The arrival of snow in Savoie and Haute-Savoie: the magic of the winter Alps
The first snowflakes fall on the Savoyard peaks, announcing the return of the long-awaited winter season. Savoie and Haute-Savoie are adorned with their white mantle, transforming the alpine landscapes into veritable fairytale scenes.
The spectacle of the first snow
Every year, the arrival of snow in Savoie and Haute-Savoie is a magical event. The peaks gradually become covered in white, the forests transform into cathedrals of frost, and the mountain villages regain their authentic winter charm.
From Val Thorens to the chalets of Ayères, via the Lac Vert de Passy, the Savoyard landscapes offer exceptional panoramas for photographers and mountain lovers.
The best spots for photographing snow
In Haute-Savoie
Haute-Savoie is full of iconic locations to capture the beauty of the snow:
- The Green Lake in Passy : a jewel nestled at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif, particularly photogenic under the snow with its crystalline reflections
- The chalets of Ayères : these traditional, snow-covered chalets embody Savoyard authenticity.
- La Clusaz : a charming village where mountain architecture blends perfectly with the snowy landscapes
- The Fiz mountain range : for magnificent alpine panoramas
In Savoy
Savoie is not to be outdone with its spectacular winter landscapes:
- Val Thorens : Europe's highest resort offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks
- The Vanoise National Park : wild and unspoiled nature, with its iconic mountain huts like the Valette refuge.
- La Féclaz : a white paradise for lovers of Nordic skiing and pristine landscapes
- Val d'Isère : a legendary resort surrounded by majestic peaks
Tips for photographing snow in the mountains
The essential settings
Snow is a demanding photographic subject that requires some adjustments:
- Overexposure : compensate by +1 to +2 EV to prevent the snow from appearing grey
- White balance : favor the "cloudy" or "shade" mode for warm tones, or adjust manually between 5500K and 6500K
- ISO : Keep the ISO low (100-400) to preserve detail in white areas
- Aperture : f/8 to f/11 for good depth of field in landscapes
The right time
The golden hours (sunrise and sunset) are magical on snow. The low-angled light reveals textures and creates soft shadows that sculpt the landscape. On overcast days, focus on intimate compositions and details.
Protect your equipment
Cold and humidity are the enemies of your equipment:
- Keep your batteries warm (they discharge faster in cold weather)
- Use a waterproof bag to protect your equipment
- Avoid thermal shock by allowing your device to acclimatize gradually.
- Bring a cloth to wipe the snow off the lens.
Capture the beauty of the snow-covered Alps
Winter in Savoie and Haute-Savoie is an exceptional season for landscape photography. Whether you are an amateur or experienced photographer, these regions offer a diversity of panoramas just waiting to be captured.
Discover our selection of photos of the Alps in winter , our collection of mountain snow photos , or explore our photo paintings for chalets that capture all the magic of alpine snow.
Each print is made on matte Dibond aluminum, manufactured in France with our artisan partners, to enhance these precious moments and bring a touch of mountain authenticity to your interior.
Conclusion
The arrival of snow in Savoie and Haute-Savoie marks the beginning of a magical period when the mountains reveal their purest beauty. It's the perfect time to explore these transformed landscapes, camera in hand, and capture the very essence of an alpine winter.
Whether you are looking for the vastness of snowy open spaces or the intimacy of a chalet under the snow, the Savoy Alps offer you an infinite photographic playground.
