EXPERIENCE HIF
HIF Winter Camp 2027
Discover winter in the Alps
Join us for an 11-day HIF educational experience that combines skiing and snowboarding, purposeful learning, Alpine challenges, and international boarding life.
For young people aged 10–16, the HIF Winter Camp means progress on the mountain while developing confidence, independence, judgement and friendships through life at HIF.
Snow, weather, equipment, navigation and mountain decisions create natural opportunities for applied learning, enhancing the snow-sports experience students came for.
At HIF, the mountains are our classroom and the foundation of our education. Join us for an unforgettable winter in the Swiss Alps and discover what boarding at HIF could be like.
AGES
10–16 years
LANGUAGE
English
DATES
9-19 February 2027
CAPACITY
Maximum 30 students
LEVEL
Beginner to advanced
PROGRAMME FEE
CHF 4,586
FORMAT
Residential 11 days/10 nights at HIF
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
Four parts. One connected experience
Ski & Snowboard
Ability-based instruction. Beginners build a secure foundation; more experienced students refine technique, control, and mountain awareness.
Applied learning
Winter becomes a natural laboratory. Students explore snow, weather, forces, equipment, maps, forecasts and practical decision-making through short challenges and observations connected to the mountain day.
Alpine exploration
Navigation, avalanche awareness, first aid, cross-country skiing and winter challenges develop judgement, preparation, teamwork and responsible mountain behaviour.
Well-being and boarding life
Active days, shared challenges, community evenings, and international boarding life build skills, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
A typical day at Winter Camp
Every day brings new adventures at HIF’s Winter Camp
Breakfast Buffet
Snow Sports
Wholesome Lunch
Mountain learning
Dinner with friends
Games/sports/wellbeing
Rest & bedtime
Skills students take home
Ski & Snowboard Progress
Confidence
Independence
Resilience
Judgement
Teamwork
International Perspective & Friendships
Mountain Awareness
Where camp happens
Based in Ftan, a traditional Alpine village in the Lower Engadin Valley, HIF offers students the opportunity to live and learn in a mountain environment. Students stay on our boarding school campus, sharing meals, routines, activities and evenings with peers from around the world, with experienced HIF staff providing structure and support throughout their stay.
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. Winter Camp is run by experienced HIF staff, including team members who support our boarding students throughout the school year. Supervision and pastoral care are built into every part of the day and night, while qualified specialists lead technical mountain activities.
- Ability-based ski and snowboard groups with qualified professionals
- Age-appropriate routines, supervision and safeguarding
- Weather- and condition-responsive activity planning
- Risk assessment and appropriate first-aid provision
- High standards of accommodation, meals, hygiene and student well-being
Come for the winter. Discover 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 Winter 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
Upon returning home, I noticed the glint of accomplishment in her eyes as she recounted her experiences; that is the inner strength born from independence.
Parent
