The latest articles
Explore the latest gems from the Fine Alpine Post: from daring ascents to mesmerizing mountain portraits, through historical accounts and authentic high-mountain encounters. Discover articles that awaken the spirit of adventure and nurture a love for the Alps.
116 articles
History of the Alps
Guardians of the Alps History of mountain guides
In 1942, Roger Frison-Roche shed light on the profession of mountain guide in his famous novel Premier de cordée. The world then discovered the exceptional know-how of these pass-keepers, who until then had remained in the shadow of the highest summits. Here, I tell you the story of the guardians of the Alps, seasoned mountaineering virtuosos. The guardians of the Alps : Pass guardians from Antiquity to the Renaissance Since ancient times, armies have called on mountain dwellers to guide them through the twists and turns of these hostile places. Crossing the passes is a necessity if you want to ...
Mountain Portraits
La Dent d'Hérens Elusive treasure of the Valais Alps
Can you hear the echo of an impenetrable mountain? On the borders of Switzerland and Italy, it hides in the shadows of its dazzling sisters. Hiding its infinite beauty from the eyes of the world. Today, I'd like to tell you the story of the Dent d'Hérensthe elusive treasure of the Valais Alps. The Dent d'Hérens : Birth of an Alpine giant on the Swiss-Italian border La Dent d'Hérens arose several million years ago from the brutal clash of the tectonic plates of Africa and Europe. From the folding of the rocks, the mountain awoke and pointed skywards in a sudden burst of ...
History of the Alps
Bradford Washburn Forerunner of aerial photography
Iconic mountaineer and renowned cartographer, visionary explorer and genius photographer, Bradford Washburn reinvents the art of the mountain as he makes history. Resolutely and passionately, he joins summits to better sublimate them. Alongside his wife Barbara Washburn, he has devoted his life to the breathtaking natural world, from the heights of Alaska to the far reaches of the Himalayas. Portrait of a legendary adventurer, Bradford Washburn, precursor of high-mountain aerial photography. Bradford Washburn: Birth of a legendary mountaineer at summit de l'Aiguille Verte Henry Bradford Washburn Jr. was born on June 7, 1910 in ...
History of the Alps
Gaston Rébuffat Poet of the summits and exceptional mountaineer
Combative and determined, Gaston Rébuffat clung to the mountains as he grasped life, with a fiery passion mingled with elegance. From the calanques of Marseille, he became one of the most brilliant mountaineers of his time. Holder of the most daring records, he was the first man to successfully climb the six great north faces of the Alps. A member of the historic summit expedition to Annapurna in 1950, and a renowned writer and film-maker, he will always be remembered as one of the most famous mountain guides in the Chamonix valley. Portrait of Gaston Rébuffat, poet of the peaks and exceptional mountaineer. Gaston Rébuffat ...
History of the Alps
Portrait of mountaineer Lionel Terray Virtuoso conqueror of the high mountains
Lionel Terray, a prodigious mountaineer with a legendary destiny, lives to the rhythm of the mountains and their titanic peaks. Nourishing his heart with the scent of the peaks, his body clings to the rock as if they were one. From the highest summits of the Alps to the eternal snows of the Himalayas, from the fabulous Andes to the ice of Alaska, he triumphs over the most perilous crossings. Portrait of an exceptional adventurer, mountaineer Lionel Terray, virtuoso conqueror of the high mountains. Lionel Terray: Birth of an exceptional mountaineer in the French Alps On July 25, 1921, in Grenoble, France, a star was born. Conqueror of the ...
Mountain Portraits
The Zinalrothorn imperial crown torch of Zinal
From the heights of Zinal rises a mountain, a sylph-like goddess of exceptional stature whose silhouette unites dissonant waves. The Zinalrothorn seems to defy the laws of nature. How can such a slender peak become so imposing? How can its jagged rock withstand so much combat? The Zinalrothorn, thousand-year-old beacon of the Imperial Crown of Zinal, defies time and mankind to reach the sky at the summit of the Valais Alps. Portrait of the Zinalrothorn: Flambeau de la Couronne impériale de Zinal Like a lighthouse illuminated in the middle of the night, ...
Alpine exhibitions
Fine art photography at the Hotel Eringer exhibition 2024
Since the beginning of 2024, I've been lucky enough to have my work displayed on the walls of the prestigious Hotel Eringer, built on the heights of Sion, between the Val d'Hérémence and the Val d'Hérens. Featuring the highest mountains in the Swiss Alps, they celebrate nature's dazzling mastery at a remarkable frame . Hotel Eringer: an unforgettable experience at summit of the Swiss Alps In the village of Hérémence, the Hotel Eringer offers guests an unforgettable experience. At the heart of the 4 Valleys ski area and opposite the resort of Thyon-les-Collons, this exceptional location offers a ...
Lifestyle
Unique Train Experiences Switzerland's 3 most spectacular Alpine crossings
Who hasn't dreamed of escaping to the middle of Switzerland's most majestic mountains? Rail travel transports the hearts of men as much as it celebrates the glory of the Alps. Let me introduce you to three railway legends: the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express and the Golden Pass. The Glacier Express Bernina: an exceptional train linking Zermatt to Saint-Moritz Between Valais, Uri and Graubünden stretches a railroad. Treasure winding its way through the peaks, the 4000s pass before our eyes. Matterhorn, Liskamm, Monte Rosa, Weisshorn... all giants whose grandeur amazes passengers. Eight ...
Ascension Chronicles
Ski ascent of the Grosses Grünhorn Expedition to over 4000 m in the bernese alps
May 11, 2024. The last stage of our expedition at over 4,000 meters in the bernese alps. Accompanied by my guide Johann Filliez, I have already climbed the Grosses and Hinteres Fiescherhorn as well as the Finsteraarhorn in the previous days. Today we're getting ready to ski up the Grosses Grünhorn, an unassuming yet magnificent mountain that I can't wait to discover. At summit des bernese alps : a night at the Konkordiahütte It was a short night at the Konkordiahütte. The hut is authentic and welcomes us in vast dormitories. On the floor, one mattress follows another...
Ascension Chronicles
Ski ascent of the Finsteraarhorn Expedition to over 4000 m in the Alps bernese alps
May 10, 2024. Second stage of an exceptional adventure to meet the highest summits of bernese alps. Yesterday, I climbed the Grosses and Hinteres-Fiescherhorn with my guide, Johann Filliez. Today, we'll be conquering the heights of the Finsteraarhorn on skis. Dominating the surrounding mountains, it rises to an altitude of 4274 metres, on the border between the Valais Alps and the canton of Bern. I've photographed this gigantic pyramid so many times. So many times its beauty has pierced my heart. What a joy it is, then, to be able at last to slide down its flanks, climb its crests and reach ...
Ascension Chronicles
Ski ascent of the Grosses and Hinterer-Fiescherhorn Expedition to over 4000 m in the bernese alps - stage 1
In the spring of 2024, the furious winds give nothing away to the high mountains. They cover it night and day with thick, fickle snow, sweeping away our dreams of conquest. Until the dawn of May 8th, when a truce is announced. A fleeting but long-awaited break in the weather. So I seized my chance and set off on an adventure. Alongside my guide Johann Filliez, I set off for the highest summits of bernese alps. To the Grosses and Hinterer-Fiescherhorn, the Finsteraarhorn and the Grosses-Grünhorn, at an altitude of over 4000 metres. Ski ascent ...
Ascension Chronicles
Ascent of Barre des Écrins and Dôme de neige
Can you smell the heady fragrance of great adventure in the air? At the end of April, spring returns and the mountains open up to life once again. Their call becomes more urgent and I dream of once again surveying their vertiginous flanks. This time, the Valais gives way to Ecrins massif, wild and remote. This time, I'm preparing to climb the Barre des Écrins and the Dôme de neige. At an altitude of over 4,000 metres, this crossing marks the moment of our reunion. The start of an alpine season that I dream will be the most beautiful and daring. The ...
Discover Thomas Crauwels
Modern romantic artist, Thomas Crauwels has a recognized and distinctive style that has won numerous Swiss and international awards.
Between Beauty, Majesty and Purity : Thomas Crauwels invites us on a grandiose, authentic journey to meet the giants of snow and ice that have moved him. A conduit for emotions, halfway between two worlds: his works elevate us.
Discover the artist
Between Beauty, Majesty and Purity : Thomas Crauwels invites us on a grandiose, authentic journey to meet the giants of snow and ice that have moved him. A conduit for emotions, halfway between two worlds: his works elevate us.
Would you like to receive articles once a month?
Subscribe to Fine Alpine Post for free: