Winter sports are the focus of the general winter programme at Our Chalet. Downhill skiing is our main activity, and we offer the chance to ski with a staff member or on your own. But downhill skiing is only one of many possible winter activities at Our Chalet! There are also opportunities to go snowboarding, walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
And you are always welcome to curl up inside with a book and a cup of tea while the snow falls outside! In the evenings, we offer a variety of activities for you to get to know people from around the world, and learn more about Our Chalet and Switzerland. Some typical evening programmes include campfires, sledging, games, and activities planned by guests about their own countries.
The winter season at Our Chalet begins on 17 December 2000. For most of the winter, we are open to groups, individuals, and families to come for any number of days ("open winter sessions"). We also offer special programmes with set session dates and/or specific focuses
Beginners and experienced skiers are welcome to join us for this weekend of cross-country ski trips. Cross country skiing is easy to learn, good exercise, and a great way to explore the area! On Friday, start off with a half-day of skiing on Engstligenalp. Saturday go to Boden, with tracks of varying lengths to choose from. And on Sunday, travel by bus to Kandersteg, the next valley east, to try the tracks near the lake at Oeschinensee.
Dates: 1 - 4 February
Music Weekend
Bring your favourite songs and musical instruments and join other music lovers from around the world. During the weekend, we will share songs and music, compile a songbook and tape, and have the chance to try a traditional Swiss instrument - the Alphorn. You are welcome to come before or stay after the music weekend and enjoy our regular winter activities.
Dates: 5 - 7 January
Family Week
It's not always easy to be involved in Guiding/Scouting while raising a family. Here's a chance to combine the two and bring children or grandchildren to Our Chalet. During this week, Our Chalet is open to all, but our programme will focus on activities for families with younger children. Some possible activities include sledging, skiing, walks, playing in the winter playground on the ski slopes, and having a campfire. Our general winter programme will also be available, and you are welcome to come for any number of days.
Dates: 13 - 20 January
World Thinking Day Sessions
Guide and Scout groups and individuals who are 12 years and older are invited to join us for a week of snow, skiing, and celebrations. Our regular winter sports activities will be offered, as well as special events to celebrate World Thinking Day. During these sessions, there is a maximum group size of 12, and bookings must be made for the exact session dates.
Dates: 17 - 24 February and 24 February - 3 March
Easter Sessions 1 & 2
Easter holidays are the perfect time to do some spring skiing at Our Chalet! Our regular winter activities will be offered, and you will have the opportunity to join in our Easter celebrations with Guides and Scouts from around the world. During these sessions, Guide and Scout groups and individuals who are 12 years and older are welcome, there is a maximum group size of 12, and bookings must be made for the exact session dates.
Dates: 7 - 14 April and 14 - 21 April
Summer Sessions
Summer at Our Chalet is the time to explore the Swiss Alps on foot, spend the night in a mountain hut, try rock climbing or abseiling, learn about traditions, take a day trip to a nearby town, or sit around the campfire with people from around the world.
Our Chalet offers a variety of programmes throughout the summer:
International Friendship & Alpine Adventure Sessions 1 - 9
These 7 and 10 day sessions are open to Girl Guide and Girl Scout groups and individuals who are 12 years of age and older. The sessions provide the opportunity to get to know Guides and Scouts from around the world, explore the natural surroundings and cultural attractions of the Swiss Alps, and learn about Switzerland and WAGGGS. Several hikes of varying lengths and difficulty levels will be organized. One to three bus trips to visit nearby towns and attractions will also be offered. These sessions have a maximum group size of 12 (groups of up to 25 are welcome in the campsite), and bookings must be made for the exact session dates.
1. 10-16 June (7 days)
2. 18-27 June (10 days)
3. 29 June-5 July (7 days)
4. 7-16 July (10 days)
5. 18-24 July (7 days)
6. 27 July-2 August (7 days)
7. 8-17 August (10 days)
8. 19-25 August (7 days)
9. 27 August-2 Sept (7 days)
Open Summer Sessions
During these times, we offer a similar selection of programmes as during the International Friendship & Alpine Adventure Sessions, but with the flexibility to come for any number of days.
Dates: 26 May - 9 June and 2 - 30 September
Eurolife Weekend
After spending the week nearby at the Eurolife.01 camp, why not extend your trip and come to Our Chalet? During the weekend, you will have the opportunity to hike in the Swiss Alps, learn more about this World Centre, explore the natural surroundings and cultural attractions of the area, or just relax after a busy week at camp! (For details on the Eurolife.01 camp, please contact the WAGGGS Europe Office).
Dates: 3 - 7 August
Leader Workshop
Spend a week at Our Chalet sharing ideas with Guide and Scout leaders from around the world. There will be discussion sessions on topics such as group dynamics, outdoor education, long-term planning, and music and art activities. Participants will be asked to lead some of the sessions. There will also be time during the week to just enjoy being at Our Chalet and in the Swiss Alps! Some hike and trip options will be offered, as well as evening programmes such as a campfire, an international evening, and a chalet history night.
Dates: 9 - 15 September
Walking and Climbing Session
Our Walking and Climbing Session is for all of you who are ready for some serious alpine hikes that will give you a chance to see Switzerland from the mountain tops! The programme will be organized according to the interests and fitness levels of the participants. Some possibilities include an overnight hike to Lohnerhut or to the top of Wildstrubel. There will be time for several day hikes of varying lengths (4 to 8 hours), to places such as Bonderspitz and Kandersteg, Ammertenspitz, Tschingellochtighorn, or Gsür. There will also be opportunities to try rock climbing. In addition to the regular session costs, participants will need to pay approximately 100 Swiss francs to cover the costs of a professional guide for one day, and to stay in a mountain hut for two nights. You will receive an equipment list and further information before the session begins.
Dates: 3 - 9 September
Spring and Autumn Sessions
Spring and autumn are quieter times at Our Chalet, but there is still plenty to see and do! (Please note though, that many gondolas and some attractions are closed). We welcome groups to use our facilities for a training course, conference, or other event, as well as groups, individuals, and families who want to explore the surrounding area on their own. The staff will be happy to help you plan trips and activities during these times.
Year-Round
Activity Weekends
If your Guide/Scout group doesn't live too far away, bring them for a weekend visit. Each weekend is filled with activities following a theme, and will also give groups a chance to learn more about one of the four World Centres and Switzerland, and experience the international spirit of Guiding and Scouting. This is also a great opportunity for leaders to make contacts and share ideas.
Please contact Our Chalet for further details.
| 16 - 18 March | Winter Wonderland | (8 - 11 years) |
| 23 - 25 March | Snow Adventure | (14 - 18 years) |
| 1 - 4 June | Swiss Crafts and Culture | (11 - 15 years) |
| 28 - 30 Sept | Mountain Magic | (14 - 18 years) |
| 12 - 14 Oct | ScOutdoor Life | (11 - 16 years) |
| 19 - 21 Oct | 'Round the World in 3 Days | (8 - 11 years) |
FOOC and Adult Session
This session is designed for adults who are "Friends of Our Chalet" members, or who would like to spend a week learning more about Our Chalet and exploring the area with adults from around the world. During the week, there will be opportunities for skiing and other snow sports, or to join hikes and bus trips, depending on the season.
Dates: 20 - 27 January and 9 - 15 September
2002 Programme is Here!
