Our fully-inclusive programmes offer a controlled environment for students to learn new values and skills, try new outdoor activities and develop independence.
Switzerland is famous for its mountains and our programmes take place right in the heart of the Swiss Alps, in the French-speaking Valais region. Our programmes combine activity and culture in a fully-supervised, international, environment.
Our comprehensive programmes balance physical activities and challenges with cultural visits and less-demanding sports activities and are fully-customisable to meet a group’s particular requirements.
Viamonde staff come from all over the world and are professional, enthusiastic and caring and are chosen for their experience working with children. All our staff are first and foremost counsellors and together with the group’s chaperones will be responsible for the 24-hour supervision of the children, as well as organising an exciting programme of evening activities in addition to the daily programme of activities and excursions. Some activities are led and supervised by experienced and qualified activity specialists, for example, mountain guides.
Viamonde takes safety extremely seriously and while some activities have an element of risk, we ensure that the highest safety standards are adhered to at all times. Safety equipment is provided for all activities, where required, and is of the highest standard. Group sizes are small and do not exceed 12 students per specialist. All staff carry mobile telephones as well as a comprehensive first aid kit and are trained in basic first aid and CPR. Excellent medical care is available only a short distance from our resorts and helicopter rescue is well-established throughout the areas where our activities take place.
We understand the importance of providing activities throughout the day, with a minimum of “free time”, in a successful trip. As a result, in addition to the daily activities and excursions, our counsellors will organise and supervise fun activities in the free time before dinner as well as in the evenings.
We understand the unique requirements of our international clientele and ensure that all the meals we serve are popular, healthy and plentiful. Vegetarian alternatives are served at every meal and provided we have notice before a group’s arrival, special diets can always be accommodated. Portions are generous to reflect the day’s physical activities and there is never a limit to how much food is offered – children may return for another serving as many times as they like.
To allow parents to follow their child’s progress during the trip, an online photo gallery will be maintained throughout each group’s time with us. Most days, wherever possible, a selection of photos from the chalet, the activities and excursions as well as during evening activities will be posted to the gallery for parents to browse and download. In addition, the gallery offers an incoming e-mail service for parents to keep in contact with their child.
Our staff ensure that everyone is well catered for during their stay and will typically organise special raclette or fondue evenings as well as a visit to the village for the accompanying chaperones.
We provide very comprehensive resources for party leaders to help them prepare for their programme with us and are always only a telephone call or e-mail away for more information or help.
We understand the importance of providing activities throughout the day, with a minimum of “free time”, in a successful trip. As a result, our counsellors will organise and supervise fun activities during après-ski time as well as in the evenings.
The exact programme of activities will always be discussed with the party leader in advance to ensure its suitability for the group and reflect his or her own priorities or aims for the trip.
| 07:30 | Counsellors wake up the children and help the chaperones prepare them for a day in the mountains. |
| 08:15 | A substantial breakfast is served in the dining room, followed by announcements, including the weather forecast for the day. |
| 09:00 | Children gather in their counsellor groups to make an equipment and clothing check before starting the morning’s activity. Safety equipment will be explained and demonstrated. |
| 12:30 | Picnic lunch, either at the chalet/hotel or at the activity location. Counsellors meet with the programme leader and chaperones to review how every child is progressing. |
| 13:15 | Children gather in their counsellor groups to make an equipment and clothing check before starting the afternoon’s activity. Safety equipment will be explained and demonstrated. |
| 16:30 | Children return to the chalet/hotel for free time. At least one counsellor will be on duty to help the chaperones with supervision and organise suitable activities. |
| 18:30 | Dinner is served in the dining room, followed by announcements and the daily awards….the popular “ding-a-lings”. |
| 20:00 | Evening activities begin, organised and supervised by our counsellors. Typical activities include “counsellor hunt”, “mini-Olympics”, talent show, camp fire, quiz competition and a disco. |
| 22:00-23:00 | Quiet time before our counsellors help the chaperones with room checks and lights-out. At least one counsellor will be on duty throughout the night to assist the chaperones, if required. |
Viamonde has an uncompromising commitment to customer service.
Our professional, meticulous and caring team is on hand to assist 7 days a week.
