BASECAMP SEPTEMBER 2024

Outdoor photography workshops

Melody Sky Photography and Basecamp Events have created this very special mountain photography course 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 while we take care of the rest.

Experience the magical mix of sunrise, 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 recognisable shape 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.

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

Arrival day - Thursday 29th August (Landscape photography)
- Meet with Melody and Antoine at Mountain Air to head up mountain
- Settle into your tent and introduction to the camp and staff
- Introduction to outdoor photography and the week's schedule.
- Lunch at camp
- Hiking + landscape photography
- Apero at the camp bar followed by dinner
- Mountain landscape photography - Sunset

Day 1 - Friday 30th August (Landscape and astro photography)
- Sunrise and early morning landscape photography
- Hiking + landscape photography
- Lunch at camp
- Free time - Activity (Biking, hiking, climbing etc.)
- Apero at camp bar followed by dinner.
- Mountain landscape photography - Sunset, Milky Way, moon and stars.

Day 2 - Saturday 1st September (Landscape and astro photography)
-
Sunrise and early morning landscape photography
- Hiking + landscape photography
- Lunch at camp
- Free time - Activity (Biking, hiking, climbing etc.)
- Apero at camp bar followed by dinner.
- Mountain landscape photography - Sunset, Milky Way, moon and stars.

Day 4 - Sunday 2nd September (Hiking + Landscape Photography)
-
Landscape photography at the summit of Mont Fort (3333m)
- Hiking + landscape photography
- Lunch at camp
- Departure from camp

* 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 + a zoom lens are recommended

  • 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 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

Prices and details

Dates: 12 - 15 September 2024
Cost: CHF2758

What's included:
- 3 nights + 4 days Photography guide
- 3 nights + 4 days All-inclusive Verbier camp accommodation
- All camp meals included
- Tents, mattresses + sleeping bags provided
- Chef and staff on site
- Coffee + water (paid alcoholic beverages available)
- Lift pass

What's not included:
- Flights
- Insurance
- Photo equipment hire

Additional Options:
- Sauna: CHF1500 (CHF187.50 PP - But has to be agreed by everyone in the group)
- Tandem Paraglide Flight: CHF160
- Bike guide: CHF500
- Mountain guide: CHF500