Reaching New Heights: LAS Students Explore the Swiss Alps
At LAS, we love providing students with the opportunity to explore the outdoors and learn from the beautiful environment that surrounds them. Whether they’re studying physics by taking a class on the ski slopes or learning survival skills by hiking through the Alps, the outdoors can provide unique and enriching opportunities to learn and grow. Various programs, such as the Alpine Institute and the 4000 Meter Club, encourage students to explore the outdoors, and they’ve had some really exciting expeditions in recent weeks.
The LAS 4000 Meter Club offers students a unique opportunity to engage with the breathtaking Alpine environment while experiencing the excitement of mountaineering. The club’s annual trip to the Breithorn, a 4000-meter peak near the resort town of Zermatt, is an exhilarating introduction to the world of climbing in the Alps. With the guidance of experienced Zermatt guides and faculty chaperones, students explored the essentials of glacier travel, rope team navigation, and the use of climbing equipment like crampons and ice axes.
This experience not only teaches technical mountaineering skills but also allows students to experience the physiological effects of high-altitude climbing, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, all while surrounded by incredible views of Switzerland's high peaks. The 4000 Meter Club encourages students to explore Alpine landscapes and develop a deeper connection to their peers and the natural world.
Similar to the 4000 Meter Club, the LAS Alpine Institute program blends academic learning with outdoor education. This program allows students to try various activities, from hiking and snowshoeing to ice climbing and caving. Designed to immerse students in the natural beauty of Switzerland, the Alpine Institute offers opportunities for hands-on exploration and encourages a connection to the environment. Students learn lessons about sustainability, climate action, and global citizenship through outdoor excursions during weekends and after-school activities. The program encourages participants to engage with nature and fosters a love for the mountains and the importance of protecting these ecosystems.
Recent expeditions within the Alpine Institute include challenging hikes like the Dents de Morcles and visits to unique locations such as the Aletsch Glacier, where students, led by faculty members, experience diverse terrains. Other fantastic trips included the Monte Rosa mountain hut trip and a caving trip to Grotte d'Aven Aretere. Whether trekking through snow or navigating glaciers, students take these challenges in stride and build resilience along the way.
LAS provides students with amazing opportunities to explore the outdoors and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Alpine environment. Programs like the 4000 Meter Club and the Alpine Institute teach technical skills and environmental awareness and develop personal growth, resilience, and a deep connection to other students and the natural world. Through exciting expeditions, from high-altitude climbing to glacier exploration, students gain invaluable experiences that extend beyond the classroom, teaching sustainability and global citizenship.