Winter Camp Les Elfes (Switzerland)

A Typical Day Schedules

08h45                   Students are woken by Les Elfes monitors for Breakfast
09h00 – 12h00     Groups meet their instructors outside to take the Les Elfes private buses to the lift station
12h00 – 12h45     Ski & Snowboard Lessons, learning new skills and practicing through a range of drills and activities or Intensive Language Lessons
12h45 – 15h45     Lunch on the Mountain in a Les Elfes private restaurant
16h00 – 17h00     Afternoon skiing & Snowboard session, practicing the skills learnt in the morning and enjoying the slopes with their groups
17h00 – 19h00     Hot Chocolate & Snacks, shower time & possibly even some marshmallows
Conversation Language Lessons or Optional Activities: swimming, visiting the town, relaxing at camp, snowman or igloo building, torchlight sledging, snowball fights or games at the camp.
19h00 – 20h00    Dinner at camp, perhaps Fondue Night, Peppered Beef Ragout with Rosti or Cheese burgers with Juan’s secret sauce
20h00                   Evening Activities: ice skating, disco night, torchlight walk, music quiz or the famous Les Elfes music video.
Bedtime – Room Checks – Tidy Room Competition

Take place from 8.00pm until 10.00pm. Some of our classics are the torchlight walk through the forest, ice hockey / ice skating, music video, private disco and many other activities.

During the week, the campers will go on an exciting excursion in Switzerland.

Ski & Snowboard Lessons
From total beginners to skilled athlete

From total beginners, some of whom have never seen snow, to young athletes training as part of their school ski or snowboard team Les Elfes offers a lively and enthusiastic approach to lessons. We aim to facilitate an environment for students to develop their skills while enjoying their time on the mountain, making new friends from around the world and sharing valuable experiences with their peers.

Throughout our courses we follow a clear structure for progression so students are aware of their current levels of performance and their areas for improvement.

At the end of each trip we like to celebrate the achievements of each of our students with a prize giving evening. It is a chance for them to have a final group photo with their instructor, receive their certificates and to hear the much-anticipated ski and snowboard race results from the week. We also show a slideshow.

Evening Activities

Our evening programs are tailored to meet the requirements of our students. Our groups participate in an activities program from 8pm until 9pm and our older groups from 8pm until 9:45pm, with bedtime at 10pm.

We offer many activities including: ice skating, team challenges, quizzes, disco night, games competitions, dine out in a Swiss restaurant, cinema night, campfires, torchlight walk, mountain BBQ, nightline, bin bag fashion show, dragons’ den and a final prize-giving celebration to finish each week.

EXCURSIONS

What better way to really appreciate the culture of Switzerland than to dedicate a day to visit some of the most iconic cities and some of the famous organizations.

Each of our cultural excursion days is a little different, with new options each year for those returning campers who are ready to see something new! Whether it is souvenir shopping that interests you or the science exhibitions of CERN the options are endless. Sample some of the finest Swiss chocolates and cheeses at the factories in Gruyere, learn a little about global cooperation with a guided tour of the United Nations or Swiss Red Cross museum in Geneva, an interactive tour of the Olympic museum in Lausanne the home of the International Olympic Committee, walking inside a glacier at the nearby ice caves in Chamonix, visiting many of the beautiful castles in the area, experience the tranquility of the natural Bains de Lavey hot springs, take a stroll through the winding cobbled high streets of Zurich, see how some of the most exquisite and delicate watches in the world are built and many more options.

Goals:

1. To provide safe, healthy, and challenging learning experiences for young people
2. To introduce students to skills and sports that increase self-confidence while building character and leadership qualities
3. To help students develop their language ability and communication skills
4. To increase environmental awareness through participation in a variety of outdoor living activities and sports
5. To help campers to develop a global and empathetic world view by bringing young people from a variety of cultures and countries together in an open and engaging way

Staff & Safety

At Les Elfes we have a huge responsibility for the safety of the students in all of the activities.

Safety is our highest priority. All of our staff must have a valid First Aid Certificate and a current Criminal Records Check before beginning their training at Les Elfes.

Unlike many similar camps over half of our staffs are employed for the full year to ensure that the standard of activities we offer is consistently high at all campuses.

We also find that maintaining a core team of staff who work each year with the same groups enables us to build a repertoire with schools and with their students to provide a better service and a better experience.

Daily measures

Throughout the year, whether it is skiing or snowboarding in winter or Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing in summer, the students take part in what we call activities containing certain risk elements. We therefore have strict procedures in place to ensure that during these activities, the students are exposed to as little risk as possible. To ensure this, we make sure our staff are fully qualified and well trained according to the time of year, and whatever time of year the day has to begin with a meeting identifying these risks. 

In case of Emersency

Risk assessments are designed for each activity and are signed by all our monitors and head instructors during daily morning briefings and daily evening debriefings.

We have 3 up-to-date medical clinics in Verbier, and both campuses have access to a regional hospital and two University hospitals only 40 minutes and 75 minutes away respectively or just 10 minutes by helicopter.

Given all the factors to consider when choosing a summer program, parents should look at the security of the Summer Camp. There are several things that must be considered: Location, facilities, staff, medical support and activities are points to consider as safe.

 10 Benefits of Attending Les Elfes Camps

10.  Be Physically Active

Les Elfes is full on action! Campers are active all day long; swimming, hiking, riding, climbing, jumping, dancing, singing, cooking and the list goes on. Physical activity is disguised as fun and games at camp and children develop a healthier lifestyle.

9. Unplug from Technology

At Les Elfes children do not use technology. Our camp environment allows children to take a break from screen time and re-connect with themselves, the people around them and this beautiful part of the world.

8. Continuing Education in the summer

Camp provides opportunities for children to adapt and grow socially, emotionally and academically. Specifically at Les Elfes, children are provided with the opportunity to learn and improve language skills. With language instruction, English or French, provided regularly by our certified teachers, children are guaranteed to become more confident communicating in new languages.

7. Be Part of a Team

Les Elfes encourages all campers to develop their teamwork skills. While at camp, children come together in a unique way to support and encourage one another. Campers often have to rely on each other to complete activities and this builds a strong bond between everyone in the program.

6. Reconnect with Nature

Located in the Verbier, Switzerland, our campers have access to some of the most beautiful parts of the Swiss Alps to explore. Our outdoor education program enriches children’s perception of the world and supports healthy development. Children will gain a better appreciation of their environment.

5. Build Resilience & Confidence

Children are challenged to step out of their comfort zones and try a new direction. Les Elfes is a safe environment for children to make mistakes and learn from them. By allowing children to take risks and face challenges, they develop resilience and confidence.

4. Develop New Passions

At Les Elfes children are exposed to so many new opportunities, they are bound to find or develop a deep passion. Offering programs such as golf, tennis, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, dance, music, etc. – children always find an area of personal interest to explore and learn about. Everyone at Les Elfes has the time and space to develop a new love and children have the opportunity to succeed at camp!

3. Life Long Skills

Children learn some of life’s most important lessons at camp, whether is it how to clear a table in the dining hall, how to be a good friend, a new sport, how to solve a conflict. Children’s self esteem and risk taking abilities will transform while at camp. Campers will take these lessons and confidently bring them into future experiences.

2. Independence & Leadership

While at camp, children naturally become stronger leaders. Campers develop initiative, problem solving and leadership skills on a daily basis, while they are cleaning the dining hall, helping other campers find their belongings, contributing to special events. The child that returns home from a camp experience will be a stronger and more resourceful child.

1. Make True Friends & Develop Social Skills

Any former camper will tell you that their most meaningful friendships came from camp. Camp provides a safe and relaxed environment for true relationships to form naturally. Les Elfes draws people together through the structure of the program. Campers come together from different parts of the world and form a supportive community together.

11 QUESTIONS TO ASK

Parents often ask about the ratio of campers to counselors. While that’s a valid question, the maturity and experience of the staff is of utmost importance. Here are 11 important questions concerning safety at Les Elfes and our answers.

• What is the ratio of counselors to children?
  We endeavor to provide the perfect mix of guardian, friends and teachers to all students, and while we are there to make sure the students are happy, parents can be reassured that nothing comes before student safety. The organizer to student ratio is 1:5, however including all Les Elfes staff the ratio falls to 1:2.
• How do you select monitors?
  All our monitors have been carefully selected in accordance with Les Elfes criteria for skills and experience in working with children. On top of this, we use sports experts for some activities. Our dedicated and enthusiastic team of staff is 100% focused on the safety of the participants and the smooth running of the activities programs. Our staffs are typically aged 18 to 28, and are fun, outdoors loving people from all over the world. Due to the responsibility of looking after children, applications are only considered when over the age of 20. We accept a limited number of Gap Year students aged between 18 and 20 for work experience only. All activity staff must have a valid first aid and CPR qualification, and be able to provide us with a copy of a police statement from your country of origin showing a clean record.
• How are your counselors trained?
  All our monitors and instructors have to take a two-week training course before the beginning of each season, one week of technical training and one week learning Les Elfes philosophy and safety requirements.
• Are there medical personnel on staff?
  All our camps have a nurse and all activity staff must have a valid first aid and CPR qualification.
• What would happen in the event of an emergency?
  In the event of illness or accident, we are only minutes away from world-class professional assistance. We have 3 up-to-date medical clinics in Verbier, and both campuses have access to a regional hospital and two University hospitals only 40 minutes and 75 minutes away respectively or just 10 minutes by helicopter.
• Do your instructors carry mobile phones in case of emergency?
  All our instructors carry a mobile phone at all times that allows them to react very quickly in case of emergency.
• Is the health insurance and accidents coverage included?
  All our campers are fully covered by a Swiss health insurance and accidents.
• How do you deal with weather conditions?
  Sports and activities are practiced only in suitable conditions and we are well informed of any weather condition changes. In case of necessary we modify the program of the day according to the weather conditions.
• How are the staffs supervised?
  Each camp are supervised by a Resort Manager and an Activities Director whose job is to co-ordinate the instructors & counselors, supervise the activities, manage security, and in general keep things running smoothly at the camps. Each age group is managed by a group leader, an assistant and a team of instructors & counselors who accompany and take care of the children during activities and throughout the camp. Finally, there is a team of kitchen staff, house cleaners, drivers, and others, all of whom watch over the well- being of our guests during the camps. Our Activity Managers supervise the work of our monitors and instructors all day long. Risk assessments are designed for each activity and are signed by all our monitors and head instructors during daily morning briefings and daily evening debriefings.
• How are the kids supervised?
  All our camps have a nurse and a 24 hour reception and night guard, which together with our monitors work, allows us to offer a 24 hours supervision of the children.
• What is the experience and history of your camp?
  Les Elfes has been operating since 1987. The resort of Verbier became the main base of Les Elfes with the construction of our own campus with its 140 beds and sports fields in 1995.

Guests should print and read carefully the content of this page before proceeding to book with us. Travels provided by Global Holiday Tour (GHT) are subject to the following terms and conditions (except for special tours with terms and conditions that are different from these terms).

1. Values

The tour prices quoted on this website are based on the rates of exchange at the time of the program was made, therefore it is for reference only. GHT Company is entitled to adjust prices and is not responsible for this change at any time. All information on the website or flyer may change. Customers are usually informed of these changes. Please check and update the latest changes to your trip on our website or your personal email. These conditions apply only to GHT trips.

2.Room for campers

For regular camp sessions, boys and girls will sleeping in different dorm, and the bed provided for them will be bunk bed. These buildings are very spacious, clean and safe for children. Parents may visit the dorm as well as other infrastructure around the camp  as your kid doing the admission procedures.

3.Tour deposite

• 1st deposite: Deposite 30,000,000 VND / customer ( to start the visa application) right after booking the tour.
• 2nd deposite: Deposite the remainder of the tour price after got result for visa.
• In condition where visa got denied: Fees of 5,000,000 VND and the application file will not be return to you.
• A collateral deposite to travel company is required for (customer under 40 years old) is 100,000,000 VND -  300,000,000 VND 

4.Conditions for cancellation or rescheduling of tour

• 1.1 Payment of deposit (depending on the status of customer records):
  • In order to ensure customers return to Vietnam, GHT Company will require customers to deposit with the amount of 300,000,000 VND / person or more right after signing the contract.

  • GHT will refund this money immediately after you return to Vietnam. If you do not return to Vietnam on time, GHT will not refund the deposit to the customer and will not be responsible for legal issues (if any).

• 1.2 Cancellation of contract, cancellation of tour: If you want to cancel the contract or tour, you must inform and confirm GHT by email or by a written notice. GHT will refund to the customers according to these conditions:

-1.2.1 Cancellation after signing the contract, deposit and before GHT pay the visa fee: non-refundable fee is 15,000,000 VND.

-1.2.2 Cancellation of the tour immediately after the visa is issued and before GHT issued tickets: You will be charged 20,000,000 VND / person (the amount in words: twenty million VND / person) and visa fee (if any).

@GHT is entitled to notify the Consulate that you cancel the tour to Europe as signed in the contract and is not responsible for your visa revoked or unable you to enter the country of visa issued.

-1.2.3 For Holiday or New Year ( TET) (*)

Cancellation within 20-24 days prior to departure: 50% of the tour price will be charged.

Cancellation within 11-19 days prior to departure: 70% of tour price will be charged.

Cancellation within 2-10 days prior to departure: 90% of tour price will be charged.

Cancellation within 1 day before departure: The cancellation charge is 100% of the tour price.

(*) The holiday tours, Tet is the tour that falls on one of the holidays, or Tet according to country regulation.

-1.2.4 For normal days

Cancellation within 14-19 days prior to departure: 50% of tour price will be charged.

Cancellation within 10-13 days before departure: The cost of canceling the tour is 70% of the tour price.

Cancellation within 2-09 days prior to departure: 90% of tour price will be charged.

Cancellation within 1 day before departure: The cancellation charge is 100% of the tour price.

@We can not refund the trip when the tour has departed or when you separate from the group. If for any other reason you have to separate from the group, the refund for the customer must be kept confidential. No refund if you do not use some services in package tour such as transportation fee, entrance fees, meals or other services. Some insurance companies have insurance for the cancellation of this tour, you can get this money if there is a good reason (this insurance premium is optional and paid by the customer, GHT only provide basic health insurance for all tours).

• 1.3 Rescheduling of tour (same route)
  • 1.3.1 Before the visa interview: You will not be charged.
  • 1.3.2 After interview and visa issued:
  • Reschedule tour before departure of 22 days or more: You will have to pay a fees of 50% of the tour deposited, and the tour price will be applied according to the price of the later tour. The travel time should not exceed 3 months.
  • Reschedule tour within 21 days before departure: You will have to pay 100% tour deposit.
• 1.4 Rescheduling of tour (different route)
  • Change tours must be equal to or higher than the booked tour price and you must pay the fee for visa service of the first tour.
  • Change 30 days or more before departure: You will have to pay 50% of the deposit.
  • Change before departure: 21 - 29 days: You will have to pay 100% tour deposit.
• 1.5 Incentives for travelers who book tours before 3 months:
  • If you register the tour 3 months before the date of departure, you can reschedule the departure date after you got issue visa without charge.
  • The rescheduling of departure date must be notifiy to GHT 21 days before departure.
  • Note: Cancellation / rescheduling of departure dates are calculated based on working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). GHT does not accept tour cancellations / reschduling of departure dates over the telephone. Guests should go to GHT office to cancel the contract / reschedule the departure date / exchange tour and bear the costs specified in this regulation. Procedures include: signed contract and invoice.
• 1.6 In condition that Global Holiday Tour (GHT) cancel the tour:

Global Holiday Tour is allowed to cancel the trip 15 days prior to  departure date. GHT tours can be departed when all members  of the tour have fully paid for the tour. In addition, GHT is entitled to cancel all tours, including tours that already confirmed on departure date for reasons such as terrorism, epidemics, political instability, strikes or other obstructive events that prevent GHT from organizing the tour as planned. In case of cancellation of tour by GHT, guests can choose another trip or receive the full amount of the tour after deducting services fees such as visa, vaccination, non-destructive flights and other losses in spiritual way. If you choose a different trip that costs less than your canceled trip, GHT will refund the difference. If you choose a tour that greater than the cancelled tour, you will have to pay the additional fees.

5. Insurance

All trips organized by Global Holiday Tour are covered by health insurance. We advise you to purchase additional insurance from camps such as repatriation insurance in case of emergency, insurance for trip cancellation issues.

6. Responsibility

When booking a tour with Global Holiday Tour, you are often advised to inquire about the flexibility of the trip, such as the means of transportation may change without notice due to local or visited country condition. In such cases, it is possible for GHT to revise the tour program, or may cut short the tour or re-schedule the trip. During the journey, you have to accept the instructions of the Tour Guide or our team leader. When traveling with the delegation, you have to sympathize with the differences between individuals. In addition, GHT is allowed to decide on the members of the delegation. When GHT organizes tours for government agencies, companies or organizations, GHT is not responsible for injury, loss, delays ... that affecting this third party. GHT is not responsible for law violations in your home country or country when traveling. GHT employees, guides or partners are not allowed to assist in these activities.

7. Terms of agreement

When you confirming the booking with us means that you have read and understood as follows: "When i travel mean that i will have joys and experiences of life that i will gain out of it, I also have to accept the possible risks that encountered on the road. Especially with adventurous tours, standards of safety, hygiene, health, communication or infrastructure will not be the same like at home or the same as the honeymoon trip. "

8. Local partners

In many parts of the world, GHT work with well-known local travel companies, prestigious camps, or the best schools. These units work with both passion and enthusiasm in their country and often have high standards like GHT requirements. By working with these local units, we have contributed to the economies of the countries you visit.

9.Traveling with kids

Most of the trips organized by GHT are suitable for children (when traveling with parents or relatives). Parents or relatives help them follow the instructions of tour leader or the team leader.

10. Personal Information

We need some personal information from you to arrange your trip, such as your full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, date of issue and expiration date of the passport, health status. If you are over 70 years old, you may be required to sign some additional paperwork. Without this personal information, we can not complete your tour profile. Please see more details in the Privacy Policy page.

11. Passport and Visa

When traveling within the country, you need to bring ID card and birth certificate for baby. In case of traveling abroad, it is necessary to carry a passport, visa type or other required documents of the country you visit during the trip. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Please check carefully the type of visa entry before departure, GHT is not responsible when  you got refused entry or exit.

12. Image and Marketing

You agree to let Global Holiday Tour (GHT) using the images of the activities of the trip for the purpose of advertising and marketing.

13. Secure Credit Card

Global Holiday is currently implementing a number of measures to keep your credit card information safe: your payments online will go through a secure management unit for your security. Card information will not be stored on Global Holiday Tour (GHT) system.

Other Notes:

Global Holiday Tour travel company will not be responsible for ensuring the visit of all the attraction sites in the event of:

1. Natural disasters occur: floods, droughts, earthquakes , etc.

2.Security incidents: terrorism, demonstrations, etc.

3. Aviation incidents: technical failures, security, relocation, cancellation and delay of flights. If the above cases occur, GHT will consider  refund the non-sightseeing expenses to guests if possible (after deducting the services performed such as visa fee, etc . and will not be hold liable for any other costs).

3 days after tour end, you can come to GHT office to retreive your original passport.

Files need to be prepare (Apply and register 30 days before tour start)

1. Application required the original and copy files of all information

2. Passport valid for more than 6 months + Old passport (if any)

3. 4 x 6 white backgrounds (passport size), taken within 6 months

4. Clear copy of each household page

5. Report card or leave of absence issued by the school if it is at a different time of summer

6. Birth Certificate + Parent's travel permit for guests under the age of 18

7. Parents, if they are laborer than they need to show: Labor contract + Position statement, salary + Latest salary statement (if paid via bank) + Application form for travel

8. Parents, if they are the company owner, Corporation, self employ than they need to show:License for establishment of a business / business license, Business cards, brochures introducing the company

9. House or land ownership certificates, cars, stock shares, etc.

10. Savings account or bank account balance confirmation of at least 200,000,000 VND

Please come with your child and be present at the Embassy or Consulate office for interviews as required.

INTERNATIONAL WINTER CAMP SESSIONS 2019-2020

**PLEASE NOTE:

If you would like to register for a specific date outside of these sessions, please let us know. We will check the availability for you and give you advices on how to proceed with this in the best possible way.

For more information about this camp or how to register please contact us @

Global Holiday Tour - Connecting world destination
Hotline: (84.28) 3821-3888
Email: hung.le@globalholidaytour.com
Address: 45 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Dakao Ward, District 1, HCM City