Winter Camps at St. Bernard: Skiing, Languages and the Alps in the Heart of Switzerland
Key takeaway: friLingue's winter camps in Liddes combine 15 hours of skiing or snowboarding per week with 12 hours of language classes (or math) in ultra-small groups of 6. Three different ski areas to explore (Vichères-Liddes, Champex-Lac, and La Fouly), breathtaking alpine landscapes, and access to three legendary Valais resorts. During the day, your children ski the slopes in the morning and progress in languages in the afternoon, coached by instructors who are both ski and language teachers. From 1300 CHF per week, all-inclusive except equipment rental. Two weekly excursions in a region rich in history and nature, evening activities, and an international atmosphere where learning rhymes with adventure.
Welcome to St-Bernard Country: Three resorts, one magical region
Are you looking for a winter camp for your child? A place where they could make progress in both skiing and languages? Where they would discover one of the most beautiful alpine regions of Switzerland, the one that gave birth to the legendary St-Bernard dogs?
Welcome to Liddes, in the heart of St-Bernard Country.
Liddes is first and foremost a region. Not a single ski resort, but a vast Valais territory that brings together three distinct ski areas, each with its own personality. Vichères-Liddes, Champex-Lac, and La Fouly (Val Ferret) stretch across spectacular landscapes, dominated by the silhouette of Grand St-Bernard (2473m) which has watched over all travelers crossing these mountains for centuries.
It's a place where history mingles with geography. Where every mountain tells a story. Where nature is preserved, untouched, far from overcrowded mega-resorts. At Liddes, no crowded slopes—here children can ski in all serenity and take the time to descend the slopes at their own pace.
The strength of St-Bernard Country is this diversity. Your child isn't confined to a single resort. During their stay, they'll explore three different skiing universes, each adapted to their level and preferences:
Vichères-Liddes: This is the main resort, right next to our lodge. Perfect for beginners or those wanting to progress at their own pace. The slopes are varied, well-lit by sun, with sections for all levels. This is where we spend most of our time, in the mornings, with our ski groups.
Champex-Lac: A 20-minute journey away (via shuttle), this resort offers grandiose landscapes. Champex is a turquoise lake surrounded by forests, facing the Combins massif. They say it's the "little Swiss Canada". The slopes are varied, often higher and more challenging, perfect for skiers who are progressing or looking for a challenge.
La Fouly (Val Ferret): For the more adventurous. Nestled in the heart of Val Ferret, a wild and preserved alpine valley, La Fouly offers spectacular terrain for all skiing levels, with especially opportunities for freeriding and more challenging skiing.
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During the week, children discover these three resorts, adapt their technique to varied terrain, and realize that the same skier can progress by exploring different environments.
The concept: skiing in the morning, languages in the afternoon
The typical day at Liddes winter camp follows the same proven rhythm that made Braunwald a success.
In the morning, after a good breakfast at the lodge, it's off to the slopes. Three hours of skiing or snowboarding with our instructors. Groups are formed by level, because we don't mix a beginner learning to hold their skis with an intermediate skier who masters turns.
Beginners, intermediates, advanced: everyone progresses at their own pace, safely, with our teachers who know how to transmit their passion. Groups stay small (never more than 8 children per instructor), attention is individualized, and most importantly, we have fun. Because learning to ski is first and foremost about enjoying yourself in the snow.
Around noon, it's back to the lodge for a warm and hearty meal. In the afternoon, it's language class time. Twelve hours per week, always in small groups of 6 students. French, English, or German, depending on your child's choice. And for those who prefer to consolidate their math basics? That's possible too, with the same caring approach.
Afternoons for languages? It's a pedagogical strategy. After an active morning on the slopes, children are physically tired but mentally receptive. They've burned off their energy, they're happy to settle down somewhere warm, and their brain is ready to learn. Result: classes are more effective, the atmosphere is relaxed, and children really concentrate.
International atmosphere, human-sized groups
At Liddes camp, we truly mix nationalities. French-speaking and German-speaking Swiss, French, Italian, German, Brazilian, Taiwanese, participants from elsewhere. This diversity is an enormous asset.
In small language groups, we intentionally mix nationalities. Result? They're forced to find a common language to communicate with each other. That's where the magic happens: language becomes a living tool, not just a school subject.
Groups of 6 aren't a marketing argument. It's a pedagogical conviction. In a group of 6, everyone speaks. No one can hide, but no one feels on the spot either. It's the ideal number to create healthy group dynamics, where everyone dares to express themselves without fear of judgment.
Our base at Liddes: a place to live, not a hotel
Our lodge at Liddes is our HQ. A lively, spacious place designed to welcome groups of young people.
Sunny terraces where you can bask in the sun after the slopes. Simple rooms, doubles, or 4 to 6-bed rooms, depending on ages and preferences. A common room with board games, foosball and billiards for relaxation time. A bar area (alcohol-free) serving hot chocolate, syrup, and all the comforts that warm you up after a day in the mountains.
Meals? Prepared on-site by our team. Real cooking, not reheated trays. Balanced, with generous portions for active children, always with options for allergies and special diets.
The atmosphere is convivial, relaxed. It's not a palace with silent hallways. It's a lively place where you hear laughter, where you play cards in the lounge, where you share stories by the fireplace.
However, don't expect a 5-star hotel—it remains a children's camp. We don't bring breakfast to bed, children participate in tidying up after lunch and dinner.
Beyond skiing: excursions in a fascinating region
Twice a week, we leave the ski area to explore this region rich in history and nature.
Here are some examples of excursions:
Ice skating on the frozen Champex-Lac lake: When conditions permit, it's one of our favorite excursions. The frozen lake facing the Combins massif, crisp air, the joy of gliding on ice surrounded by mountains. It's magical and unforgettable.
Charlie Chaplin Museum in Vevey: Less than an hour away, this unique museum pays tribute to the brilliant comedian who spent his final years in Switzerland. For children, it's an opportunity to discover cinema history, art, and Swiss culture with lightness and humor.
Aquatis or the Olympic Museum in Lausanne: Two exceptional museums. Aquatis is Europe's largest freshwater museum (fascinating even for teens). The Olympic Museum tells the story of sport, inspiration, Olympic dreams. Children love it.
Visit to Aosta, Italy and pizza in town: One of our favorite excursions! Liddes is only 1 hour from Aosta via the Grand St-Bernard tunnel. It's an opportunity to discover Italy, Roman architecture, different cultures, Italian ice cream. And then... pizza in an Aosta restaurant in the evening. One of those experiences you never forget.
These excursions aren't obligations. They're breathers. A change of pace, an opportunity to see something different, to create different memories. And often, it's during these moments that the strongest friendships form. And if it rains, we fall back on indoor excursions: trampoline park, laser tag, bowling, etc.
Evenings and activities
After dinner, it's time for evening activities. Group games, foosball tournaments, themed evenings, campfire vigils, creative activities.
The goal? For children to go to bed tired but happy, eager to do it all again tomorrow.
We limit mobile phone use to about one hour per day (generally between 7pm and 8pm) to call parents or send a few messages. The rest of the time, we live in the present, we truly interact, we create bonds that don't go through a screen.
An option for pure powder lovers
Some children only want to ski. From morning to evening. No need for language classes, they just want to maximize their time on the slopes.
For them, we offer an "intensive skiing" option. Instead of 12 hours of language, it's 10 additional hours of skiing or snowboarding. That's 25 hours per week exploring the three resorts, perfecting their technique, tasting different terrain.
This option is perfect for children who already live in a multilingual environment, who have intensive classes at school, or who simply need a week focused entirely on skiing.
The practical details that matter
One week of camp (7 days), from 1300 CHF, includes:
- 12 hours of language classes (French, English, German) or mathematics
- 15 hours of skiing or snowboarding instruction with qualified instructors
- Ski passes for all three areas (Vichères-Liddes, Champex-Lac, La Fouly)
- Full board accommodation (all meals)
- 2 excursions in the region
- Daily evening activities
- 24/7 supervision by our team
- Certificate of participation
Two weeks of camp (14 days), from 2200 CHF, with double everything mentioned above.
What is NOT included:
- Ski or snowboard equipment rental: 200 CHF for standard equipment, 300 CHF for premium equipment. We do not provide ski clothing (pants, jackets, gloves), even if you rent equipment with us!
- Transportation to Liddes (but we can organize accompanied transport from Martigny or other access points)
Additional information:
- Groups are limited in size to guarantee quality
- We welcome children from age 8 to 17, with age-appropriate groups
- If your child has their own equipment, bring it to save on rental
- Helmets are mandatory (included or bring your own)
Why choose Liddes over other winter camps?
First, the unique combination of skiing + languages with the same instructors.
Then, the ultra-small groups of maximum 6 students. It costs us more, but is better for your children.
Then, three ski resorts instead of just one. Your children don't just ski, they explore an entire region.
The international atmosphere. We truly mix nationalities and cultures.
The exceptional excursions. Ice skating on an alpine lake, fascinating museums, an escape to Italy... It's not just skiing, it's a real mountain experience.
And then there's this region. St-Bernard Country is one of Switzerland's most beautiful. Preserved, authentic, rich in history. Your children won't just ski. They'll experience a true alpine adventure.
The points we tell you honestly
It's not a luxury vacation. The lodge is comfortable and welcoming, but simple. If your child needs silk sheets, this isn't the right place. But if they want a real camp experience, it's perfect.
Your children will be tired. That's normal. Skiing in the morning, learning in the afternoon, exploring in the evening—that wears you out. That's precisely the goal.
We don't perform linguistic miracles. One week isn't enough to become bilingual. But it's more than enough to unlock something, gain confidence, and realize you can communicate in another language.
The weather can be unpredictable. We're in the mountains, in winter. Sometimes beautiful sunshine, sometimes snow, sometimes wind. We adapt, we always have a backup plan, but we can't control the weather.
The first 24-48 hours can be difficult. Especially for a first camp. It's normal to feel a bit lost. Our team is trained to support these moments. Generally, by the third day, everything runs smoothly.
How to enroll your child?
Head to frilingue.ch, choose your dates, and follow the enrollment steps. Fill out the form with important information: language level, skiing level, medical particularities, dietary restrictions.
If you have questions or specific needs, contact us. We prefer to discuss things beforehand. Each child is unique, some need special arrangements, and we do everything to make it work.
Places are limited, so we recommend booking in advance, especially for school holidays.
Still hesitating?
That's normal. Sending your child to camp is an important decision.
What we can tell you: we've been doing this since 2007. We've welcomed thousands of children. We know what works. We've trained our teams, created protocols, and learned to handle every situation.
But most importantly, we love what we do. Our instructors aren't there to make a little money. They're there because they love sharing their passion for languages and skiing. Because they love seeing children progress. Because they believe in learning through experience.
Yes, there may be difficult moments. A bit of homesickness, a fall, a frustration. But above all there will be laughter, progress, friendships, memories that last for years.
When you come to pick up your child, you'll find them different. A little taller, a little more confident, a little more independent. With plenty of stories and the desire to come back.
That's the friLingue spirit at Liddes. Learning while having fun. Making progress without even realizing it. Going home with your eyes full of memories and friends from around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions:
My child has never skied. Is that a problem?
Not at all. We welcome all levels. Groups are formed by level, and our instructors teach the basics safely.
My child is good at skiing but weak in languages. Is it suitable?
Absolutely. Skiing groups are by skiing level, and language groups by language level. The two aren't linked.
What languages can be learned?
French, English, German, and mathematics as an option.
Can my child come with a friend?
Yes, it's an excellent idea for a first camp. We can put them in the same room, but they'll be separated according to their level for classes.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We adapt. If conditions are poor, we have backup activities: indoor games, creative workshops, theory about skiing. Safety always comes first.
My child has a food allergy. How does that work?
We handle allergies seriously. Tell us during enrollment, we pass it to our chef, and your child always has safe options at every meal.
Are language classes like school?
No. We don't replicate school. Classes are playful, interactive, conversation-based. The goal is for children to dare to speak, to gain confidence.
Can my child use their phone?
Yes, but use is limited to about one hour per day (generally 7pm-8pm). The rest of the time, phones are collected to encourage social interaction.
How do I get to Liddes?
Liddes is accessible by train to Orsières, then by bus. We offer accompanied transport service from Bern or Zurich for children traveling alone.
What if my child gets injured?
All our instructors are trained in first aid. Minor burns we handle on-site. For something more serious, the mountain medical team intervenes immediately. Liddes has medical services, and we can reach Sion hospital in 45 minutes if necessary.
My child is shy. Will they fit in?
Small groups are perfect for reserved children. At 6, no one gets lost in the crowd. Bonds form naturally, and our team supports every personality.
Is there a typical day or does it vary?
The general rhythm is consistent (skiing in the morning, classes in the afternoon, activities in the evening), but we vary the content. The two excursions break up the routine. Evenings change every day.
My child is 17, isn't they too old?
Not at all. We welcome up to age 17, with age-appropriate groups and more independence.
What should my child bring?
We send you a detailed list after enrollment. Warm and technical ski clothing, toiletries, medications if needed, water bottle, sunglasses and sunscreen (essential in the mountains).
Do you have other questions?
Contact us directly at info@frilingue.com or call us. We prefer to answer all your questions before enrollment. Every family is different, every child is unique, and we're here to support you.
And there you have it! A week at Liddes is more than a winter camp. It's an adventure in the heart of the Alps, an immersion in three different skiing worlds, an experience of international community, and above all, a week where you learn without even realizing it.
See you soon at Liddes!
