Arolla Autumn Photography Weekend – 17–18 October 2026

Arolla Autumn Photography Weekend – 17–18 October 2026

Experience an unforgettable autumn photography weekend in the heart of the Val d'Hérens, one of Switzerland's most spectacular alpine valleys. Surrounded by golden larch forests, crystal-clear alpine streams, glaciers and towering four-thousand-metre peaks, Arolla offers an extraordinary setting for landscape photography during one of the most beautiful seasons of the year.

Throughout the weekend, we will photograph some of the valley's most iconic locations, including the enchanting Lac Bleu, the majestic Mont Collon, and the spectacular Glacier du Mont Miné. From tranquil reflections and colourful autumn forests to dramatic glacial landscapes, each location has been carefully selected to make the most of the finest light and the unique atmosphere of the Swiss Alps in autumn.

Whether you are an enthusiastic beginner or an experienced landscape photographer, this workshop combines technical instruction, creative guidance and unforgettable alpine scenery.

What You'll Learn

• Fundamentals of landscape composition and visual storytelling

• Understanding mountain light and changing weather conditions

• Working with foregrounds, reflections and visual depth

• Advanced techniques including:

  • Focus stacking

  • Perspective blending

  • Exposure blending

  • Time blending

• Planning landscape photography using weather and light forecasting tools

• Optimising camera settings:

  • Aperture

  • Shutter speed

  • ISO

  • Exposure compensation

• Effective use of photographic filters:

  • Polarising filters

  • Neutral Density (ND) filters

Throughout the weekend, participants receive personal guidance from an internationally awarded landscape photographer, helping them strengthen both their technical skills and artistic vision.

Meeting Point

Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus, Arolla

Please arrive on Saturday, 17 October at approximately 2:00 PM.

What's Included

• One night's accommodation at the Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus

• Breakfast

• Photography instruction throughout the weekend

• Image review and editing session

What's Not Included

• Lunches, snacks and drinks

• Travel to and from Arolla

• Personal insurance

• Dinner

Workshop Schedule

Saturday – 17 October

Arrival & Sunset at Lac Bleu

2:00 PM – Welcome and Participant Introductions

Meet the group, check-in and overview of the weekend.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Photography Briefing

• Camera settings

• Composition and visual storytelling

• Colour theory

• Weather and light planning

• Workshop itinerary

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Exploring Lac Bleu

Our first photography session takes us to the beautiful Lac Bleu, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden larch forests and spectacular alpine scenery.

Throughout the afternoon we will explore a variety of compositions while preparing for the warm light of sunset.

Subjects include:

• Crystal-clear lake reflections

• Golden autumn larch forests

• Mountain landscapes

• Creative foregrounds

• Long-exposure photography

7:00 PM – Sunset Photography

Photograph the beautiful evening light and reflections at Lac Bleu before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Sunday – 18 October

Sunrise at Mont Collon & Sunset at Glacier du Mont Miné

6:00 AM – Departure from the Hotel

We leave before dawn for a carefully selected viewpoint overlooking the magnificent Mont Collon.

7:40 AM – Sunrise Photography

Capture the first light as it illuminates Mont Collon, its glacier and the surrounding alpine peaks. This exceptional location offers outstanding opportunities for both dramatic mountain panoramas and intimate foreground compositions.

9:30 AM – Breakfast

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

10:30 AM – Image Review & Creative Discussion

Review of participants' photographs together with practical guidance on:

• Composition

• Colour theory

• Lightroom workflow

• Photoshop fundamentals

1:30 PM – Guided Hike to Glacier du Mont Miné

During the afternoon, we hike towards the spectacular Glacier du Mont Miné, photographing glacial rivers, alpine streams, rugged mountain scenery and the vibrant colours of autumn while preparing our compositions for the evening light.

7:00 PM – Sunset Photography at Glacier du Mont Miné

We conclude the weekend with a spectacular sunset session overlooking the Glacier du Mont Miné. As the warm evening light reaches the glacier and surrounding peaks, we photograph one of the most breathtaking alpine landscapes in the Val d'Hérens.

8:00 PM – Workshop Conclusion & Departure

Following the sunset session, we return to Arolla before saying our farewells and concluding the workshop.

Travel Information

By Car (Recommended)

Travelling by car is the most convenient option and provides maximum flexibility throughout the weekend.

By Public Transport

Arolla is easily accessible by train and bus.

From Lausanne

• Train to Sion

• Bus to Arolla

Approximate travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes

From Zurich

• Train to Visp

• Train to Sion

• Bus to Arolla

Approximate travel time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Detailed travel information and recommended train connections will be sent to all participants before the workshop.

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