The town of Cluses in Haute-Savoie, France, will host the 16th edition of the Images & Neige photography festival from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at the Parvis des Esserts. This annual three-day event dedicated to cold weather and snow photography typically attracts between 3,000 to 4,000 visitors, including 700 to 900 schoolchildren, making it one of the region's most significant cultural gatherings.
The festival explores themes of ecological transition, sports, nature, and adventure through the lens of photography, offering visitors a unique perspective on winter environments and mountain life. This year's edition will feature approximately twenty photographers showcasing their work, with special guests of honor Bruno and Dorota Sennechal presenting their stunning photographs of Canadian wolves. The couple's wildlife photography will serve as one of the festival's main attractions.
Beyond the main venue, exhibitions will be displayed throughout Cluses, including at the Cluses Media Library and in the town's new gourmet halls. In partnership with Regard du Vivant, a special exhibition titled "Mémoires des glaces" (Memories of Ice) will be featured on Place Charles de Gaulle and in front of the Cluses cinema, extending the festival's reach throughout the community.
An entertainment village will provide interactive experiences for the general public, featuring NST-sport showcasing their eco-responsible approach to mountain sports. The mountain nature center will offer hands-on workshops focusing on local fauna and flora, while photography experts including Giandra de Castro, Johanna Perret, and members of the Numericus Focus photography club will provide technical guidance and demonstrations for aspiring photographers.
The weekend program includes numerous conferences led by exhibiting photographers and Dr. Maurine Montagnat Rentier, a glaciologist who will share insights about ice formations and climate change. A special children's show about glaciers is scheduled for Saturday morning, making the festival accessible to younger audiences and educational for families.
The festival's success has been made possible through exceptional support from Frédéric and Marie-Laure Boiteux for Cluses Images and Giandra De Castro. Various partners contribute to the event, including Numericus Focus Photo Club, Centre de la Nature Montagnarde, Relief, SIGMA, Bleu Voyage, NST Sport, Sébastien Lacroix, the artists collective "Un euro ne fait pas le printemps" (One euro does not make spring), Fonds de dotation Rouchon Héritage, Art Labs, Monterrain printing company, and l'Atelier des Papilles.
The preliminary schedule begins Friday with exhibitions running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday expands the program with exhibitions and the entertainment village from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a guests of honor evening at 7 p.m. at the Cluses Cinema in partnership with Cinétoiles and CinéCluses. Sunday features a photo marathon from 9 a.m. to noon, with exhibitions and the entertainment village continuing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing visitors multiple opportunities to engage with the photography community and explore the festival's offerings.
