EXPERIENCE HIF
HIF Spring Camp 2027
Celebrate Spring in Switzerland
A premium, three-week Springtime experience for students to live and learn at HIF in the Swiss Alps.
Use English naturally every day in an international community and build confidence through purposeful Alpine experiences.
Enjoy an international boarding experience and a taste of life at HIF before heading off for a purposeful European cultural and applied learning journey through Italy, Austria and Germany.
AGES
12–17 years
DATES
10-30 April 2027
FORMAT
Residential | 21 Days / 20 Nights.
LOCATION
14 nights at HIF, in Ftan, Switzerland, then 7 nights’ organised travel and learning across Italy, Austria and Germany
LANGUAGE
English
CAPACITY
10-20 students
PROGRAMME FEE
CHF 6,985 including accommodation, flights and transfers
Optional Extras
Zurich Airport pick-up: CHF 300
Single occupancy room w/ shared bathroom: CHF 500
Single room with ensuite: CHF 1,000
Enquire Now
21 days. Four countries. One Swiss home
HIF applied learning
English in daily use. Real-world science, geography, data and problem-solving are connected to the Alpine environment.
HIF Alpine mission
Hiking, climbing, navigation, mountain biking and team missions adapted to April conditions. A new mountain environment that builds confidence and judgement.
Four countries. One journey.
Live and learn in Switzerland. In the final week, travel through South Tyrol in Italy and Salzburg in Austria before finishing in Munich, Germany. One connected Alpine-to-European journey.
HIF boarding experience
Shared meals, evening activities, friendships and routines create a genuine taste of international boarding life.
Camp schedule
Settle in & connect
HIF campus, English, Songkran, Alpine orientationExplore & challenge
Hiking, climbing, navigation, rafting, Alpine science and team challengesDiscover Europe
Italy → Austria → GermanyFinal-week European journey
Merano, Italy
Bolzano, Italy
Dolomites → Salzburg Old Town, Austria
Mozart House, Austria
Hohensalzburg Fortress → Munich, Germany
Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany
Skills students take home
Confidence
English Communication
Cultural Awareness
Practical Judgement
Independence
Resilience
International Friendships
Collaboration
Where camp happens
For the first two weeks, students live at HIF, sharing meals, activities and everyday life with peers from around the world. Experienced HIF staff provide structure, support and pastoral care throughout the residential experience, helping students build independence, responsibility and a strong sense of community. This is the perfect springboard for international travel for the last week of the camp.
For families considering international education, this camp offers a firsthand introduction to boarding at HIF as well as experience of supervised international travel.
Safety and supervision
For a young person travelling internationally, the first success is simple: feeling safe, welcomed and known.
Your child’s safety and wellbeing are our first priority. Spring Camp is run by experienced HIF staff, and supervision and pastoral care are built into every part of the day and night.
Our structured residential environment includes:
- 24-hour supervision and pastoral care
- Age-appropriate routines and supervision
- Safeguarding, health, hygiene and well-being embedded throughout
- Qualified specialists for technical and outdoor activities
- Activity-specific risk assessment and established safety procedures
- Appropriate first-aid provision
For many, it will be an unforgettable trip; for some, the first step towards a future at HIF.
Meet the Team
GRANT FLETCHER
Head of Outdoor
Outdoor Leadership & Safety
Grant brings more than four decades of professional outdoor experience to HIF. His career began with rafting and guiding in New Zealand and developed through expeditions and outdoor programmes across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America.
JAREK SZURMAN
Deputy Head of Outdoor
Outdoor Education & Experiential Learning
Jarek is an international educator and outdoor professional with more than 25 years of experience in education, including twelve years in academia. He holds a PhD and an EMBA focused on sustainability in the outdoor industry, alongside professional qualifications across mountain and water sports.
VEMUND BLAKAR
Outdoor Education & Sport
Vemund is a sports teacher with a Master’s degree in Outdoor Education and more than 15 years of experience working in schools and guiding outdoor activities. His training includes whitewater kayaking, climbing, open-water rescue, snowboarding, lifeguarding and first aid.
BOHDAN KORSZUNSZKIJ
Sport, Coaching & Camp Life
Bohdan is a former professional basketball player and youth sports coach with practical experience in international summer camps in Switzerland and Hungary. His work has included coaching young athletes, planning daily activity programmes and supporting the safety and wellbeing of participants.
How to register for Spring Camp
- Fill in our enquiry form
- Receive an email from HIF and complete our application form, or organise a call with us if you want to know more
- Once your application form is processed, we’ll confirm your place and share pre-camp details.
FAQs
Who looks after the children while they’re at camp?
Our staff live on campus and are with the children from morning until night. They’re experienced educators, mentors, and carers who create a safe, family-style environment where every child feels known and supported.
How safe are the activities?
Safety is always our priority. All outdoor activities are led by certified instructors, using high-quality equipment and following strict safety guidelines. Risk assessments are completed before every activity.
What happens if my child becomes unwell or has an accident?
Our staff are first aid trained, and the local hospital in Scuol is only 10 minutes away. We’ll contact you right away if your child needs medical attention, and we’ll stay in touch until they’re feeling better.
How are rooms arranged? Can my child stay with a friend?
Campers share bright, modern twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms. We strive to honour roommate requests and match children of similar ages and interests, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and at home.
What types of food are served, and can you accommodate allergies or special diets?
Our kitchen team prepares fresh, balanced meals daily, catering to a variety of dietary preferences/requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific diets. Just tell us your child’s needs on the health form so we can plan ahead.
What if my child gets homesick?
It’s completely normal, and we handle it with warmth and care. Staff gently help children settle in and connect with others. If needed, we’ll support appropriate contact with home while helping your child find their confidence and feel good.
How are friendships encouraged, especially if my child is coming alone?
Most children arrive not knowing anyone, and that’s part of the adventure. Our team leads group games and activities right from the first day, so friendships form quickly and everyone feels included.
Can my child travel alone to Switzerland?
Yes, many of our campers do. We offer airport transfers from Zurich and full support for unaccompanied minors. Our staff meet them at the airport and stay with them until they’re safely back on their return flight.
Will my child be able to contact us while they’re away?
Yes, but we also encourage them to enjoy a little independence. Phones are kept safe during the day and can be used at set times in the evenings. You’ll also receive photo updates so you can share in the adventure from afar.
What should my child pack?
Before camp begins, you’ll receive a detailed packing list covering clothes, shoes, and essentials for both indoor and outdoor activities. We provide all specialist equipment, and winter gear can be rented locally if needed.
Do the children get any downtime?
Absolutely. Evenings are relaxed. A time to hang out with new friends, play games, or get creative in art and music sessions. We believe rest and laughter are just as important as adventure.
How much pocket money should we send?
Almost everything is included in the camp fee. Around CHF 50–100 is plenty for souvenirs or small treats. Most children find they don’t need much at all.
Do we need travel insurance or special documents?
We recommend that every camper have full travel and medical insurance that covers outdoor activities. We’ll send any confirmation letters you need for visa or insurance purposes once your place is confirmed.
What makes HIF camps different from other camps in Switzerland?
Our camps are intentionally small and deeply personal. We create a sense of belonging where adventure feels safe, friendships grow naturally, and every day brings a new moment of wonder in the Swiss Alps. It’s a space where confidence blossoms, laughter echoes across the mountains, and children return home changed in the best possible way.
How to Register for HIF Camps
- Complete our website enquiry form
- We will email our application form to you, and we can set up a call should you want to chat with us
- We will complete the application process and send confirmation, plus pre-camp information
My roommate and I got along extremely well — she’s from Dubai, and I’m from China — and we still stay in touch today. I am truly grateful to HIF and all the teachers for providing such a rewarding and unforgettable summer.
QIAN Enyi, Chinese student
