Programmes/ages available
Winter in Switzerland is a magical experience, not only because of its reputation as a snow sports mecca, but also due to the jovial and welcoming winter atmosphere that can only be found in this alpine wonderland.
Village Camps (VC) has been running winter programmes in Switzerland since 1977, providing unique and successful winter experiences primarily for International Schools but also Family packages in several different locations including Anzère, Leysin, and Saas Fee.
Now refined and focused on one location, Village Camps uses its residence, The Swiss Alpine Centre in Leysin, Switzerland, as its main base for all winter operations. With a move to more academically focused programmes as well offering a diverse Winter Adventure programme, VC welcomes children from around the world for an experience of a lifetime during December, January, and February.
Objectives
The objective of VC’s winter programmes are three-fold:
For campers to experience the beauty of Winter/Christmas/New Year in Switzerland in a familial setting with excellent staff supervision.
To provide a comprehensive programme for children looking to get a taste of all winter activities that Switzerland has to offer.
Allowing those who wish to pursue a more academic holiday a chance to do so within a framework that also allows them to maximize their winter experience.
English in the Alps
This programme is for those academically focused individuals looking for some intensive IELTS prep coupled with a well-rounded and balanced itinerary of excursions, skiing, snow sports, and more!
Winter Sensation
The perfect combination of Winter Adventure Activities, excursions and skiing, culminating in the most comprehensive winter programme in Switzerland!
Winter Academia
Learning in the winter has never been more interesting! Focus on STEM or IELTS classes in the morning whilst also experiencing winter sports, adventure activities and excursions in the afternoon and evenings!
Accommodation
At just a 90-minute drive from Geneva International Airport the Swiss Alpine Centre in Leysin is the traditional Swiss home of Village Camps. The Centre offers spectacular views from its sunny terraces, public rooms and many of the bedrooms right across the Rhone Valley to the dramatic French Alps and the peak of Mont Blanc. Right outside the Centre are walks and hikes in the green alpine meadows with colourful flowers, local wildlife and the invigorating fresh mountain air.
The centre welcomes up to 180 campers, who come from all over the world
Bedrooms have en-suite facilities and offer quite spacious, comfortable accommodating for up to four campers. Campers are assigned to rooms according to age and gender and experienced counsellors (who stay in rooms near the campers) are responsible for taking special care of each and every child.
During free time, campers in small groups enjoy the traditional village cafes and small shops in Leysin Village, which they can visit with their new-found friends from all over the world.
Meals
The Village Camps chefs hygienically prepare three nutritious, healthy and varied meals. Campers make a special point of praising the salad bar with its fresh daily produce as well as the great choices available at breakfast time. We cater for healthy young appetites so ‘second helpings’ are always available. Most special dietary needs can be accommodated but please check in advance with the Village Camps Head Office.
Facilities
Facilities in the Swiss Alpine Centre include:
snack bar
gift shop
classrooms
auditorium
3 dining rooms
music & dance studio
arts & crafts centre
climbing wall
common rooms with
- **table tennis
- **foosball tables
- **board games
Facilities in Leysin and the two excellent, state-of-the-art sports centres – all within easy walking distance or a five minute bus ride include:
indoor swimming pool
large fully equipped multi-sport gymnasium
covered ice rink
indoor tennis courts
climbing walls
squash courts
