Cycling through the Alps Teens Camps - Ormont-Dessus, Vaud. Switzerland
INTRODUCTION
Embark on an epic bike journey through the Swiss Alps, where teens 12-17 cycle through breathtaking landscapes while building skills, confidence, and friendships.
This dynamic, itinerant camp moves every other day for fresh adventures, blending cycling with hikes, cultural stops, survival workshops, and outdoor fun in a bilingual (English/French) multicultural vibe.
CYCLE THE ALPS
Experience the thrill of daily bike travel across cantons Bern, Vaud, and Fribourg, staying in comfy chalets in Les Diablerets. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll tackle varied terrain, from alpine paths to village explorations, with all bikes, gear, and support provided. Small groups ensure personalized pacing, perfect for all levels.
ADVENTURE AND GROWTH
Beyond biking, dive into climbing, football, mountain biking, paddleboarding, camping, boat building, mountain refuges, and survival challenges. Workshops focus on leadership, teamwork, and personal development in a safe, supportive environment—mainly in English with French integrated for inclusivity.
THE ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
- Comfortable chalets and refuges along the itinerary.
- Shared rooms suited for teens; clean, cozy setups with bedding provided (sleeping bags included for internationals).
Full Board Meals
Meals are healthy and homemade with a mix of Swiss and international cuisine. We gladly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diets – just let us know in advance.
Our staff team is the heart and soul of who we are and what we do.
They are more than just instructors – they are role models, mentors, and friends to our students.
During each activity, all preventive safety measures are in place and strictly followed. At least 1 out of 2 instructors must be fully certified in CPR and First Aid. In addition, at all campsites, full-time health care specialists are responsible for the health of campers.
Our staff’s certifications:
- Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician
- J+S Ski Instructor
- J+S Climbingb Instructor
- J+S Alpine Ski Instructor
- CAS Mountain Guide Instructor
- PSIA Child Specialist
- ACA Whitewater Rescue
- Eagle Scout Behavioral First Responder
- NAUI Rescue Diver
- HEP Teacher Certificate
THE ACTIVITIES
The Cycling Through The Alps Camp comes in 3 different flavors
The camp runs 3 times a summer and each session is different f rom the previous. Moreover, Each year, we plan different itineraries, which means repeating yearly participants will get new experiences!
ITINERARY 1: VALLEYS AND PEAKS LOOP
Pedal from Les Mosses through forested trails toward Gstaad, stopping in small chalet villages along the way. Continue over gentle mountain passes to reach Les Diablerets for a final alpine immersion.
ITINERARY 2: LAKES & WATERFALLS TRAIL
Depart Les Diablerets, descend through alpine valleys and turquoise lake shores into Interlaken. Ride on to Lauterbrunnen, passing iconic waterfalls and dramatic cliff walls.
ITINERARY 3: THE JUNGFRAU FRONTIER RIDE
Start by the lakeside town of Spiez, then climb into the alpine world of Grindelwald for glacier views. Push further toward the Jungf raujoch region for a breathtaking high-mountain finale.
ITINERARY EXAMPLE
- 1st Night: Our adventure begins at the Les Diablerets, the same iconic chalet where our famous adrenaline camps take place. Perfectly located in the heart of Les Diablerets, this cozy yet adventure-ready chalet offers breathtaking views, a warm atmosphere, and the perfect starting point for our biking expedition.
- Day 2: Les Diablerets – Les Mosses We start our biking journey with a stunning ride to Les Mosses. The route offers spectacular mountain views and peaceful trails through alpine forests and meadows. ]
- Day 3: Les Mosses – Château-d’Oex This route immerses us in the alpine meadows, a paradise of tranquility where nature reigns supreme.
- Day 4: Château-d’Oex – Les SiernesPicaz Today’s ride is a hidden gem! The route takes us to Les Siernes-Picaz, offering unspoiled landscapes and peaceful trails away from the crowds.
- Day 5: Les Siernes-Picaz – Gstaad We cycle into the luxury alpine village of Gstaad, surrounded by stunning mountains and world-class scenery. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the town.
- Day 6 and 7: Gstaad – Les Diablerets Our final stage for the first week takes us full circle back to Les Diablerets, where we celebrate a week of incredible achievements with an evening party at our chalet. Those staying for one week can reflect and unwind in this picturesque setting, while others prepare for Week 2’s adventures.
A TYPICAL DAY
7:00 am – Wake up and have breakfast at camp.
8:00 am – Camp preparation and start the bike trip
12:00 pm – Stop for lunch (sandwich, crackers, fruit, etc.)
14:00 – Camp set up for the night
15:00 – Explore the surroundings and schedule activities.
6:00 p.m. – Cook dinner (freeze-dried meal, soup, etc.)
7:00 p.m. – Campfire and socialization, educational program (astronomy, team game).
9:00 p.m. – Lights off
Note: This is only a sample itinerary and activities can be adjusted according to the needs and preferences of the group.
Some Moments from the Camp:
– Theme Nights: Entertaining evenings with themes such as “Night of the Superheroes” or “Camp Olympics”, encouraging creativity and camaraderie.
– Campfire Sessions: Engaging discussions, storytelling and reflections to strengthen the bonds formed during the week.
– Adventure Journal: Campers will keep an adventure journal to document their experiences, thoughts, and personal growth throughout the week.
LOCATION & GETTING HERE
LOCATION
The camp base is located in Les Diablerets in the Vaud region of Switzerland, an alpine village known for dramatic landscapes and summer adventure opportunities such as hiking, biking, and climbing. The chalet acts as a practical home base in the Alps, close to a wide range of outdoor venues used throughout the week.
Getting Here
For Swiss participants, the meeting point for all the different sessions of the camp is at Lausanne Gare.
From Lausanne, transport is organized until the departure of the camp in Les Diablerets for 1 day of multi-activities before the start of the camp.
Another meeting point will be organized from Geneva airport for international participants.
Transport will also be arranged from there.
PRICES & PACKAGES
Dates
Week 1: 5/July – 11/July
Week 2: 19/July – 25/July
Week 3: 2/August – 8/August
Prices
- Participant resident in Switzerland: 1210CHF
- International participant price: 1630CHF
More info:
FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Bike and bike bags, and everything else is included.
FOR SWISS RESIDENTS Not included: Bike and bike bags (possibility to rent with us at a very reduced price: Price mentioned on the online registration form (approx. 190CHF)) transport to and from the meeting point and possible personal equipment (sleeping bag (contact us if you need it), clothes and other personal expenses).
FAMILY/GROUP DISCOUNTS: In order to promote the camp to more families (who might also share our values), we are able to offer a 10% discount on all bookings if they join a friend or family member. This means that if you register two or more participants, each of those registrations will be 10% cheaper
