Surval's Swiss Winter Camp

Participants stay on campus during the programme, sharing a cosy two or three-person dorm with their newfound friends. Private ensuites and breezy balconies with sweeping alpine views ensure a comfortable stay.

Surval Montreux students come from a wide range of backgrounds—cultural diversity is a cornerstone of the school’s boarding experience. Onsite facilities include a grand dining hall, a Jacuzzi and fitness centre, a tennis court, an art centre, a dance studio, a games room, and more—your child won’t be bored for a minute.

Getting there from Geneva Airport takes about 90 minutes. Transfers come included in the deal.

The Winter Camp has a steadfast emphasis on education, with nine short but highly focused classes on most school days. Lessons cover languages (English or French) and high school level academics. If desired, participants can elect to study etiquette, which spans cooking, pastry-making, and make-up.

The kids take a break from the classroom on Ski Thursday, when the whole school hits the slopes for an exhilarating afternoon outdoors. Trips to Gstaad, Verbier, or other nearby alpine resorts give the girls ample opportunity to savour the spectacular scenery and hone their skiing skills.

Two ski days per week ensure everyone gets sufficient downhill thrills, and lessons are available (extra charge) for the girls who need help with their technique.

In late January, campers put down the books for an entire seven days. Ski Week sees the school set off to ski, snowboard, and snowshoe around the pistes of Anzère. Boasting almost 60km of adrenaline-pumping runs, this world-class resort impresses even the most avid young skiers.

Other extra-curricular activities take place during the evenings or in-between lessons. The girls get to choose what appeals to them most—think art workshops, husky sledging, indoor climbing, self-defence, tobogganing, ice skating, and more.

On weekends, Surval Montreux organises excursions further afield. Past locations have included the Lausanne Aquarium, the Kunst Museum, Bern, and Interlaken, to name a few.