Reuben Kumar-MorrisAlpine photographs

Above the
clouds.

A few moments from my time mountaineering in the Alps: early starts, exposed rock, glacier crossings, good weather and the kind of visibility that makes every decision matter.

A personal photo journal · Swiss Alps

Alpine ridge and glacier beneath colourful clouds — 01 / The alpine landscape

Two climbers roped together on a glacier in thick mist — 02 / Moving as a rope team

Climbers making their way across rocky terrain in mist — 03 / On the rock

Two climbers smiling in clear weather with alpine peaks behind them — 04 / A clearer moment

View down a steep rock face during alpine training — 05 / Training for the Alps

Climber wearing a helmet and red backpack during alpine training — 06 / Preparing on the rock

Climbers preparing ropes and equipment by headlamp in the dark — 07 / Before first light

Sunlight over a snowy alpine summit and crevassed glacier — 08 / The glacier below

Roped climber stepping up a rocky section beside the glacier — 09 / Finding a way through

10 / Glacier crossing · Video

Two roped climbers on a snowy slope after the weather reduced visibility almost completely — 11 / When visibility disappeared

Roped climber on a steep snowy and rocky ridge in poor visibility — 12 / On the ridge

13 / At the summit · Video

View from inside the mountain rescue helicopter — 14 / Helicopter rescue