CHASING STARS
Workshops on the Bettmerhorn
PROGRAM
3:00 p.m. Independent trip to the Bettmerhorn
4:00 p.m. Welcome to all participants in the Bettmerhorn restaurant
4:15 p.m. Information tour to explain the infrastructure
4:30 p.m. Preparation for photography sunset Cozy get-together, drink something warm
5:15 p.m. Enjoy/take photos of the sunset
5:45 p.m. 1 1/2 hour star photography course in the Restaurant Bettmerhorn
7:30 p.m. Dinner with cheese fondue (there is also an alternative menu)
8:30 p.m. Preparation for photographing stars
9:00 p.m. Photographing stars and enjoying nature, sleeping, there is the possibility
Have something warm to drink in between
07:00 a.m. Preparing photography for sunrise
08:00 a.m. Enjoy/take photos of the sunrise
8:30 a.m. Cozy get-together and breakfast together in the Bettmerhorn restaurant (optional)
10:00 a.m. Official end of the workshop
WORKSHOP DATA
You can get the course data either directlyRegistration or from the event calendarhere
The period of one week is chosen so that the workshops can be organized around the new moon. You can register for one day. 5 days before the workshop, participants will be informed whether the workshop will definitely take place. If there are more participants than places, a waiting list will be maintained. First come, first served.
Everything depends very much on the weather. If the conditions are not optimal or too few people register, the workshop will not take place (minimum number is 4 photographers)
If you are interested, there is also the option to conduct the workshops in English or Spanish. Please contact me directly atcontact@markuseichenberger.com.
WORKSHOP COSTS
The workshop costs CHF 495 for photographers (with star photography training and documents) and CHF 295 for stargazers (without training). The train ride, that Dinner, detailed training, accommodation, breakfast and support are included. Travel costs and breakfast are not included. Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
PARTICIPANTS / COURSE INSTRUCTORS
The number of participants is limited to 10 people (6 photographers and 4 stargazers) to ensure the overview and quality of the workshop.The training is designed to offer something for everyone, from beginners to professionals. The course leader is Markus Eichenberger.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Photo equipment
To put the stars in the best possible light, a reflex camera or mirrorless camera is an advantage. To capture enough light, you should have a fast lens. That is, one that has an open aperture of F4.0 or lower. Ideally F 2.8. In order to photograph the landscape, it would be an advantage if the lens has a wide angle of at least 24mm, optimally 15mm. Cameras manufactured in the last 3-5 years have less noise at high ISO. This helps a lot with night photography. A tripod is very important and is mandatory. Please contact me if you have any questions. I can also borrow tripods.
Clothing
It gets cold at 2600 meters. This means you should bring a thick jacket and possibly a hat. A flashlight or headlamp is an advantage as the nights up there get very dark when the moon is new. Lamps can be borrowed. You should also wear good shoes that have a good profile.
ACCOMMODATION / SLEEPING
We have the unique opportunity to stay overnight. There we will enjoy dinner, hold the training and also sleep. Please make sure you can bring a mat and sleeping bag with you. If not available, please let me know (5 mats will be provided). The restaurant is heated. It is possible to consume snacks and drinks in the restaurant at night. It also has modern toilets. During the tour at the beginning of each workshop I explain all the details.
ALETSCHBAHNEN TIMETABLE TO BETTMERHORN
Photography participants:You can take the train from Betten to Bettmeralp and then you have to walk to the Bettmerhorn valley station (approx. 20 minutes). From there a gondola lift goes up to Bettmerhorn. Alternatively, you can take a snowmobile taxi (approx. 30-40 francs) and drive to the station.
Ski tourist participants:You can ski directly to the Bettmerhorn and adjust your skis there. Attention: It is important to pack other, normal shoes. Ski boots are not suitable for spending the whole night on the Bettmerhorn. It is not allowed to use the ski slopes at night as it is dangerous.
To all participants: Please make sure you allow enough time to get to the top on the last train. In winter, the Furka car transport is often overloaded, which has already led to delays of up to 3 hours. It is recommended to either travel by public transport or take the Lötschberg car transport.
TRAVEL COSTS
Participants must pay travel costs themselves. Beds - Bettmerhorn costs 49 CHF return (half-fare card 24.50 CHF). The GA is valid up to Bettmeralp! Afterwards from Bettmeralp the ticket costs 50% of the normal price. For ski tourists, the trip is most likely already included in the ski pass. However, please clarify this on site to be on the safe side.
TRAINING DOCUMENTS
At the end of the workshop, each photography participant will be sent the training documents via email and presented with a coffee to go cup.
As a participant in the workshop, you have the opportunity to join the “Swiss Star Chasers” club via Facebook. This covers everything you want to know about star photography. You can also ask questions at any time, which I will be happy to answer.
Attention: the registration procedure has changed with the new booking system. Please just select a date. (the first thing that comes to mind). When checking out, you have the opportunity to enter 2 desired dates again.