How to photograph the snow-covered Chartreuse mountains at sunset
Why the snow-covered Chartreuse mountains are my favorite playground
The Chartreuse mountain range, located between Isère and Savoie, has become my favorite spot for winter landscape photography over the years. Its iconic limestone cliffs — Chamechaude, Dent de Crolles, Mont Granier — are adorned with a blanket of snow that enhances the sunset light in a unique way.
I captured this image on an exceptional evening when the pinkish-orange alpenglow set the mountain peaks ablaze. The contrast between the pristine snow and the fiery sky was magical. See this photo gallery →
My favorite spots for photographing the snow-covered Chartreuse mountains
1. La Croix du Nivolet (Bauges) — my favorite panoramic view
From the Grand Revard and the Croix du Nivolet, I enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the entire Chartreuse massif. This vantage point allows me to capture the peaks in their entirety, with Lake Bourget below adding depth to the composition.
This unique vantage point offers an unobstructed view of the entire mountain range. I particularly enjoy returning in the late afternoon when the low-angled light sculpts the landscape. Discover this photo painting →
2. Mount Granier — a powerful graphic subject
The limestone cliffs of Mont Granier are, for me, one of the most photogenic subjects in the Chartreuse mountains. Their 900-meter vertical face offers a striking contrast, particularly spectacular under the snow.
I took this photo from the heights of Chambéry, capturing the mineral majesty of these iconic cliffs. See this photo gallery →
My technical settings for sunset in the mountains
Exposure and white balance
After years of experimentation, here are the settings I consistently use to capture alpenglow (pinkish-orange glow) on snow:
- ISO: 100-400 to minimize noise (I prefer 200 in winter)
- Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for optimal depth of field across the entire image
- Shutter speed: 1/125 to 1/250s depending on the lighting (I rarely go higher).
- White balance: 5500-6000K to preserve natural warm tones
Composition and framing — my method
Chartreuse liqueur lends itself particularly well to layered compositions , a technique I particularly like:
- Foreground: textured snow or frosted vegetation to anchor the image
- Intermediate plane: valleys and forests that create depth
- Background: snow-capped peaks and sky for visual impact
The perfect timing: my observations on the winter golden hour
In winter, I've noticed that the golden hour is longer and the colors more intense than in summer. For Chartreuse, here's my ideal timing:
- 30 minutes before bedtime: direct golden light — I begin my photography
- At sunset: pink-orange alpenglow on the peaks — the magical moment!
- 15-20 minutes later: blue hour with the last rays of light — my most atmospheric images
It is precisely this magical moment that I captured in my best-selling book, with the three iconic peaks — Chamechaude, Dent de Crolles, Mont Granier — illuminated by the last rays.
Post-processing: how I enhance winter colors
My post-processing workflow to faithfully recreate the atmosphere:
- I adjust the orange tones to enhance the alpenglow without exaggerating.
- I slightly enhance the blues in the shadow areas for warm/cool contrast
- I use local contrast to highlight the contours of the cliffs.
- I always preserve the highlights in the snow — crucial!
Black and white version: a graphic approach
I also like to work on some of my Chartreuse images in black & white for a more graphic and timeless approach.
This black and white version of the Croix du Nivolet facing the Chartreuse mountains emphasizes lines, textures, and contrasts. Discover this version →
My collection of photo prints of the snow-covered Chartreuse mountains
Discover my selection of photo prints of the Chartreuse mountain range , all available as matte Dibond aluminum prints:
- Sunset over the snow-covered Chartreuse mountains — my best-selling book, the iconic image
- Nivolet Cross facing the Chartreuse — panoramic view from the Bauges
- Nivolet Cross and Chartreuse - Black & White — graphic version
- Mont Granier, limestone cliffs — the mineral power
All my prints are made on matte Dibond aluminum , manufactured in France by local artisans, ready to hang (sizes available up to 70×100 cm).
My tips for your photo outing
If you wish to photograph the snow-covered Chartreuse mountains at sunset, here are my recommendations:
- Check the weather forecast : choose days with some clouds (not a uniformly blue sky).
- Arrive early : scout your composition 1 hour before sunset
- Dress warmly : in winter, the wait can be long and cold.
- Tripod required : for sharpness and long exposures during the blue hour
- Spare batteries : the cold drains them quickly
Conclusion
The snow-covered Chartreuse mountains at sunset offer me exceptional photographic conditions on every outing. This mountain range, accessible from Grenoble, Chambéry, or Annecy, is an ideal playground for any landscape photographer.
I hope these tips will help you capture your own memorable images. And if you'd like to decorate your home with these alpine landscapes, my collection of photo prints captures the essence of those magical moments I regularly experience in the mountains.
Beautiful lights to all! 📸
