These ice caverns, hidden deep beneath the French Alps, are beautiful but deadly as the landscape changes quickly with the melting and freezing of ice.
One intrepid photographer ventured into the glistening world within the mountains to capture the intricate and strange beauty of a world not many witness.
Adventure photographer Kamil Tamiola, 29, spent eight days exploring the region and was stunned by the speed in which the landscape constantly changed.
Deadly den: Ice caverns beneath the French Alps are a stunning but deadly backdrop as the landscape constantly changes as the ice melts and freezes
The photographer based in Groningen, Netherlands, said: ‘Climbing inside an ice cave on the north face of the alpine summit at 3800m above sea level is very difficult to describe in words.
‘You need to stay focused, pay attention to every single move and commit yourself entirely to this climb but despite the danger the reward is like nothing else – an amazing experience of climbing something pure and truly unique.’
Climbing commitment: ‘Despite the danger the reward is like nothing else’, adventure photographer Kamil Tamiola said as he captured fellow climbers along the snow ridge line of Mont Blanc Massif
Ice cave entry: The explorers stumbled across this ice cave on the north face of Mont Blanc du Tacul. ‘It’s a frightening experience’, Mr Tamiola said of climbing inside but it was a ‘pure and truly unique’ adventure
Picturesque peaks: Aiguille du Midi is one of the most recognised mountains in the French Alps
From a dream: Ascending the summit en route to Mont Blanc, climbers’ head torches can be seen glimmering in the starlight
He explored several picturesque locations including Aerete des Cosmiques, Pointe Lachenal and the icy pyramid on the North Face of Mont Blanc du Tacul.
He said: ‘Mont Blanc Massif in general offers some of the most spectacular climbs in the world.
‘Technically some are easy but they are mentally demanding. The glacial fields on the north face of Aiguille Verte require fitness and true commitment.
In the wilderness: Climbers rest in small tents below mountains before they venture out
Early rising: While the skies can be clear at 4am, the weather can be completely different by the afternoon
Spectacular view: Looking out on the north face of Mont Blanc du Tacul, this area has some of the most spectacular climbs in the world
Starlight, star bright: The stars were out in force on this clear night in the famous Valle Blanche, above the Aiguille Dent du Geant and Grandes Jorasses
Preparing for treacherous climbing: Climbers wake at 3am, heat some breakfast before venturing out for the day
‘We would wake up at 3am, set the stove, pretend it was warm, quickly consume a high-calorie breakfast before setting off for the day hoping for good weather.
‘When watching the others slowly ascend the icy slopes of the dream summit you could see their tiny head torches glimmering against perfectly blue ice.
‘The early summer weather in the high Alps can be very hectic. Most mornings we enjoyed fantastic clear skies and completely different weather in the afternoon.’
Wooly weather: Climbers always hope for good weather before they set out for the day but after storms, the calm returns as it did here
Mental and physical power: Climbing an alpine face requires much skill, fitness and commitment. One mistake can have fatal consequences
Tricky traverse: With some of the most amazing climbs in the world, adventurers risk life and death to explore the French Alps
Put into words: Mr Tamiola said it was difficult to describe his eight day adventure
The beauty of creations looks like these people are enjoying it with in peace