First snows at Verbier. This photograph of the Swiss Alps offers us a dazzling journey over the Val de Bagnes. From Mont Rogneux, our gaze wanders to the Pointe de Boveire, whose summit is adorned with a cross. Emerging from the clouds, the Combin massif rises in majesty, with its three summits peaks of over 4,000 metres: the Combin de Valsorey, the Combin de Grafeneire or Grand Combin, culminating at 4,314 m, and the Combin de la Tsessette. In front of it, the Petit Combin is renowned for the beauty of its hanging glaciers, which can easily be admired from the famous resort of Verbier.

I took this portrait of the mountains in autumn, when the massifs had just suffered the first onslaught of cold. The clouds part, revealing freshly dusted snow on summits. This white veil brings to light hitherto unknown details of the rock. The abstract beauty of a mountain that inspires me like a Japanese print with black and white reflections. The moment summits emerge from the mist like islands in the middle of the ocean, nature creates for me, the humble photographer, a timeless, sumptuous and unreal tableau. With each of my ascents, the celestial kingdom offers me another image of itself. That's why mountain photography is such an exciting art. Every day is a unique adventure. I have to be ready to attempt it, whatever the outcome. Listening to nature, I observe the snow, the clouds, the rock and the sun. And I watch for the sublime moment when these elements enter into synergy. When water, air, earth and fire unite to offer me a breathtaking spectacle.