OUTDOOR GALLERY

The Ecole Outdoor Gallery

The Ecole outdoor program is unlike any other. With offerings ranging from gentle walks through tranquil woods to serious back country skiing, there’s something for every sort of outdoors person. Curious what we’re up to? You can check out our outdoor calendar below! Or enjoy our incredible produced videos offering a taste of the outdoor experience though the eyes of an Ecolianer.

 Outdoor Videos

 

Skitouring

In this video, follow our students on a skitouring trip from Konkordiahütte, a renowned alpine hut located in the Bernese Alps. Konkordiahütte sits above Konkordiaplatz at the convergence of several glaciers, and is one of the most sought-after destinations for skitours.

Four-Day Hike

Follow Noah, a student at the Ecole d’Humanité and a passionate videographer, as he documents his experience on a recent four-day hike. Enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery of the Swiss Alps, including views of the Finsteraarhorn reflected in the Bachalpsee.

 
 

Fackelabfahrt

In this student-produced video, join our boarding school as we participate in the Fackelabfahrt - one of the most magical experiences you could ever dream of. Our whole school gathers together on the ski hill under twilight skies, and then descends together guided by torchlight.

 Outdoor Events

 

Fall Term

  • Staff First Aid Training - All staff receive first aid training with a focus on hiking and outdoor activities. Training is offered through Schweizerische Lebensrettungs-Gesellschaft SLRG

    All-School Blueberry Hike - This annual tradition is a gentle introduction to hiking and a wonderful way for students to orientate themselves to our local landscape. Students hike in family groups and collect blueberries for our pies, muffins, and pancakes.

    Beginner & Intermediate Rock Climbing Classes Begin - Rock climbing courses focus on core skills and safety training as our students ascend the many climbing routs that dot our landscape.

    Mountaineering/Advanced Rock Climbing Classes Begin - More technically able students develop their skills on climbing routes throughout our region. Advanced students are invited to participate in our Mountaineering Class.

    Mountain Biking Classes Begin - In our mountain biking classes, students practice their skills on trails or on the pump track while also learning the basics of bicycle maintenance.

    Fly Fishing Class Begins - In pristine alpine streams students learn precision and perseverance as they fish for trout.

  • All-School Test Hike - The whole school embarks on a day-long hike designed to assess skill level and to test out hiking gear. Our students explore our local region in groups of varying skill levels as they enjoy brilliant blue autumn skies.

    All-School Four-Day Hike - Our Four-day hike is a highlight of fall term. Students embark in small groups on hike routes that take them through the Swiss and Italian Alps. With hiking offers catering for all abilities, students set off on gentle day-hikes or even intrepid wild camping adventures.

  • All-School Winter Sports Class Registration - Ahead of our exciting winter term, students select their winter sports lessons for the new term. In conjunction with our local ski resort, we offer classes for all skill levels. There are beginner lessons for those new to snow, all the way up to advanced ski and snowboard lessons.

    Fitting for Ski + Snowboard Rental Gear - The Ecole offers ski and snowboard gear rentals for students so they are prepared to enjoy the upcoming winter season.

    Rock Climbing Classes Pause for Winter Term

    Mountain Biking Classes Pause for Winter Term

    Fly Fishing Class Ends

Winter Term

  • Staff Winter Sport Safety Orientation and Training - As part of our commitment to safety, our staff undergoes regular alpine safety training.

    All-School Student Winter Sport Safety Orientation - A the beginning of the winter season, all students receive winter sport safety training.

    On-Piste Ski/Snowboard Classes Begin - Throughout the winter season, our students take part in regular ski and snowboarding classes. Classs rang from beginner up to Black Snow Academy and include

    Freeriding, Freestyle, and Ski Touring Classes Begin - For those students with more advanced ski and snowboard experience, we offer more technical classes. Students soar through the air in our nearby terrain park, or glide through fresh powder in one of our ski touring classes.

    All-School, Weekly Snow Sport Days Begin - Each week we hold an all-school ski day. It’s always a delightful surprise for our students as they wake up to music and and spend a sunny morning on the piste.

    Sledding and Snowshoeing Afternoon and Weekend Offers Begin - Throughout the winter season students can participate in non-ski activities. They explore the snow silent woods on snowshoes or glide down sledding runs several kilometers long!

  • Fackelabfahrt - A true highlight of the Ecole experience. The whole school gathers for a special dinner, and then a star-lit run down the ski hill guided by torches.

  • Skifest is Held - Another Ecole highlight which closes out our ski season. The whole school come together for a fun alpine race, followed by a wintery picnic and a demonstration of our students excellent freestyle skills.

    On-Piste Snow Sport Classes End

    Freeriding, Freestyle, Ski Touring Classes End

    All-School, Weekly Snow Sport Days End

Summer Term

  • All-School Test Hike in the Haslital - In preparation for our six-day hike, ur students test their gear (and their hiking legs!) on a day-long hike in our local region.

    Rock Climbing Classes Begin - Rock Climbing classes are held in our local climbing gym and outdoors where students practice their skills on real rock walls.

    Mountain Biking Blasses Begin - Students learn technical skills on local trails and practice tricks on the pump track.

    All-School 6-Day Hike and High Alpine Ski Tour - All students participate in a six-day hike that takes them through the Swiss and Italian Alps. Our six-day hike features options that cater for skill levels. Students embark on gentle rambles through meadows and forest or push themselves with technically challenging alpine ascents, or even a backcountry ski and snowboard trip.

  • Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) Hike Leader Training and Certification - Each summer a selection of our teachers undergo hike leader training in preparation for the upcoming hiking season. These training classes are offered by the Swiss Alpine Club, the leading mountaineering association in Switzerland.

Outdoor Gallery

Want a taste of our outdoor Program? Check out this image gallery showcasing our outdoor offerings.

Could you picture yourself here?