Les Elfes
International Camps

Les Elfes is the only camp organization in Switzerland running programs 10 months a year. For over 35 years, we’ve welcomed campers from more than 75 countries. Camps are our core business; we specialize in combining mountain sports, cultural excursions, and language learning within an international environment. Les Elfes has also been awarded Best Summer and Winter Camp by the EU Travel Awards, a recognition of our quality and unique approach.

• Individuals: We own 2 chalets in Verbier, Switzerland, designed specifically for kids’ wellbeing, with 180 spaces. Verbier is one of the world’s top ski resorts with 410 km of slopes, a cute and safe village, and stunning alpine views.
• Schools: 4 campuses in Verbier (180 spaces), Crans-Montana (120 spaces), La Tzoumaz (60 spaces), and Niseko, Japan (60 spaces).

Les Elfes welcomes boys and girls aged 6 to 17. In the summer, campers are grouped by age, and in the winter, by ski/snowboard level.

Our goal is to help children grow through fun, safe, and enriching experiences. Campers build independence, confidence, cultural awareness, and lifelong friendships.

English is the main language. We also offer courses in French, German, Spanish, English, and Mandarin (only in summer). Our staff is international and multilingual, supporting campers who are not fluent in English.

Les Elfes stands out because we are the only camp in Switzerland operating camps from December to August, welcoming campers as young as 6 years old. We offer both day camps and residential programs, with over 45 activities across Switzerland, so there’s never any time to be bored. Located in Verbier, Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort, our programs combine outdoor adventure, cultural excursions, and language learning, including Mandarin in summer.

To secure a place at Les Elfes, a non-refundable deposit of CHF 1,000 is required upon booking. The remaining balance is due one month before arrival. Fees depend on the season and session chosen. Payments can be made either by credit card or bank transfer.

Please note that we do not offer scholarships or payment plans.

Yes, private rooms can be arranged on request and upon availability for campers who need extra privacy and quiet for schoolwork or exams. However, we generally do not recommend it, as we encourage campers to socialize with their peers, an important part of the camp experience.

No, parents cannot stay at camp with the children. However, they are welcome to visit during scheduled free time and are welcome to attend the prize-giving ceremony at the end of the session. This way, campers can enjoy independence while parents still share in the highlights of their experience.

We maintain a 1:10 staff-to-student ratio at minimum. In addition to our camp monitors, Children are always supervised in camp and during activities, with a night guard on duty, a nurse, and CCTV cameras, including all the staff at camp, it’s about 1 pair of eyes for every 2 children.

Yes. All staff undergo background checks, training (including first aid training), and instructors are qualified professionals.

A nurse is on site, and we work with local clinics (10 mins away) and the hospital (45 mins away). Children are 100% insured even for helicopter emergency rides, and parents are informed immediately. And if a child leaves camp early because of an injury preventing him/her from continuing the camp, the remaining days are reimbursed.

We have a zero-tolerance policy. Staff are trained to identify and resolve issues immediately.

Safety is always our top priority. We have risk assessments available for every activity that we do. In addition, for activities considered higher-risk, we work with fully qualified professional mountain guides and instructors in addition to our own experienced staff. This ensures every activity is carried out under strict supervision, using proper equipment and safety standards, so campers can enjoy exciting adventures in a safe environment.

Campers stay in shared rooms ( 4 beds) with ensuite bathrooms. Boys and girls are put in separate floors/buildings.

Yes, requests can be made in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate, as long as it is of the same gender.

Yes, but only during in some parts of the campus to keep campers engaged in activities. No phones are allowed at night.

Yes. Our chefs can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and restrictions when notified in advance. We provide meals for:

• Allergies: nuts (peanut, walnut, cashew…), lactose, dairy, soy, gluten, wheat, egg, fish, shellfish, sesame, and other individual allergens.
• Dietary lifestyles: vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, halal, kosher, no pork, dairy-free, lactose-free, and gluten-free.
• Medical needs: meals adapted for diabetes, celiac disease, ADHD, autism-related sensitivities, and other medical conditions.

Fresh fruit and light snacks are provided daily.

No, but it is available at an extra cost. Our staff meet children at the Geneva Airport booth and transfer them safely to camp. Note that there might be a waiting time (max. 2h) until our private bus is full.

We provide a packing list upon booking (sportswear, waterproof jacket, swimwear, toiletries).

Around CHF 100 per week for souvenirs, snacks, or small purchases.

Yes, bed linen is changed weekly, and personal items laundry service is available once a week at an extra cost.

Yes. We offer tandem paragliding in Verbier as an optional activity. It is weather-dependent and requires parental consent. Flights are organized with licensed professional pilots, and additional fees apply. Children as young as 6 can participate. It is truly amazing!

Yes, in summer we offer tennis, golf, horseback riding, private language classes in English, French, Spanish, German, or Mandarin (11h to 12h or 17h to 19h) and paragliding.

In winter, we offer paragliding, intensive (4x/week 9h to 12h) or light (3x/week after-ski) language classes in French, English, Spanish, or German.

Verbier

• Summer: ~22 °C / 15 °C (64 °F / 45 °F)
• Winter: ~–4 °C / –13 °C (25 °F / 9 °F)

Crans-Montana

• Summer: ~20 °C / 14 °C (66 °F / 57 °F)
• Winter: ~5 °C / –3 °C (41 °F / 27 °F)

La Tzoumaz

• Summer: ~20 °C / 7 °C (64 °F / 45 °F)
• Winter: ~–4 °C / –13 °C (25 °F / 9 °F)

Niseko (Japan)

• Summer: ~25 °C / 17 °C (77 °F / 63 °F)
• Winter: ~–2 °C / –7 °C (28 °F / 19 °F)

Drop-off is possible throughout the day, but we recommend arriving after 3:00 PM so that staff can welcome campers properly. Pick-up for departure is also flexible, though the best time is before 12:00 PM, which allows for a smooth departure.

Yes, it’s possible to arrange early arrivals or late departures, but this must be requested in advance with our team. We will confirm availability and make the necessary arrangements to ensure your child is taken care of.

Through the Les Elfes App (only available on iPhones), which shares daily journal, photos, and weekly programs, through email to our campus reception, and via whatsapp.

Yes, during set phone hours (16h00 to 19h00). In emergencies, you can contact us anytime via the emergency phone.

We recommend calling between 16:00 and 19:00 Swiss time (GMT+1). This timing avoids disrupting activities and ensures your child is more likely to be available, relaxed, and ready to chat.

We play interactive games, do team-building activities, and go on an overnight trip at the beginning of the session to help friendships form.

This is normal; our staff are trained to support children, and most settle in quickly within 2-3 days.

In cases of illness, accident of the participant, or death of a close family member (parent, sibling, or grandparent), clients who have subscribed to Les Elfes’ cancellation policy are eligible for a full reimbursement of the camp’s value, minus the CHF 1,000 deposit. To claim this benefit, participants must notify Les Elfes and provide adequate proof (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate). The policy is valid up until 24 hours before the first day of camp.Clients who do not select the cancellation policy are not eligible for reimbursement under any circumstances.If the student gets injured and has to leave the camp before the scheduled date, Les Elfes will reimburse the value of the missed stay.

Geneva (GVA) is closest. Alternatives include Zurich, Basel or Milan but we generally do not provide transfer from these other airports.

Yes, transfers in our Les Elfes buses are available at an extra cost

Yes. If your child requires a visa to attend camp, we can provide an official invitation letter upon request. Simply contact our team, and we will prepare the necessary documentation.

Winter and summer camps fill up quickly; we recommend booking at least three months in advance for peak weeks.

Flights should be booked to arrive and depart on Saturdays. Our staff are present at Geneva Airport throughout the day to welcome campers, with a maximum waiting time of 2 hours at our Les Elfes airport booth. This ensures smooth transfers to and from camp.

We will reimburse your deposit with an embassy’s letter of proof that the visa has been rejected.