Ski Trip
2024
Harris Academy Beckenham
The Mountain Lodge - Gstaad
8th - 14th February 2024
The Accommodation
The Lovell family owned and operated their prestigious John F. Kennedy International School and Mountain Lodge Summer Camp in Saanen-Gstaad, Switzerland for over 40 years. In 2011 the family decided to separate the school and summer camp and create Lovell International Camps AG.
Lovell Camps expanded its recreational and learning opportunities by opening up a winter camp program offering a wide variety of winter sport activities for individuals and groups.
The Mountain Lodge has 18 rooms which comfortably sleep 70 persons. All rooms offers en-suite facilities and there is a spacious kitchen and dining room, a large terrace and an outdoor area ( perfect for sledding)! It is outfitted with relaxing lounge areas, multi-purpose movie room, equipment storage area, and complimentary internet access.
The Mountain Lodge is literally some 3 minutes from the ski slopes, clients ferried to and from the slopes by Lovells own fleet of mini buses.
The Skiing
Gstaad is a paradise for winter activities. 61 cable cars open up 250 kms of slopes, sledge runs, snowparks and winter walks till 3000 meters.
Thanks to the glacier ski area and slopes with artificial snow, Gstaad is able to offer winter sports from the end of October to the beginning of May.
Why Gstaad is still Switzerland’s best ski resort
Early-bird skiers begin hitting the slopes at the end of October and the season lasts until the beginning of May. The ski areas are connected by 61 cable cars, providing access to 250km pistes and cross-country trails, sledge runs, snow parks and winter hiking. The famous Glacier 3,000 is easily accessible and extends the ski season into mid-summer.
Dotted with snow-capped mountains, charming weathered-wood chalets and an unsurprising smattering of fir trees, Gstaad is the epitome of alpine chic.Nestled between Geneva and Zürich, the white powder landscape of Gstaad is famed for its luxurious lifestyle. Gstaad's hypnotic setting has attracted some of the world's most famous faces, from Madonna and Grace Kelly to Julie Andrews and Jacqueline Kennedy.
The Glacier - Environmentally Challenged
The Skiing
From October until May, optimal ski conditions are found here at the winter sports location of Les Diablerets. The slopes in the high alpine landscape are some of the most spectacular in the Switzerland. Some of the highlights in the Glacier 3000 ski resort are the 7 km long Olden slope and the snowpark. The winter sports area of Les Diablerets also offers many additional winter activities as well as a breathtaking panorama at 3000 meters.
The Walk
The ingredients for this unique peak experience are quite simple: a nice wide path, surrounded by boulders and snow, lots of fresh air – and a stunning view. The walk is a beautiful hike from the Scex Rouge mountain station that leads up to the 3’016m Dôme. It is quite possible that you will hold your breath for a moment, when you get to the top: because when you get to the so-called man of stone, the view onto the glacier, the valleys far below and the Diablerets peak is simply breath-taking. This view is worth every effort! That is why hikers returning from the Dôme are so relaxed – because once on top, they completely forget their worries.
You would be accompanied by your instructors on the walk and when you stop for lunch there will be a discussion on the impact of climate change you will be able to see first hand how this has affected the environment around you.
Peak to Peak
There is only one suspension bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks and it can be found at Glacier 3000. This 107 metre long bridge links together the small peak (View Point) and the 5 metre higher main peak (Scex Rouge) and offers stunning views onto the Alps: Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau which are visible from the bridge.
Four Paws
The Huskies are at home in the white splendor. The whole pack enjoys moving around in the snow – and this joy is contagious and felt by everyone watching them play in the snow. Even better is your ride on a dogsled through the unique alpine area of Glacier 3000. The Huskies pull you through the beautiful glacier landscape and allow you to have a very special experience that you will remember for life.
