ASTRO BASECAMP 2024
Astro photography workshops
Dates: TBC
Cost: TBC
Participants: Minimum 8
Camping in the mountains under a star-studded sky, with an epic panorama stretching endlessly, feels like you're on the edge of the world, where adventure meets tranquility in the most breathtaking way. Melody Sky Photography, Basecamp Events and Observatory Francois-Xavier Bagnoud have joined forces to create this very special astro photography camp in Verbier that promises maximum adventure with minimum effort and impact. You'll arrive at a fully equipped camp, with all equipment provided, meaning you can concentrate on capturing awe-inspiring images of the night sky while we take care of the rest.
Experience the magical mix of sunset and night sky, as well as biking, hiking and other outdoor sports at our exclusive Verbier camp. Surrounded by the Corbassiere glacier descending from the Grand Combin, the impressive Massif du Mont Blanc and the unquestionable form of the Dents du Midi. Few rooms offer such a captivating view.
The top-of-the-range camp guarantees a seamless and refined experience from start to finish. We take care of every detail, setting up the camp to perfection before you arrive. You'll be greeted with welcome drinks and canapés, allowing you to spend unforgettable evenings photographing the night sky above the high peaks. The culinary experience will rival that of a renowned mountain restaurant, with sumptuous meals served in breathtaking natural surroundings. Plus we even have a sauna for after your cold dip!
This camp is aimed at people who want access to high mountain areas that are not usually accessible at night. What's more, Swiss camping regulations are very strict. But we have special authorisations to camp on our sites. An experience not to be missed!
Itinerary
Day 1
- Check in to your tent and introduction to camp and camp staff
- Lunch at camp
- Scenic hike with landscape photography (if you wish)
- Sauna and cold dip at camp
- Apero at camp bar
- Introduction to astrophysicist and exoplanet expert Jose Rodrigues
- Dinner, drinks + relaxation
- Mountain Landscape Photography - Sunset, Milky Way, moon and stars
Day 2
- Shooting sunrise and early morning light landscapes
- Morning free to take advantage of mountain activities
- Lunch at camp
- Scenic hike with landscape photography (if you wish)
- Sauna and cold dip
- Apero at camp bar
- Astro photography session with astrophysicist and exoplanet expert Jose Rodrigues
- Dinner, drinks + relaxation
- Mountain Landscape Photography - Sunset, Milky Way, moon and stars
Day 3
- Shooting sunrise and early morning light landscapes
- Morning free to take advantage of mountain activities
- Lunch at camp
- Scenic hike with landscape photography (if you wish)
- Camp Departure
* The camp will always have staff on hand should you wish to stay behind and enjoy the camp if you feel tired.
Location
Verbier, Switzerland
Camp elevation: 2260m
Average temperatures at camp altitude July, August and September:
In Verbier, at an altitude of 2200 metres, during the summer season the weather is warmer, but remains cooler than at lower altitudes. During the day, average temperatures can vary between around 10°C and 25°C (50°F and 68°F). Night-time temperatures are cooler, dropping to between 5°C and 10°C (41°F and 50°F).
Mountain weather can also be unpredictable, with sudden changes, including cooler temperatures and rain, even in summer. It's essential to be well prepared, with appropriate layers, including waterproof and windproof outer layers, and protection from the sun, which can be surprisingly strong at altitude, even when temperatures are colder.
Nearest airport : Geneva airport
By car : Geneva airport to Verbier : 160 kms - 2hrs
Train : Geneva airport to Verbier : 2.5hrs | CHF59.80 | www.sbb.ch
Equipment
The following equipment is recommended. We will have a selection of lenses for you to try out. We also have a partnership with a reputable camera and lens rental company in Zurich, who can deliver rental equipment to us prior to your arrival (at an additional cost).
A DSLR/mirrorless camera body with at least one lens
A wide-angle lens with an aperture of f4.0 or lower. Preferably f2.8. A least 24mm, optimally 15mm.
A tripod
Cable release
Spare batteries (where possible) + charger
Cards for your camera
We also work with our friends at Cirkel Supply who rent top quality outdoor clothing and gear. They rent high quality items with great convenience: simply order from the Cirkel Supply website and have it delivered to your accommodation address.
Rental is a great way for adventurers like you to reduce the impact of your next trip. It is estimated that the Cirkel service emits 76% less CO2 than an equivalent linear sale: buy less, use more, go exploring!
Responsibility
We understand the challenges of organising such a remarkable experience and have assembled a well-equipped team to overcome any obstacles. We're making sure everything is local and sustainable.
We work with local communities and use locally sourced products and resources for activities and culinary offerings, which encourages cultural immersion.
We attach the utmost importance to preserving the environment, leaving our campsites in pristine condition, as if they had not been touched by our presence.
We offer participants an unrivalled experience, both in terms of activities and life at the base camp, fostering a sense of camaraderie and adventure.
We create jobs by using local people and resources for activities and cooking.
We use recycled crockery.
We provide all camping equipment, so the customer does not need to own or buy any for this experience.
We've teamed up with people who share our values of sustainability, such as Hôtel de Verbier (our accommodation partner) and Cirkel Supply (our equipment hire partner).
Meet the team
-
Melody Sky
MELODY SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
-
Antoine Blazieu
FOUNDER BASECAMP EVENTS
-
Katie Reisz
BUSINESS MANAGER MELODY SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
-
Maya Hutchful
SOCIAL MEDIA
-
Vincent Mairiniac
CAMP CHEF
-
Jose Rodriguez
ASTROPHYSICIST & ASTRO PHOTOGRAPHER
Prices and details
Dates: TBC
Cost: TBC
Participants: Minimum 8
What’s included:
- 2 nights + 3 days Photography guidance
- 2 nights with astrophysicist and exoplanet specialist
- 2 nights + 3 days All inclusive Verbier camp accommodation
- All camp meals
- Tents, mats + sleeping bags
- Full time chef + staff on site
- Telescope
- Sauna
- Coffee, tea, juice + water (Paid alcoholic drinks available)
- Lift pass
What’s not included:
- Flights
- Insurance
- Camera equipment rental
Additional Options:
- E-Bike rental + gear
- Tandem Paraglide Flight: CHF160
- Bike guide: CHF500
- Mountain guide: CHF500
