Before the larch trees turn gold and the first snow dusts the high peaks, our students took in the lingering warm air and answered the call of the mountains—and glaciers—that surround our beautiful campus home. From trekking across ancient ice fields to summiting peaks, our LAS students embraced the season and took full advantage of living in the Swiss Alps, testing themselves, and making memories that will outlast the semester.

Aletsch Glacier: A River of Ice


One group of students traveled to the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Standing beside a mass of ice that has been slowly moving for thousands of years gives you a sense of scale that no classroom can match. Students took in the sweeping views, learned about how the glacier is changing, and left with a deeper appreciation for the fragile high-alpine environment on our doorstep.



The Skyline Challenge: Four Summits


It is truly amazing how many alpine peaks are visible from a student's dormitory window at LAS. Not only are they beautiful to gaze at, but they are also part of the LAS Skyline Challenge: hiking all the peaks you can see from Leysin. For those who wanted a serious physical challenge, the Skyline Challenge delivered. Groups of students recently tackled four of the region's iconic peaks: Tour de Famelon (2,143 m), Les Truex (2,195 m), Tour de Mayen (2,327 m), and Les Diablerets (3,210 m). Students learned to pace themselves, support each other on the tougher sections, and celebrate every summit together. The students showed great stamina and determination through all of these hiking adventures!

Glacier 3000: Walking Upon Ancient Ice
Another group headed to Glacier 3000, where they trekked across the glacier itself. Walking on ice at nearly 3,000 meters, surrounded by white peaks and brilliant blue sky, is an experience students won't soon forget. It was a chance to step into a world of snow and ice that few teenagers ever get to see up close, and with friends by their side.



Oldenhorn: A Classic Alpine Hike


Closer to home, a group of hikers set out for Oldenhorn, a beloved summit with sweeping panoramas across the Bernese and Vaud Alps. The climb rewarded students with far-reaching views and a well-earned sense of accomplishment. It was a perfect fall day in the mountains, and a reminder that some of the best adventures are just a short journey from campus.



International Award: Silver Practice Journey


Our students working toward the Silver International Award embarked on their Practice Journey, a key milestone on the road to their final expedition. The group hiked from Leysin to Les Mosses, where they set up camp and spent the night under the alpine sky. From there, they pushed on to summit both Mont d'Or and Pic Chaussy in one day, navigating trails, managing their own gear and logistics, and working as a team. The Practice Journey is where students build the skills in planning, teamwork, resilience, and independence that the International Award is all about. Judging by the smiles at the end of the trip, they're well on their way.

Although the mountains and glaciers were immense, what struck our students most while hiking was how fragile these places are. The crumbling rock, losing its protective permafrost to rising temperatures, and the rapidly melting glacier, with crevasses widening under the autumn sun, led all of us to talk about why natural places are worth cherishing. These mountains and glaciers are constantly changing, and our students had the chance to see their beauty and discuss their vulnerability firsthand, all while challenging themselves with demanding hikes.

At LAS, we believe some of the most important learning happens outside the classroom. Whether standing on a glacier, pitching a tent after a long day on the trail, or reaching a summit after a tough climb, our students grow in confidence, build friendships, and develop a lasting connection to the natural world. Living in the heart of the Swiss Alps means the mountains are more than a backdrop. They're part of who we are.