He leads photography workshops across Norway and Europe, with a strong focus on personal guidance, thoughtful composition, and helping participants develop their own photographic expression.
For the Swiss Alps workshop, Terje brings extensive experience from leading small-group workshops in mountain environments, including the Dolomites and Northern Norway. Together with local photographer and instructor Andrea Sanchini, he will help participants make the most of the Engadin’s dramatic landscapes, autumn colours, and changing alpine light.
Terje’s work has been featured in exhibitions and is available as fine art prints.
Portfolio: terjephotography.com
Is This Workshop Right for You?
This workshop is designed for photographers who want to experience some of Switzerland's most spectacular winter landscapes while receiving personal guidance in a small group.
It is a great choice if you:
Want to photograph the Matterhorn and the Great Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy photographing dramatic mountain landscapes, frozen lakes and snow-covered alpine villages.
Appreciate sunrise and sunset photography in locations such as Wengen, Arolla and Zermatt.
Value learning in a small group with two experienced instructors.
Prefer private rooms and carefully planned logistics throughout the workshop.
Like the flexibility of adapting our itinerary to weather and mountain conditions to maximise photographic opportunities.
Want to explore four of Switzerland's most spectacular mountain regions in a single workshop.
Whether you're an enthusiastic amateur or an experienced landscape photographer, this workshop offers an inspiring combination of iconic locations, expert guidance and unforgettable winter scenery.
FAQs
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The workshop price includes six nights of accommodation in a private room with a private bathroom, breakfast each morning, photography instruction from two instructors, workshop transport from and back to Zurich Airport, and transport between the planned photography locations.
Cable cars, mountain railways, and scheduled local shuttle services listed in the itinerary are also included.
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Flights or other travel to and from Zurich, lunches and dinners, travel insurance, personal expenses, and any additional activities outside the planned workshop programme are not included.
Participants are responsible for bringing their own camera equipment, suitable clothing, and personal travel insurance.
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Breakfast is included each morning.
Lunches and dinners are not included unless otherwise stated. We will provide information about nearby restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and practical options for meals during the workshop.
Because our schedule depends on the light and weather, some meals may need to be flexible or taken at unusual times.
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Most common dietary requirements can normally be accommodated by the hotel and local restaurants.
Please let us know about allergies or dietary requirements when booking so that we can discuss the available options in advance.
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No, but winter conditions may make some walks more demanding.
Most locations are reached by van, train, cable car or mountain railway, followed by short walks. Participants should be comfortable walking on snow-covered or icy paths while carrying camera equipment.
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Mountain weather is part of winter photography.
Cloud, fog, snow and changing conditions can create strong photographic opportunities. We adjust the itinerary according to weather, road conditions and mountain access.
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The published itinerary represents our planned programme, but it should be viewed as flexible.
Mountain weather, seasonal road conditions, cable-car schedules, and other local factors may require us to change the timing, order, or selection of locations. These decisions are made to give the group the best possible photographic experience and to maintain safety.
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The workshop is suitable for photographers from beginner to advanced level.
You should have a basic understanding of your camera, but you do not need to be highly experienced. We work with each participant individually and adapt the guidance to their level, interests, and goals.
More experienced photographers will also have opportunities to refine their compositions, strengthen their visual decision-making, and develop a more personal approach to landscape photography.
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The workshop focuses on practical learning in the field.
Topics may include composition, camera settings, exposure, focusing, working with filters, long exposures, using foreground and layers, photographing reflections, adapting to changing weather, and recognising the strongest light and viewpoints.
We also help participants become more confident in making creative decisions and building a varied and cohesive set of images.
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The group is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, with two instructors.
This allows us to work closely with each person throughout the workshop. We can help with technical questions, composition, equipment, location choices, and the development of your own photographic style.
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Yes. Several days are planned around early-morning and late-afternoon or evening light.
The exact schedule will depend on the weather and conditions. Some days may begin before sunrise, and some sessions may continue beyond sunset.
There will also be opportunities to rest during the middle of the day when the schedule allows.
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Yes. Transport from Zurich Airport, between the planned photography locations, and back to Zurich Airport is included.
Cable cars, mountain railways, scheduled local shuttles, and planned transfers listed in the itinerary are also included.
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A non-photographing partner may be able to join, depending on room and transport availability.
Please contact us before booking so that we can discuss the price, accommodation, transport, and whether the planned programme would be suitable.
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Yes. We are happy to provide general advice about travel connections, accommodation, and extending your stay in Switzerland before or after the workshop.
Participants are responsible for making and paying for their own additional travel arrangements.
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Yes. All participants should have comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, illness, medical treatment, personal belongings, and outdoor activities appropriate to the workshop.
We also recommend checking that your insurance covers non-refundable workshop payments and any additional travel costs.
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A deposit is required to reserve your place.
The remaining balance will be invoiced 60 days before the workshop begins. Full payment details and deadlines will be included in your booking confirmation.
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The deposit is non-refundable, as we use it to secure accommodation, transport, and other advance arrangements for the workshop.
If we cancel the workshop, the deposit and any other workshop payments made to us will be refunded in full.
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance that covers cancellation for unforeseen circumstances.
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If we need to cancel the workshop, any workshop payments made to us will be refunded according to the booking terms.
We are not responsible for other expenses such as flights, additional hotels, visas, or personal travel arrangements. This is another reason why comprehensive travel insurance is important.
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You can reserve your place through the booking page once registration opens.
If you have questions before booking, you are very welcome to contact us through the enquiry form or arrange a short call.
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If you have more questions regarding the workshop don’t hesitate to contact us at: terje@terjephotography.com
Swiss Alps Photography Workshop
Swiss Alps Photography Workshop
Ready to Photograph Winter in the Swiss Alps?
Join us for eight days among snow-covered peaks, glaciers, frozen lakes and some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in Switzerland.
With local knowledge, a small group and personal guidance from two instructors, this workshop is designed to help you return home with strong winter photographs and greater confidence in the field.
February 2–9, 2026
Tickets: $ 5,5 00 per person
Maximum 12 participants
Not quite ready to book? Schedule a short, informal call with us to discuss the workshop, travel plans, photography level or any questions you may have.
Schedule a 15-Minute Call→
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