Alpstein, inversion during sunset, that is when the magic happens

Written By Jeroen Roosen

Nikon Z7ii, Nikkor 14-30mm F4 at 30mm, 1/10 sec, F22, ISO 100, 23 October 2021 at 18:18 CET
Sunset at one of the best viewpoints in the Swiss Alps

Q4, 2021

We were hiking to a great viewpoint in the Swiss Alps on a windless day with a clear blue sky with comfortable hiking temperatures. The clear blue sky was not the best photogenic weather. I’d rather prefer clouds to add drama to an image. Even so, it was a perfect day for a hike. It was not just a hike. This hike was already for a few years on my wishlist. Crows where flying around, warmly welcoming us in this beautiful landscape.
While it got later in the afternoon, higher up the mountain, a little fog was noticeable in the valley but it didn’t get cold. That was the moment I realized this was meteorological inversion. One of the characteristics of inversion is that a warm layer of air is blocking a cool layer of air to rise. The lower you get, the cooler it gets. Just the opposite of what normally happens when you climb in the mountains. With the evening falling and temperatures dropping, moist in the air started to condensate. Little clouds were forming underneath us. At sunset some clouds started to move from one valley to another valley, partially being lit with red, warm orange light of the setting sun. That is one of those great moments in mountains that rarely happen. We were privileged to witness the magic at Alpstein. It was about time to grab the camera and press the shutter release to share this magical sunset moment.

Clouds starting to form, one hour before sunset

Hiking next morning after sunrise

Early morning sunbeams are lighting a narrow hiking trail of this great ridge

Inversion

Inversion

Alpine crows circling, hovering, and diving around us (photo Fabienne Roosen)

Jeroen Roosen https://www.momentsinmountains.com
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