A one-day workshop on each date
Reserve date in unsuitable weather: 30 December 2026
The Gemmi, a high plateau in the Swiss Alps, is one of the most impressive habitats of the bearded vulture. From Base Camp Gemmi, you’ll spend a day in this unique winter landscape with nature photographer Hansruedi Weyrich and receive a hands-on introduction to nature and bird photography.
In a small group, you’ll learn the basics of camera settings, composition, and photographing birds in flight, and benefit from valuable tips right out in nature. The workshop is designed for both beginners and advanced participants.
The day concludes with a group picnic in nature and an sharing platter at the panoramic restaurant.
Dates:
28 or 29 December 2026, each a one-day workshop. In case of unsuitable weather conditions, Wednesday, 30 December 2026, is scheduled as an reserve date.
Price:
CHF 290 per guest. Group size: 4 to 10 people.
Course languages: German, French, and English.
The bearded vulture is a regular visitor to the Gemmi. However, sightings or photo opportunities in the wild cannot be guaranteed.
- Nature and bird photography in the habitat of the bearded vulture
- Expert guidance from nature photographer Hansruedi Weyrich
- Practical tips on camera settings, composition and photographing birds in flight
- The Gemmi in winter, with spectacular views of the Alps’ 4,000-metre peaks
- Individual guidance in a small group of 4 to 10 participants
- Nikon and Sony equipment to try out (subject to availability)
- A sharing platter at the panoramic restaurant
- Workshop languages: German, French and English
- 09:45: Meet at the Gemmipass upper cable car station after travelling independently by Gemmi cable car. Welcome and introduction.
- Photography excursion in the bearded vulture’s habitat, with practical exercises on camera settings, composition and nature photography. Individual guidance throughout the day.
- Picnic together outdoors. Bring your own lunch.
- 15:30: Round off the day with a sharing platter at the panoramic restaurant.
- Approximately 16:00: Workshop ends, followed by independent travel home. Last cable car down at 17:00.
The introductory workshop welcomes beginners and more experienced photographers who want to discover or develop their nature and bird photography in the winter mountains. Bring a digital SLR or mirrorless camera; a telephoto lens of at least 400 mm is recommended.
We spend plenty of time outdoors in the winter mountain landscape. Warm clothing and footwear, as well as traction spikes or microspikes for icy ground, are important.
Small group of 4 to 10 people. Workshop languages: German, French and English.
Price:
CHF 290 per person and workshop day. Small group of 4 to 10 participants.
Included:
Professionally guided workshop with Hansruedi Weyrich, individual advice, practical tips, Nikon and Sony cameras and lenses to try out subject to availability, and a sharing platter at the panoramic restaurant.
Not included:
Personal travel and Gemmi cable car fares, picnic and snacks, drinks including those served with the platter, any equipment hire and insurance.
- Digital SLR or mirrorless camera; telephoto lens of at least 400 mm recommended
- Warm layered winter clothing, rain and wind protection
- Warm hat, warm gloves with a good grip and warm mountain boots
- Traction spikes or microspikes for potentially icy ground
- Your own picnic, drink and snacks
Heated socks and gloves can make the day more comfortable. Nikon and Sony equipment is available to try out, subject to availability.
What you need for your experience: Download packing list
Your Gemmi Guide Hansruedi Weyrich
Hansruedi Weyrich has been photographing wildlife for over 35 years and shares his knowledge through workshops, courses and talks. His particular passion is the bearded vulture. For more than 15 years, he has supported its reintroduction in the Alps and gained intimate knowledge of these fascinating birds’ habitat and behaviour.
His award-winning work appears in publications including GEO, National Geographic and NaturFoto. During the workshop, you benefit from his experience and personal photographic guidance.
Impressions
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