Mountain Bike Sports Camp in Switzerland

Course Description: Mountain Bike Sports Camp in Switzerland

Location: Les Diablerets, Swiss Alps

Ages: 11–15 (Leadership pathway available for ages 16–19)

Language: English & French (bilingual environment)

Set in the heart of the Swiss Alps, this Mountain Bike & Adventure Summer Camp offers an immersive outdoor experience where adventure, personal growth, and community come together. Based in the picturesque alpine village of Les Diablerets, the programme is designed for young people who want to explore nature, challenge themselves physically, build confidence, and form meaningful friendships — all in a safe, supportive, and screen-free environment.

This is not a traditional sports camp. It is a holistic outdoor experience that combines daily mountain biking, adrenaline-filled adventure activities, team challenges, and life-skills development, while allowing each participant to progress at their own pace.

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Disconnect to Reconnect 🌲📵

Campers live fully offline during their stay — no phones, no Wi-Fi, no screens. This intentional digital detox allows young people to reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.

By stepping away from constant notifications and distractions, participants develop:

• Independence through real-world decision-making

• Confidence by overcoming physical and mental challenges

• Presence by fully engaging in each moment

• Authentic friendships built through shared experiences, not shared screens

This offline environment is a powerful foundation for personal growth and emotional resilience.

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Daily Camp Structure ⏰

Each day is carefully structured to balance physical activity, choice, team bonding, and rest, while allowing flexibility based on weather and group dynamics.

Morning: Adventure Focus 🚴‍♂️

Every morning, participants join their chosen activity group. Options include:

• Mountain biking / cycling routes

• Rock climbing (indoor or outdoor)

• Football training

• Survival and outdoor skills outings

Participants enrolled in the adrenaline-focused track can freely choose their activity each morning, ensuring motivation, autonomy, and enjoyment.

For the Mountain Bike programme specifically:

• Riders head out daily on alpine trails adapted to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists

• Routes explore forests, ridgelines, and technical terrain

• Campers develop riding technique, endurance, safety awareness, and trail confidence

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Afternoon: Whole-Camp Adventure Programme 🧭🌊

In the afternoons, all junior participants come together for a shared activity programme. Each day typically offers 3–4 different options, and participants freely choose what suits them best.

Activities may include:

• Kayaking and rafting

• Boat building

• Hiking and ridge walks

• Camping and outdoor survival skills

• Cultural visits to nearby Swiss villages

• Creative workshops and hands-on DIY projects

• Orienteering and navigation challenges

These sessions encourage teamwork, exploration, and skill development while keeping the experience fresh and varied.

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Evening: Team Challenges 🌙🏆

After dinner, all junior participants take part in a mandatory one-hour Team Challenge session.

Campers are divided into colour-coded teams and compete in educational, physical, and problem-solving challenges. These sessions are designed to:

• Build cooperation and leadership

• Encourage healthy competition

• Develop communication and strategic thinking

• Create shared memories and group identity

Teams earn points throughout the week, reinforcing motivation, teamwork, and community spirit.

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Weekly Highlights ⭐

Each week includes standout experiences designed to inspire and challenge participants:

• A full-day mountain bike ride across a mountain pass

• A sunset biking session with panoramic alpine views

• An overnight bike-packing experience, camping under the stars

• Excursions to nearby Swiss villages and scenic ridgelines

These moments often become the most memorable parts of the camp experience.

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Challenge by Choice Philosophy 💪

All activities follow a “challenge by choice” approach. Campers are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, but never forced to participate in something they are truly uncomfortable with.

Key principles include:

• Activities are adapted to the ability of the group as a whole

• Progress is measured by personal growth, not competition

• Instructors support and motivate campers while respecting boundaries

• The goal is confidence, achievement, and enjoyment

This ensures every participant feels safe, supported, and proud of what they accomplish.

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Fitness & Preparation 🏃‍♀️

A basic level of fitness is recommended, but no specialist training is required. In practice, around 90% of young people aged 11–15 are already well prepared.

In the months before camp, light weekly activity such as:

• Walking or hiking

• Cycling

• Football or basketball

• Jogging or swimming

is more than sufficient. Camp outings are not competitions — they are about exploration, fun, and shared adventure.

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No Experience? No Problem 🌱

Most participants arrive with little or no outdoor experience. That’s completely normal.

Instructors:

• Teach all necessary skills step by step

• Work closely together to support each camper

• Help beginners gain confidence quickly

• Challenge experienced campers to improve further

By the end of the camp, participants confidently handle tasks such as setting up camp, managing equipment, and navigating outdoor environments.

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Community & Social Environment 🤝

Campers come from all over Switzerland and internationally. Groups are known for being:

• Friendly and welcoming

• Curious and eager to learn

• Supportive of one another

Most participants arrive without knowing anyone — and leave with strong friendships that often continue long after the summer ends. Instructors actively support positive group dynamics and ensure every camper feels included from day one.

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Languages Spoken 🌍

The camp operates in a fully bilingual environment: English and French.

Instructions, activities, and workshops are delivered in both languages.

Participants:

• Naturally improve second-language confidence

• Learn through immersion and interaction

• Support each other linguistically in a relaxed setting

No prior knowledge of both languages is required.

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Optional Language Workshops 📘

Optional English or French language workshops are available:

• Small groups

• Approx. 2 hours per day

• Interactive, practical, and confidence-focused

• Based on games, dialogue, and real-life communication

These sessions are ideal for international participants wanting to strengthen language skills in a natural, low-pressure way.

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Accommodation & Meals 🏡🍽️

Participants stay together in a cozy alpine chalet in Les Diablerets, creating a strong sense of community.

• Healthy, homemade meals

• Swiss and international cuisine

• Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diets accommodated

• Campers live, eat, and relax together in a safe, supervised setting

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Safety & Supervision 🛡️

Safety is a top priority throughout the programme:

• 24/7 supervision and on-site management

• Experienced instructors trained in outdoor leadership

• First-aid qualified staff present at all times

• Structured routines and clear boundaries

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Transportation & Arrival ✈️🚆

International participants

• Organised transfers from Geneva Airport on arrival and departure days

• Included in the programme cost

• Staff meet campers directly at arrivals and supervise transfers

Swiss residents

• Transport organised from Lausanne Train Station or direct arrival at Les Diablerets

Parents may also bring their child directly to the chalet.

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Arrival & Departure Times ⏳

• Arrival: Between 10:00 and 12:00 on the first day

• Departure: Between 13:00 and 17:00 on the final day

  Transfer schedules are coordinated individually.

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Staying Connected With Parents 📞📸

Although campers do not use personal phones, parents remain fully connected:

• Scheduled Parent–Child Call Time once during the camp

• 24/7 emergency contact via the camp team

• Regular photo and news updates shared with families

Parents can reach staff at any time if needed.

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Leadership Programme (Ages 16–19) 🌟

Older teens can join a Student Leadership Programme, combining adventure with responsibility, mentorship, and leadership development. Places are limited and early registration is recommended.

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The Overall Experience ✨

This Mountain Bike & Adventure Summer Camp offers young people a rare opportunity to:

• Challenge themselves physically and mentally

• Build confidence, independence, and resilience

• Develop outdoor and life skills

• Disconnect from digital pressure

• Form deep friendships in a supportive community

Every day blends adventure, learning, and fun — creating an unforgettable experience in one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain regions.