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Join our 8 week course in Zermatt’s stunning mountains, gain qualifications and make memories to last a lifetime.
SUMMIT ADVENTURE SCHOOL
Unlike a traditional skiing GAP course, we have designed this course to fit in after school and before university and allow you to make the most of all the summer activities that Zermatt has to offer.
It’s a full packed course building up to a big hut to hut expedition at the end. All mountain activities are with qualified ski/bike instructors or mountain guides/leaders depending on the activity so you will be learning from the pros.
It is an 8 week summer GAP course, based in Zermatt, Switzerland where the opportunities for outdoor fun are endless.
Throughout the course you will take part in the following mountain adventure sports:
You’ll learn essential life skills during the evening sessions:
The BASI Skiing Level 1 qualification that you will complete as part of the Adventure School is eligible for Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS) Tariff points. Each Level 1 qualification gives the holder 7 UCAS tariff points
For participants from the UK, there is the possibility for the Adventure School to include the practice expedition or expedition portion of The Duke of Edinburgh Award Silver or Gold level.
All mountaineering and climbing activities will be lead by an internationally qualified UIAGM Mountain Guide.
The course is aimed at 18 – 24 year olds and is scheduled to fit during UK University summer breaks. However, the Adventure School would also be suitable for younger (16+) and older individuals.
Due to the BASI Ski Level 1 exam, participants should already be able to ski European black runs. Previous experience in other sports is not necessary.
The 8 week course will be physically demanding, so participants should have a good base level of fitness.
For the duration of the course, the group will have a Summit Mentor. The Mentor will be responsible for the following:
The below is an example of a weekly breakdown. However, during the booking process we will find out which activities each member of the group prefers, and we will design the course schedule to meet the interests and preferences of the group. For example, if all members of the group are keen Mountain Bikers, but have little interest in hiking and mountaineering, then the course could include more technical mountain bike sessions and less hiking and mountaineering.
The schedule is also flexible so we can react to the changing weather in the mountains.
The schedule also includes 2 full days off a week, to relax, recover and explore the local area independently.
Week 1 – 01.07.2024
Activities start on Monday 1st July, but participants should arrive a day or two before. There will be a Summit Mentor to meet them at the train station and get them settled when they arrive.
The first week will have a mix of all the activities that will take place over the eight weeks. This is so the Summit Leaders and Instructors can gauge the ability levels of each participant for each activity type and make any adjustments to the schedule if needed.
Week 2 – 08.07.2024
Skiing! 5 days of skiing to get the group prepared for the BASI Level 1 the following week. Evening sessions will also be focused on preparing for the Level 1, with ski prep, food prep and physical prep. Foreign Language lessons will also start.
Week 3 – 15.07.2024
The week of the BASI Level 1. Evening sessions will be short and focused again on keeping the group healthy for the exam. Celebration drinks after the Level 1 finishes.
Week 4 – 22.07.2024
This week we swap skis for wheels and get stuck into 3 days of mountain biking, followed by some hiking, climbing and navigation training. Foreign Language lessons resume.
Week 5 – 29.07.2024
The highlight on this week is the first overnight expedition – The Europaweg. A 30km, T3 grade hike with 2500m of ascent from Grächen to Zermatt. We will spend a night in the Europahütte. We will also rock climb and complete the two day outdoor First Aid course.
Week 6 – 05.08.2024
Time to climb our first 4000m peak – The Breithorn!
Building on the climbing, hiking, navigation, and fitness skills we have built up, we will tackle the Breithorn (4164m). Later in the week will be an evening session on “Social Media Marketing”, where the group will learn how we have used social media to grow Summit into a successful business.
Week 7 – 12.08.2024
One last MTB block followed by more climbing this week. With some warm ups in the gym and a crag in Zermatt before the main event; a multi-pitch sport climb up the Riffelhorn (2930m).
Week 8 – 19.08.2024
A 5 day hut-to-hut tour across the European Alps. Planned by the group, we will set off on an adventure that will bring together many of the skills the group have learned in the last two months.
SUMMIT ADVENTURE SCHOOL
Skiing
Hiking
Fitness & Yoga
Miscellaneous
Dates
1st July – 24th August 2024
Price
12500 chf per person
Contact
If you are interested in more information or would like to discuss the details then please get in touch with us on adventure@summitskischool.com
