"Alpine portraits" webserie
A daily life. A mission. An ongoing adventure.
In the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley, the mountains are not just a backdrop: they are a place to live, work, and make a difference. Here, nature dictates its own rhythm, its demands, and sometimes its challenges. High-mountain guides, ski patrollers, mountain hut wardens, farmers, and elite athletes all share the same reality: a daily life shaped by altitude, the seasons, and a deep passion for their environment.
“Visages d’Altitude” is a new documentary web series that sets out to meet these women and men for whom their work is much more than a job: it is a calling. Through sensitive and sincere portraits, the series shines a light on the people who keep the valley alive day after day—often working behind the scenes, yet always with dedication. By their side is a phone designed to withstand any conditions: the new Stellar X5.
Each episode immerses us in their world, capturing moments of tension, everyday routines, and moments of contemplation. These unique, inspiring stories paint a picture of a mountain that is vibrant, human, and resolutely focused on the future.
The web series “Visages d’Altitude” will follow five individuals from all walks of life who share one thing in common: a deep attachment to the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley and a sincere passion for their work. Nine perspectives to tell the story of a unique region, through the eyes of those who experience it every day.
EP1: Louise
From December to April, Louise works as a ski patroller and rescue worker in the La Flégère ski area.
Even before the first skiers arrive, her day begins on the still-silent slopes. Securing the ski area, performing preventive avalanche triggers, and setting markers: every action counts to ensure everyone’s safety.
Throughout the day, Louise stays alert, observes, and takes action. Accidents, changing weather conditions, and unforeseen mountain hazards: her job demands rigor, quick thinking, and a thorough knowledge of the terrain. Through her eyes, this episode reveals a daily life marked by dedication, solidarity, and an intimate connection with the mountains—where vigilance never wavers.
EP2: Merlin
Merlin has turned his passion for snowboarding into his career.
A native of the valley, he grew up at the foot of the mountains and is now a member of the French snowboard cross team. In the winter, he travels the globe following the World Cup circuit, moving from one competition to the next.
But behind the races and bib numbers, the real preparation happens behind the scenes. All year long, Merlin trains, fine-tunes every detail, and pushes his physical and mental limits.
Driven by his Chamonix roots, Merlin moves forward with one dream in mind: to perform at the highest level, aim for the major World Cup titles, and perhaps, one day, win an Olympic medal.
EP3: Anna & Coline
For Anna and Coline, being mountain hut wardens is above all about “making the inaccessible accessible”: offering a warm place to people who venture into an environment that isn’t necessarily welcoming.
Perched at an altitude of 3,613 meters, the Cosmiques mountain hut is steeped in history. Formerly a 1930s laboratory dedicated to the study of cosmic rays, it now welcomes mountaineers from mid-February through late September. For this pair of refuge attendants, the season is long and particularly intense, with the high altitude taking a toll on their bodies and daily technical challenges to overcome.
EP4: Etienne
For Etienne, being a mountain rescuer means, above all, being ready to respond to the unexpected: every rescue is unique and presents a unique problem to solve.
The PGHM in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the world’s busiest mountain rescue unit, with approximately 1,300 missions per year. In the heart of the world’s mountaineering capital, where climbers’ technical skills are exceptionally high, Etienne and his team must constantly stay at the cutting edge.
For this seasoned rescuer, daily life consists of an intense schedule of real-world missions and rigorous, realistic drills—all while balancing a normal family life in the valley.
EP5: Pierre
Based in Les Houches, Pierre Choupin embodies the next generation of a tradition deeply rooted in the Chamonix Valley. It was following in his grandfather’s footsteps, surrounded by livestock, that his calling was born. So when the future of the family farm came into question in 2014, the choice was obvious: letting this heritage disappear was out of the question. For the past eleven years, Pierre has devoted his summers to his herd, bringing to life the history of this valley, which is the true historical cradle of the Hérens breed in France.
The month of May marks a decisive and eagerly awaited turning point in the herder’s daily life. After six long months spent in the barn during the winter, the cows’ first outing is a moment of pure joy. Set free and bursting with energy, the animals return to the great outdoors. It is then that a fascinating and unique ritual specific to the Hérens breed takes place: the natural fights to determine the “queen” of the herd. This traditional contest establishes the hierarchy for the entire year.
