Swiss Alps Hiking & Photography Workshop

8th - 14th September 2025

Release your creativity in the Swiss alps

After the success of our 2024 trip through the Dolomites, Mathilde Rietsch and I are excited to again host a small, intimate group of outdoor lovers and photographers for a group trip in 2025 - this time in Mathilde’s home of the Swiss alps. Connect with like-minded adventurers, sharpen your photography skills, release your creative energy and find inspiration in the Alps’ breathtaking beauty.

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Location

Switzerland, Valais Region

Dates

8th - 14th September (6 nights)

Cost

€3000

Group size

6 participants + 2 creative hosts

Day 0: Arrival & Orientation

We meet at our hotel in Saint Luc and start our week together with an initial workshop and getting to know each other over dinner. You’ll be briefed for the next few days on what to expect and we can understand your wishes and intentions for the trip. The starting photo workshop will teach you the tools you can utilise in the field over the next week.

Accommodation: Hotel in Saint Luc

Days 1 ~ 2: Valais Region

Embark on an alpine adventure in the breathtaking Valais region of Switzerland, a haven for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Nestled among majestic peaks and pristine landscapes, you’ll explore trails that lead to tranquil alpine lakes like Lac de l’Armina and spend a memorable night at the Cabane des Becs de Bosson. This iconic mountain hut, perched near 3,000 meters, offers panoramic views of Valais’s 4,000-meter summits and starry skies unmarred by city lights.

Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (x2)
Elevation gain: Up to 1180m
Time Hiking: Average 4~5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel & Mountain Hut

Days 3 ~ 6: Zermatt Region

Spend three nights immersed in the stunning Zermatt region, renowned for its alpine photography opportunities. After a relaxing evening in the village, we’ll hike up to the Fluhalp Hut, where sunrise and sunset views of the Matterhorn will leave you in awe. Between shooting sessions, we’ll have workshops on editing and creative techniques, giving you practical tips and helping you bring your photography to the next level. Our tour ends with a group dinner in Zermatt to say our goodbyes after an incredible week together.

Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Elevation gain: Up to 1000m
Time Hiking: Average 4~5 hours

Meet your guides

  • Jade is an Australian Photographer based in Germany. She specialises in capturing a vibrant life outdoors; travelling the globe on adventures into the mountains and sea - telling stories along the way.

  • Mathilde is an outdoor photographer based in Switzerland. Through her work, she wants to inspire people to go on adventures, connect with nature and experience the great outdoor in a sustainable and authentic way.

Previous Participant Testimonials

  • The Dolomites landscape was absolutely breathtaking and we were treated to picture-perfect views while hiking hut to hut. Not only did I get to meet my photography heroes, but I was able to adventure and photograph alongside these inspiring women! Jade & Mathilde beautifully balanced the act of confidently guiding us with their professional knowledge whilst creating a warm, relaxed and easygoing atmosphere. Throughout the 5 days and 4 nights, we created many wonderful memories that I’ll cherish forever! Although we started as strangers, by the end I can say that I’ve found lifelong friends and supporters of my ambitions. This trip was a life-changing experience for me as it reawakened my creative heart and passion for photography! Thank you Jade & Mathilde for providing this unique experience that exceeded my wildest dreams!

    2024 Dolomites Participant

  • Jade and Mathilde led us to breath-taking views in locations that were straight out of a photographer's dream. If you're seeking adventure, rewarding hikes, and stunning landscapes, this workshop is for you.

    2024 Dolomites Participant

  • You created a beautiful, wholesome environment that encouraged learning and growth (and bravery!). I had expressed in my application that I had felt very intimidated by the photography community and that I regularly had imposter syndrome. Not only did I think I had no chance of getting on this trip, but the idea of traveling with photographers was daunting. And I don't know how you did it, but you somehow managed to put together a really wonderful bunch of personalities. It's so lovely to watch us all come together to support each other on social media, and everyone seems genuinely excited to see all the work we've produced. This trip was truly a highlight of my year. You both helped me fall in love with the process again and for that, I am eternally grateful.

    2024 Dolomites Participant

  • After the most lovely 5 days in the Dolomites, I wrote in my journal, “nothing could’ve prepared me for how transformative and beautiful this experience was going to be.” Jade and Mathilde cultivated such a wonderful, creative, and dynamic space for like-minded individuals to connect. We woke up at 5AM to catch the sunrise, trekked up mountain sides, endured hail storms, and took thousands of photos. The friendships that blossomed from these experiences are my most precious memories though; hikes were colored by incredible conversations, many laughs, and constant breaks to take pictures of cows :) I was completely inspired by everyone’s creative vision and deep love for nature. It’s an experience I will hold near to my heart forever!

    2024 Dolomites Participant

  • 6 nights accommodation

    • 2 nights in alpine huts

    • 4 nights in hotels

  • 6 x breakfasts

  • 2 x dinners

  • 1 x lunch

  • Vehicle transport between locations

  • Photography tuition

    • Storytelling, landscape, portraiture, shooting on analog

    • Hands-on photography assistance throughout the trip

    • Post processing (digital and film)

What is included?

  • Flights and transport to start location

  • Travel insurance (mandatory to participate!)

  • If applicable, entry visa’s

  • Photography equipment

  • Hiking gear (see packing list!)

  • Linens and sleeping gear for huts

  • Lunches not listed

  • Snacks, drinks and extra meals not stated in package

What is not included?

Packing List

We will be hiking during September which still has predominately warm weather, however can be cooler in the higher alpine regions at night. Plus, the weather in the alps can be unpredictable and we should always be prepared for all weather circumstances. Merino wool is also preferable over cotton in almost all circumstances as it dries faster and breathes better, this can be crucial if you find yourself in the rain or wind!

Clothing

  • Hiking boots or trail runners, whichever you are most comfortable wearing. Make sure they’re worn in, there is nothing worse than blisters from a brand new pair of boots on a multi-day trek!

  • Thermal base layers. While it may not be cold enough to need these, it can get quite chilly in the higher alpine and is better to be warm.

  • Fleece layer jacket or pullover

  • Warm down jacket, one that can be packed down small is very convenient

  • Windbreaker / Goretex rain jacket

  • Rain pants (optional)

  • Hiking pants or leggings

  • Hiking shorts

  • Hiking tops

  • Woollen hiking socks

  • Woollen beanie

  • Cap or bucket hat

  • Buff (optional, but is excellent to keep the sun off your neck and when wet and cool you down)

  • Thin gloves (these will be very useful for cooler sunset/sunrise or astro photography)

  • Merino underwear

  • Bathers for lake dips

  • Casual clothing for towns

  • Sandals. Sometimes it is fantastic to be able to change to your own Birkenstocks or Teva sandals in the huts after a day of hiking in boots. Otherwise crocs or sandals are often provided in huts (boots are not allowed to be worn inside)

Equipment

  • Day pack for hiking and overnight hikes, approximately 30L suffices. We won’t be away from the vehicles or civilisation for more than 1 night at a time, so larger multi-day packs are not required.

  • Duffel bag to store items not being taken overnight on the hikes. Please no large, hard suitcases (for space in vehicles).

  • Sleeping bag liner and pillow case. This is mandatory for the overnight hikes in huts where linen is not provided on the beds.

  • Camping pillow

  • Headlamp + spare batteries

  • Sunglasses

  • SPF 30-50 sunscreen

  • Eye mask and ear plugs (we share dorm rooms, I highly recommend!)

  • Small first aid kit

  • Personal medical kit

  • Personal hygiene products (small containers is best for hiking to reduce weight!)

  • Fast-drying small towel

  • Water bottle or camel pack. Tap water is drinkable and places to refill are very frequent.

  • Your favourite snacks

  • Your camera equipment

  • Spare batteries and SD cards

  • Book or E-Reader

  • External Hard drive

  • Laptop (optional)

  • Universal plugs and chargers

  • Portable battery (suggested)