Winter has arrived on the Magic Mountain, and the entire community is excited to embrace the fresh air, blue skies, and stunning Swiss alpine scenery that surrounds us at LAS. Each winter, LAS offers an exceptional range of activities, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

A Signature Program with Something for All Levels of Skiers and Snowboarders
The LAS ski program provides every student with personalized, professional instruction, equipping them with the skills and safety knowledge needed to feel confident and have fun on the slopes. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, students take their skis or snowboards to our local Leysin ski resort. Beginners participate in twice-weekly lessons led by experienced instructors, while more advanced skiers and snowboarders take one lesson per week and explore the mountain with friends in groups of at least three.

Advanced skiers can further develop their skills by joining the freestyle team in the snow park, participating in the freeride program to explore off-piste terrain, or trying cross-country skiing, ski touring, and guided off-piste challenges. These opportunities encourage students to push beyond traditional piste skiing and snowboarding. In addition, students receive safety and avalanche training, ensuring they are well prepared for unexpected situations in the mountains.

Our Alpine Institute Offers Additional Exciting Winter Activities
Beyond alpine skiing and snowboarding, the LAS Alpine Institute offers a wide variety of winter activities, including snowshoeing, ice climbing, tobogganing, sledding, off-piste skiing, ski touring, and nordic skiing. These experiences allow students to connect with nature in new ways and they fully appreciate our incredible location in the heart of the Alps. Students also have the opportunity to visit renowned nearby Swiss ski resorts such as Glacier 3000, Saas-Fee, and Zermatt, experiencing a range of terrain and snow conditions.

Students Grow, Develop, and Have the Time of Their Lives
Students often share that they have learned and grown so much because of our ski program, some coming in as total beginners (at level 1) and quickly growing in ability to reach even advanced levels. It's truly inspiring and heartwarming to see the rapid development of our students and hear how our program has such a strong, positive impact on them.

Read some of the students' experiences, in their own words:

"When I first came to LAS, I was at level 4 and could barely do any tricks in the snow park. But after one season, I joined the freestyle team, I started landing tricks like front side and back side 360s, how to hit rails and boxes. This year, I finally achieved one of my biggest goals: landing my first flip! The best thing about the team is the vibe—everyone is happy to teach you, support you, and give you motivation. One of the most special moments for me was going to competitions with the freestyle team because we got to meet people from other schools, make new friends, and learn from each other."

-Kaiser, '29
 

"I was level 1, a beginner, when I came to LAS, and was quite nervous to ski, because I'd never skied in my life. I didn't even know what skis looked like! I learned the value of perseverance and not giving up, as it was quite a challenge. I am now nearing level 4, and after many obstacles, skiing has become quite fun for me. My ski experience has been one that I won't forget, and hope to only get better as I continue!"

-Tise '27


"On the freeride team, we ski with a guide who takes us off-piste on terrain and snow that we normally don’t get to ski alone. Because we are off-piste, we must carry and know how to use avalanche gear. Not only do we get to ski some amazing faces and snow, but we also have inter-school competitions, and we can participate in the Junior Freeride World Tour! These are competitions that judge you based on five criteria: line, control, technique, fluidity, and air and style. It is a really special and valuable opportunity that LAS has given me. 

My first year on the freeride team, I was the only girl, and at first I thought that would make me much more insecure about my skiing and my abilities, but really, my teammates pushed me beyond what I thought I was able to do, and I developed into the skier I am today. Freeride taught me to coexist with fear and to channel it, rather than run from it. Being on the freeride team helped me find friends who share the same interest and passion for skiing that I have. We all have similar goals and ambitions, and help push and encourage each other. I have found a group of people who hopefully will stay in contact with and ski with after we all leave LAS. When I think about my past five years at LAS, the element that sticks out the most to me is freeride and the opportunity I have been given to be the best skier I can be."

-Nika '26
 

At LAS, the winter season is a special time for students to take full advantage of our spectacular alpine environment, enjoy the outdoors with friends, experience great personal development, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Read more about our ski and snowboard programs here.