Before the larch trees turn gold and the first snow dusts the high peaks, Leysin American School students took in the lingering warm air and answered the call of the mountains—and glaciers—that surround our beautiful campus home. From trekking across ancient ice fields to summitting peaks, our LAS students embraced the season and took full advantage of living in the Swiss Alps, testing themselves, and making memories that will outlast the semester.
Aletsch Glacier: An Ancient River of Ice
One group of students traveled to the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Standing beside a mass of ice that has been slowly moving for thousands of years gives you a sense of scale that no classroom can match. Students took in the sweeping views, learned about how the glacier is changing, and left with a deeper appreciation for the fragile high-alpine environment on our doorstep.
The Skyline Challenge: Four Summits
For those who wanted a serious physical challenge, the Skyline Challenge delivered. Students tackled four of the region’s iconic peaks:
- Les Diablerets 3210m
- Tour de Mayen 2327m
- Les Truex 2195m
- Tour de Famelon 2143m
Each summit brought steep trails, changing weather, and the satisfaction of reaching the top. Students learned to pace themselves, support each other on the tougher sections, and celebrate every summit together. The students showed great stamina and determination by completing all four peaks in one day!
Glacier 3000: Walking Across Frozen History
Another group headed to Glacier 3000, where they trekked across the glacier itself. Walking on ice at nearly 3,000 meters, surrounded by white peaks and brilliant blue sky, is an experience students won’t soon forget. It was a chance to step into a world of snow and ice that few teenagers ever get to see up close, and to do it with friends by their side.
Oldenhorn: A Classic Alpine Hike
Closer to home, a group of hikers set out for Oldenhorn, a beloved summit with sweeping panoramas across the Bernese and Vaud Alps. The climb rewarded students with far-reaching views and a well-earned sense of accomplishment. It was a perfect fall day in the mountains, and a reminder that some of the best adventures are just a short journey from campus.
International Award: Silver Practice Journey
Our students working toward the Silver International Award embarked on their Practice Journey, a key milestone on the road to their final expedition. The group hiked to Les Mosses, where they set up camp and spent the night under the alpine sky. From there, they pushed on to summit Mont d’Or and Pic Chaussy, navigating trails, managing their own gear and logistics, and working as a team. The Practice Journey is where students build the skills in planning, teamwork, resilience, and independence that the Award is all about. Judging by the smiles at the end of the trip, they’re well on their way.
It’s More Than Hiking
At Leysin American School, we believe some of the most important learning happens outside the classroom. Whether standing on a glacier, pitching a tent after a long day on the trail, or reaching a summit after a tough climb, our students grow in confidence, build friendships, and develop a lasting connection to the natural world. Living in the heart of the Swiss Alps means the mountains are more than a backdrop. They’re part of who we are.
A huge thank you to our dedicated faculty and staff who led these trips and kept everyone safe, and congratulations to every student who laced up their boots and got out there. We can’t wait to see where the winter takes us!
