Les Elfes International Winter Camp: Residential Ski Camp in Verbier

The educational approach combines structured skill development in winter sports with optional academic language learning. The core instructional focus is on skiing and snowboarding, with daily lessons conducted by instructors accredited by the official Swiss Ski School, ensuring professional, level-based technical training on Verbier's extensive slopes. For language studies, optional courses in French, English, Spanish, and German are provided in partnership with Verbier Language School. Students are grouped by proficiency, with a maximum class size of 8. Course types include Conversational, Intensive, and Private lessons, using a practical methodology focused on interactive communication, reading, and writing, supported by detailed certificates.

The base package includes accommodation in purpose-built chalets, full board meals, daily ski/snowboard instruction and lift access, a comprehensive schedule of winter and indoor activities, weekly cultural excursions, evening entertainment, and 24/7 supervision. Airport transfers from Geneva (GVA) are organised for an extra fee, with staff meeting campers at a dedicated airport booth. Optional extras include: refistration fee, booking deposit, 1 compulsory additional course, intensive or private language courses, specific high-adrenaline activities or sports, laundry services, private transfers or transfers outside the designated dates and accident / cancellation insurance.

Accommodation is in two purpose-built, traditional Swiss Alpine chalets within a five-minute walk from Verbier's center. Campers stay in cozy, single-gender, 4-bed rooms with private ensuite bathrooms. The chalets are fully equipped for camp life, including dining rooms, living areas, game rooms, and a ski equipment room. Safety is ensured through 24/7 supervision, with night guards and nurses on campus, and a high overall staff-to-camper ratio.

The camp operates on a full board basis, providing three main meals daily plus afternoon snacks. Meals are prepared by an in-house kitchen team and include lunch at a private mountain restaurant. The menu caters to diverse dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher diets, when notified in advance.

The core activity is daily ski or snowboard instruction on Verbier's extensive 410km of slopes, with instructors accredited by the Swiss Ski School. The program also includes other winter activities like zip-lining, ice skating, and sledging. Weekly cultural excursions visit destinations such as Zermatt, Geneva, and Chamonix. Evening activities are designed to develop teamwork and communication skills and include themed nights, games, and campfires.

The campus features two chalets with reception, dining and living rooms, a library, games hall, cinema and ping pong tables, and indoor climbing walls. A fully equipped ski room is on-site. Beyond campus, activities utilize the Verbier ski domain, local ice rinks, and external venues for excursions such as museums, castles, and natural sites like glaciers and caves.

Operating since 1987 as a family-run business, Les Elfes has extensive experience in organizing international winter camps. Ski and snowboard instruction is delivered by qualified professionals accredited by the Swiss Ski School. Language courses are taught by specialist teachers from a partner school. The atmosphere is international, inclusive, and focused on safety and personal development, with a return rate of campers and partnerships with over 250 international schools indicating a positive track record.