Childhood used to echo with the crunch of gravel beneath bike tires, the rustle of leaves in hide-and-seek, and the hum of real voices over shared adventures. Today, for many young people growing up in urban environments, those sounds have faded. Screens glow brighter than sunshine. Playgrounds have been swapped for pixels, and connection often comes in the form of a notification. With less time spent outdoors, rising digital immersion, and growing social isolation, children are missing more than just fresh air—they're missing the very experiences that shape resilience, confidence, and connection.

Les Elfes answers that absence with something rare: a place where children can rediscover freedom, friendship, and fearless growth. Based in Switzerland and operating nearly year-round, Les Elfesis a full-circle experience that fuses language, adventure, leadership, and cultural exchange in one unforgettable journey.

Living the Les Elfes Values

At Les Elfes, core values are more than just words on paper—they are the heartbeat of the camp experience. Safety, personal development, inclusion, and fun serve as the foundation for everything from how campers are welcomed to how programs are designed and delivered. These guiding principles shape the daily rhythm, inform expectations around behavior and teamwork, and are modeled consistently by the staff.

Alexandra Stettler, CEO of Les Elfes Spring Camp, emphasizes that while personal growth is central, the experience must also be joyful and memorable. Operating ten months of the year, Les Elfes understands that students are choosing to spend their precious holidays at camp. The goal is for each camper to return home not only more confident and independent, but also carrying stories of adventure, new friendships, and moments of pure fun.

Empowering Individuality Through Rhythm and Adventure

Les Elfes has mastered the balance between structure and freedom—a delicate but essential combination in youth development. Each day follows a predictable rhythm: language lessons or sports in the morning, followed by diverse activities in the afternoon, and social or team-based events in the evening. This structured environment creates a sense of security and routine for campers.

However, within this framework lies ample room for self-expression. Campers are given the freedom to make choices, explore interests, and take initiative. Outdoor education plays a key role in this approach. Time in nature offers rich learning experiences—teaching resilience, encouraging healthy risk-taking, and building interdependence. Through shared adventures and real challenges, campers gain valuable life skills while discovering their own strengths.

Beyond the fun and games, Les Elfes fosters a global mindset early on. Campers connect with peers from around the world, learning to embrace cultural diversity through meaningful, lived experiences. It's this blend of joy, growth, and connection that keeps Les Elfes not only relevant after 37 years—but truly transformative.

A Camp Like No Other

Les Elfes distinguishes itself through a unique blend of operational excellence, program diversity, and cultural inclusivity. As the only camp in Switzerland operating ten months of the year, Les Elfes offers unmatched continuity and flexibility for families and schools around the world. Its location in Verbier, one of Switzerland’s premier ski resorts, adds to its appeal, offering an extraordinary alpine environment for both summer and winter activities.

What further sets Les Elfes apart is its inclusive age range, welcoming children from as young as six years old—a rarity among Swiss international camps. In terms of academics, Les Elfes stands out as the only Swiss camp to offer Chinese and Spanish, alongside English, French, and German, reinforcing its commitment to language diversity.

All campuses are owned and operated directly by Les Elfes, which ensures a consistent, high standard of safety, comfort, and care. This level of control allows for personalized attention and quality assurance across all locations.

The camp’s programs combine academics, outdoor education, sports, and cultural exchange in a well-balanced model. Whether attending as individuals or as part of a custom-designed school group trip, students benefit from an experience that prioritizes not just enjoyment but personal growth, global awareness, and lifelong connections.

Tailored Adventures for Every Camper

With over 40 summer activities and a rich offering of winter sports, Les Elfes ensures that campers of every age have access to engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences. Campers are divided into three age groups—6–10, 11–14, and 15–17—and each group follows a curated activity plan that aligns with their interests and abilities.

For the youngest campers, the emphasis is on discovery and creativity, with activities such as visiting local zoos, exploring labyrinths, and engaging in imaginative games. The middle group, typically more curious and energetic, enjoys adventurous outings like climbing, kayaking, and cultural visits to nearby towns and landmarks.

The oldest campers take on more challenging, high-adrenaline adventures that promote independence and resilience. These include overnight camping, go-karting, and even the thrilling bridge swing. This progression not only keeps campers engaged but also supports their emotional and social growth at every stage.

Language Immersion Beyond the Classroom

One of Les Elfes' standout features is its approach to language acquisition through real-life experience. Partnering with the Verbier Language School, the camp offers structured courses in English, French, Spanish, and Chinese, with classes tailored to three proficiency levels: conversational, intermediate, and advanced.

But the real learning happens beyond the classroom. With up to 75 nationalities represented annually, campers are immersed in a multilingual environment where English naturally becomes the common language. This constant exposure—during meals, sports, and social events—turns language learning into a dynamic, everyday experience.

The outcome is a language program that is immersive, intuitive, and highly effective. Campers gain confidence in speaking, listening, and understanding—skills that stay with them long after their session ends. The integration of language learning with cultural exchange and shared activities ensures that communication is both practical and meaningful.

Where Campers Become Collaborators

At Les Elfes, leadership and teamwork are not just taught—they’re experienced. One of the camp’s signature activities is the Team Challenge, where campers work in groups to solve physical and strategic problems together. Whether constructing a raft or navigating an orienteering course, these challenges are designed to encourage collaboration under pressure.

A unique feature of these challenges is the rotation of leadership roles. Every camper gets the opportunity to guide their team, while staff closely observe and facilitate debrief sessions after the activity. These reflective discussions help students understand group dynamics, identify leadership styles, and appreciate the value of listening, planning, and supporting one another.

In addition, Les Elfes offers dedicated Leadership Workshops for older campers. These sessions go deeper into the essential skills of communication, empathy, and decision-making, equipping young people with tools they can use both at camp and beyond.

A Camp Without Borders

With children from over 60 nationalities joining each year, Les Elfes is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Fostering cross-cultural friendships is not a byproduct—it’s a deliberate goal woven into the camp’s fabric from day one.

The experience begins with ice-breakers and mixed-culture room assignments, encouraging students to connect with peers from outside their own country. Special events like international dinners allow campers to explore global cuisine together, while the beloved “World Nights” invite them to share traditions through music, dance, and storytelling.

Staff members play a crucial role in this process. All are trained to mediate cultural differences with respect and sensitivity, ensuring that each camper feels understood and appreciated. The environment created is one of curiosity, empathy, and shared discovery—a space where differences are celebrated and common ground is always found.

Moments That Matter

The multicultural experience at Les Elfes often leads to profound personal transformations. CEO Alexandra Stettler recalls countless stories that speak to the depth of connection and growth the camp inspires.

“One camper once said, ‘I came thinking I’d make friends, but I’m leaving with a new family,’” she shares. Over the years, shy students have found their voice, and children from politically divided countries have formed genuine friendships that defy borders. These are not fleeting bonds, but meaningful relationships that campers carry with them into adulthood.

Some transformations go even further—former campers returning as staff members, eager to give back to the environment that once helped shape them. These moments serve as powerful reminders of the impact Les Elfes has not only on a child’s holiday but on their worldview, character, and future.

The Backbone of Les Elfes’ Safe and Skilled Team

At Les Elfes, safety and professionalism are paramount, and that begins with a rigorous staff training program. Every staff member, regardless of their role, undergoes certified first aid and child protection training, alongside specific modules tailored to their area of expertise—be it skiing, outdoor education, or academic instruction.

New hires also participate in a thorough internal onboarding process that emphasizes communication, inclusion, and emergency protocols. Many team members bring with them backgrounds in education, youth work, or sports coaching, ensuring they understand both the technical and emotional needs of children.

Throughout the season, staff take part in regular evaluations and refresher sessions, reinforcing best practices and adapting to the evolving needs of their campers. This consistent investment in training creates a stable, well-prepared, and confident team.

Ensuring Safety and Well-Being for All Campers

Les Elfes has built a comprehensive model to ensure both physical and emotional safety for its international camper community. With students as young as six and from over 60 nationalities, maintaining a supportive and secure environment is a top priority.

Campuses are purpose-built and secure, with round-the-clock supervision provided by trained staff who live on-site. Every child is assigned a dedicated group leader who tracks their well-being, engagement, and daily progress—creating a reliable and familiar point of contact throughout the session.

Emotional care is just as important. Campers are given structured moments for reflection, and the staff includes individuals trained in basic psychology and child support strategies. The overall atmosphere at Les Elfes is grounded in openness, trust, and mutual respect, giving each camper the confidence to express themselves and feel at home.

Co-Creating Meaningful School Adventures

Les Elfes works closely with schools from around the world to deliver customized ski and field trip programs that meet both academic and experiential objectives. The collaboration begins with a detailed conversation about the school’s goals—whether focused on language development, social growth, physical activity, or specific curriculum outcomes.

From there, Les Elfes co-designs a tailored schedule that might include language or geography modules, risk assessments, and logistical planning. Schools have the option of choosing between several stunning locations—Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Crans-Montana, or even Niseko in Japan—depending on their preferred activities and educational focus.

Programs are then customized according to student age, group size, and learning priorities. The entire process is conducted with transparency, ensuring that from the initial consultation to post-trip feedback, the partnership is smooth, purposeful, and impactful.

Impact That Lasts

Feedback from partner schools around the world has consistently highlighted the transformative impact of Les Elfes programs on students’ academic and social development. Teachers frequently report that students return from their trips with increased confidence, improved teamwork, and broader perspectives.

The benefits extend well beyond the camp environment. Classroom relationships are often strengthened, and shared experiences become lasting reference points throughout the school year. In particular, geography modules are praised for reinforcing IGCSE and IB learning outcomes, while leadership-focused weeks are seen as valuable preparation for student roles such as prefects and house captains.

This blend of academic relevance and personal growth is one of the defining features of a Les Elfes experience.

The Reinvention of Les Elfes

Since its founding in 1987, Les Elfes has grown from a seasonal ski camp into a year-round, internationally respected educational platform—all while maintaining the family-run warmth and care that have defined it from the beginning.

CEO Alexandra Stettler notes that the camp’s evolution has been driven by changes in education, parenting, and technology. In response, Les Elfes has implemented digital safety protocols, mental health awareness training, and programming aligned with 21st-century skills, such as environmental sustainability, intercultural communication, and global citizenship.

Acknowledging shifting parenting expectations, the team also prioritizes transparent communication and regular feedback, before, during, and after each session. This commitment to staying relevant without losing its roots has helped Les Elfes remain a trusted name across generations.

Global Growth with a Personal Touch

The future of Les Elfes is marked by thoughtful expansion and mission-aligned innovation. A major milestone is the recent opening in Niseko, Japan, extending the camp’s winter sports expertise to Asia. Additionally, a brand-new campus in La Tzoumaz is set to launch in 2025, enhancing accessibility and capacity in Switzerland.

Les Elfes is also developing new partnerships with international schools across Asia and the Middle East, ensuring the programs remain diverse, inclusive, and globally connected. On the curriculum front, exciting initiatives in digital literacy and environmental stewardship are underway—reflecting a proactive approach to emerging educational needs.

As the organization grows, the guiding vision remains clear: to scale globally while preserving the heart, authenticity, and high quality that have made Les Elfes a meaningful part of so many students’ lives for nearly four decades.