I spent 10 days in the town of Zermatt, known for its emblematic mountain, the Matterhorn (Le Cervin for the French, Cervino for the Italians). The town is at an altitude of 1600m (5,200 ft), with everything you expect from a modern village. All vehicles are electric, which makes for a quiet and clean place. No brown/grey snow to be seen.

To get a grand view of the Matterhorn, you must take the train up to Gornegratt, at just over 3000m (10,200 ft). The first 5 days, was spent up there, at the great surprise of the swiss ticket officer: "Ticket for 5 days?... Why?!"

1 st day was spent mostly going everywhere, sketching every possible view that might end up as a potential painting spot, and just getting a feel for the space.

Once I had established enough spots to get me started, I started painting. But I still continued sketching new places, as more views revealed themselves to me.

No real altitude sickness at this altitude, but still slightly affected. I only noticed once I was painting back on the lower slopes, that the first few days I had been feeling a little off. Warm in the sun, cold in the shade, and very cold as soon as the sun goes down.

Eventually my eyes became less distracted by the grand views, and more tuned in to the intimate simplicity of clusters of houses, pathways etc.

Encountered an inquisitive high altitude bird species, here at 3000m. The Alpine Chough. Last time I saw these guys was in Switzerland at the Schilthorn, at a similar altitude. Seems like they rely mostly on human snacks in this season.