I found this image difficult to deal with. The sharp contrast between the light and shadows hurt my eyes and there was too little detail in the shadows (even the hazy-gray distant ones). The mountain top and sky were over-bright. So I threw it to you to see what you came up with. The results were quite good! In general, the entries that addressed my issues rose high in my rankings. I also found I preferred the color entries over B&W, and did not prefer the tighter crops. Finally, I noticed banding in the sky in several entries -- not sure the source of that.
Winner:
@Hendrik #1. Big bird aside, I think you best dealt with the problems without introducing new ones. Nice entry!
1st Runner-Up:
@Rob Rider #2. I liked your processing of the forested slopes and shadows best, but the glaciers and sky were too blue, and there was banding in the sky.
2nd Runner-Up:
@rpatodia #1.
Thanks to all who participated. I hope you enjoyed the challenge. Back to you, Hendrik!