GRAN PARADISO IN WINTER
Photograph the impressive Ibex, Wolf, Chamois, and other wildlife in Italy's Alps this winter
This 5-day winter wildlife photo tour in the Italian Alps offers the chance to photograph the iconic Ibex, Chamois and Apennine Wolf in the spectacular snowy peaks of Gran Paradiso - alongside Golden Eagle, Lammergeier and Owls.
Led by professional photographer Paul Alistair Collins and local nature guide Gianluca Damiani, our small group will visit the best areas to observe the Ibex during their winter rut, when the males' impressive horns and dramatic clashes provide wonderful photo opportunities at close range.
Italy’s oldest national park, Gran Paradiso protects more than 70,000 hectares of alpine wilderness, from forested valleys to towering snow-covered peaks. Wolves, Foxes, Mountain Hares and Stoats may be encountered, while the spruce forests hold Black Woodpeckers and secretive Pygmy Owls. The skies above are patrolled by Golden Eagles and Bearded Vultures. We’ll also explore the wider Mont Blanc area, opening up new landscapes and photographic possibilities in the heart of the Alps.
This is an active winter tour, with moderate to substantial walking in snow to reach the best wildlife locations. A reasonable level of fitness is essential to make the most of the photographic opportunities. Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss suitability and the itinerary.
AT A GLANCE
TURIN, ITALY 5 - 8 5 DAYS
Tour Leaders: Paul Alistair Collins & Gianluca Damiani
Deposit: £500; balance due 2 months prior to departure.
Meeting: At arrival airport; details to follow.
Are you interested in something similar? Send an enquiry and I’ll reply soon to discuss further. Or take a look at my Abruzzo Adventure summer tour for bears, wolves and more.
HIGHLIGHTS
Photograph the iconic Ibex in the snow, plus Apennine Chamois, Golden Eagle, Fox, Owl, and maybe even Wolf
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Push your creativity and camera skills with hands-on tuition from an expert photographer and local nature guide
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Enjoy local Italian cuisine and culture in Italy's Alps and beyond Mont Blanc________________________
Develop a rich portfolio of animal portraits in dramatic scenery
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Tailored 1-on-1 photographic tuition,
plus optional post-processing sessions
ITINERARY
The following is a proposed itinerary, subject to animal activity and weather conditions.
After the group meet in Turin, we will transfer by car 1h30 to Villeneuve, a mountain village at the gateway to Gran Paradiso's best wildlife spots. On our accommodation's doorstep are snowy low-alpine valleys and high-alpine ridges which are attractive for wildlife such as our target Ibex and Chamois. We will spend our first day slowly exploring these areas, looking for both species, until sunset to catch the best light and winter conditions. A hearty dinner with the group in town, and a welcome presentation on the local fauna and creative approaches to photography.
Please bear in mind that this is an active few days of photography in wintry conditions, with moderate to substantial walking in snow to reach the best wildlife locations. Conditions underfoot can be challenging, and a reasonable level of fitness as well as appropriate montane clothing is essential to make the most of the photographic opportunities. If you’re unsure whether the walking requirements are suitable for you or would like to chat through the itinerary in more detail, please get in touch before booking. I’ll be happy to discuss the terrain, distances and what to expect.
LOCATION
We will base ourselves at a traditional bed-and-breakfast at the gateway to Gran Paradiso National Park.
Equipped with private bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, a lounge area and restaurant, this will be our gateway to one of Italy's most unspoilt wild regions. It may be possible to spot our target mammals even outside the property if we are lucky!
Ibex & Chamois
The Ibex is the iconic species of Gran Paradiso - and therefore our main reason to visit this corner of the Italian Alps as they enter their annual winter ruts.
Once driven to extinction, the Ibex has found refuge here. The park remains Italy's best place to photograph these majestic mountain goats. Males have ridged horns that grown up to a metre long, making striking subjects against snowy mountains.
The charming Chamois offers a different kind of encounter. Agile and sure-footed, these antelopes move effortlessly across steep terrain. Watching family groups picking their way along the snowy ridges can provide truly atmospheric images.
Wolf & Red Fox
While sightings of elusive mammals are never guaranteed, if anyone can find these animals, our local guides can! Wolf packs are a possibility with patience and luck. Red Foxes are more likely to be seen, their rich russet coats standing out against the snow. We will use thermal imaging cameras and spotting scopes to detect animals up to 1km away, before assessing whether a photo opportunity is possible at closer range. Local knowledge here makes all the difference.
Lammergeier, Golden Eagle & Pygmy Owl
The skies over Gran Paradiso and the wider Mont Blanc area are patrolled by two of the Alp's most impressive raptors - the Golden Eagle and Lammergeier. We should have the chance to create images that capture their scale and the grandeur of their home.
The forests have their own treasures. We'll listen out for cryptic Black Woodpeckers and the secretive Pygmy Owl, which lives in abandoned nest-holes in dead trees. Along open slopes, flocks of Alpine Chough and pretty Snowfinch provide futher opportunities to photograph birdlife in wintry conditions.
WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR FOR YOU?
This tour offers a unique chance to experience Italy's wilderness with expert local guides. Our guides have some of the best knowledge of Italy's wildlife, with many years' experience tracking, photographing and working with some of the world's top documentary productions to observe Italy's rarest creatures. We use all methods at our disposal to ensure a high success rate - from checking out the area before your arrival and keeping up to date with park warden sightings, to using field craft, camera traps, thermal imaging cameras, and spotting scopes. Nevertheless these are wild animals, and we can't always guarantee where an animal may decide to go next.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
✓ Services of professional photography and local nature guides
✓ Permits to photograph in the Gran Paradiso National Park
✓ Evening image review and edit sessions (optional)
✓ Welcome presentation & materials on local fauna and sites
✓ 4 nights' stay in a traditional Italian bed&breakfast
✓ All breakfasts and dinners, included at the accommodation
✓ Use of guides' thermal imaging camera for mammal-spotting
✓ Airport pick-up and drop-off from Turin
✓ Ground transportation
✗ Return flights from your home location to Turin (please contact me so I can recommend the best flights)
✗ Any Visa charges or airport taxes
✗ Personal and cancellation insurance*
✗ Lunches, personal snacks, beverages and alcohol
✗ Personal expenses
✗ Laundry
✗ Any additional overnight stays
Have any other questions? Check out our Tour FAQs below.
EXCLUSIVE
ACCESS
Gain access to private locations where other tours don't go - and capture unique shots that no one else is getting.
INTIMATE
ENCOUNTERS
Enjoy regular sightings of our target species, in diverse light and weather conditions - allowing you to build a rich portfolio of stunning images.
DEEP
IMMERSION
Develop your vision at your own pace - with thoughtfully curated itineraries, expert guiding, small groups and 1-on-1 learning.
For full terms and conditions, including our cancellation policy and personal travel insurance, please click to see the Terms & Conditions
* To take part in our trip, you must be covered by adequate insurance for its entire duration. The insurance must cover for cancellation, medical and emergency expenses. We recommend insurance against damage or loss of baggage, camera equipment, instruments and personal items.