Here at Leysin American School, living in the Alps has so much to offer! Aside from stunning views, countless outdoor adventures, and skiing in the winter months, Switzerland has such varied landscapes, cities, and towns, and is perfect for travel all year round! At LAS, we take students on various cultural trips throughout the year to places like Greece, Italy, and even Zimbabwe! However, sometimes the best places are closer to us than we realize. Here is a list of our favorite things to do in and around Leysin during the summer months

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1. Hiking

Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Leysin is only two hours from Geneva and has such beautiful and wild landscapes. Aside from the stunning scenery and weather, our small town offers a variety of incredible hikes and walks through the mountains. Many of the great hikes are made more accessible by the télécabine, which takes hikers to the top of the Berneuse, where Mont Blanc can be seen! Used for skiers in winter, it’s a great way for hikers to enjoy scenes from the top without going uphill for hours (unless that’s what you’re into!). People of any ability can enjoy hiking in Leysin, which is why we put it at the top of our list! 

1. Via Ferrata

If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, maybe the Via Ferrata is for you! Via Ferrata helps more adventurous hikers climb to new heights and challenge themselves in a safe and fun environment. Here in Leysin, we have our very own Via Ferrata course, the Tour d’Aï, which teaches visitors new climbing techniques and allows them to see incredible views of the mountains. During term time in the summer, students can learn this challenging skill, and many become masterful in different climbing techniques! 

1. Mountain Biking

In the summer months, our ski slopes turn into bike trails, and many of our students practice their mountain biking skills. It’s a great way to take full advantage of our scenery and enjoy a fast-paced sport on well-groomed tracks. Leysin also has a bike park, best for more experienced mountain bikers who want to practice jumps and adapt to different terrains. Many of our students enjoy this thrilling hobby and enjoy riding with friends! 

1. La Fromagerie

Stunning views and outdoor activities are not all that Leysin has to offer! Great restaurants such as La Fromagerie give students and visitors a taste of all that Swiss cuisine has to show. Located in a traditional Swiss wooden chalet, students love coming here for special occasions! The Fromagerie also has a museum attached to the restaurant, which provides visitors with a taste of the area’s culture, and on certain days you can even watch as the cheese is made in the middle of the restaurant!

1. Swimming in Lake Geneva

Because of our hot summers, students love cooling off in the cold water of Lake Geneva in Montreux! Only half an hour away from Leysin, students are given the opportunity to swim and try out watersports! Wakesurfing, swimming, and paddleboarding are great activities that are always popular in the summer and allow students to learn new skills and bond with their friends. We even offer water skiing, which helps everyone practice their skills for the winter months!

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Seeing the contrast between seasons is one of the best things about Switzerland, and having the opportunity to participate in various activities, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking and swimming in the summer, allows our students to have a well-rounded boarding school experience. Though skiing in the winter months is a highlight for many of our students, having the opportunity to experience a warm Swiss summer and all the fun activities that come with it allows them to make the most of Leysin’s stunning outdoors. 

We hope everyone is having a great summer so far, and we can’t wait to meet the new members of our community and reunite with returning students this August!