Students at LAS gain confidence, character, and a strong sense of community through inspiring adventures in the Swiss Alps. The LAS Alpine Institute offers year-round outdoor education, blending classroom learning with hands-on experiences in nature. The program encourages exploration of the Alpine environment while fostering an interest in sustainability, global citizenship, and climate action.
The LAS Alpine Institute program is designed to empower students to see themselves as active participants in the natural world. It enables LAS students to become instruments of change, with a focus on both outdoor programs and environmental education. Students in these programs actively engage with nature, learning why they should care about it and take action to protect it.
At LAS, we offer a diverse range of programs for students to get involved with! These include:
Weekend Alpine Club Trips
Trips are offered to our students every weekend at various difficulty levels. These trips meet the needs of students who are new to the mountains and those ready to take their skills to the next level and aim to travel competently and independently in the Alps. These trips are designed to help students connect with the local environment through team building, resilience training, and problem-solving.
The Duke of Edinburgh International Award
This prestigious qualification is recognized globally and can be highlighted on university applications and CVs. All three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—are offered at LAS and provide a structure for those students who choose an additional level of challenge and commitment. This award not only includes outdoor pursuits but also requires students to complete service to the community and develop themselves outside the classroom in the areas of physical activity and skills.
Winter Expeditions
From backcountry skiing to snowshoeing and ski racing to adrenaline-pumping freeride competitions, there’s something for everyone at LAS seeking adventure in the great outdoors! The Alpine Institute caters to students of all skill levels, offering various weekend and afternoon trips throughout the winter months.
Staff Professional Development and Passion Projects
LAS supports staff through in-house and off-site training to ensure best practices for safe and enriching outdoor instruction. This professional development enables teachers to share their expertise and passions, enhancing the student experience.
Through the LAS Alpine Institute, our students are learning outdoor skills and developing into well-rounded, environmentally conscious individuals. The LAS Alpine Institute believes that nature is not just something to admire from a distance but a living classroom where students can grow physically and mentally. By participating in outdoor adventures and challenges, students step out of their comfort zones, learning essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and self-reliance along the way. These outdoor pursuits help students develop a deeper connection with the natural world in the hopes they will now and, in the future, be committed to making a positive impact on our planet.
