Welcome to the latest blog article from International Summer Camp Montana!  I hope that you have been enjoying the stories that we have been bringing to you and thank you for all the feedback you have left thus far!  This week, the main article is about the ‘Overnight Hike’ and we would love to hear from former campers and staff members of any memories that you have from the overnight hike!  You can do so by leaving a ‘comment’ at the end of the article, or simply contact us!

As many of us know, walking regularly is very good for your health, especially when the weather is good and scenery is marvelous!  Therefore, what better place to enjoy a gentle hike in the surrounding nature whilst spending time at International Summer Camp Montana?

As part of the program we offer to Senior and Champion campers, there is an ‘Overnight Hike’.  Don’t let the name deceive you though; there is no hiking done at night!  The hike begins during the morning and normally consists of 2 – 4 groups of campers, led by their group counsellors.   For Pioneer and Junior campers, a cook-out held at the ‘mountain hut’ and these campers are driven up and collected a short walking distance away.  These campers do not stay overnight at the hut.

The first part of the ‘adventure‘ is taken by bus – only for 5 minutes though – to a town that lies above Crans-Montana, called Vermala.  The hike then begins and is a gentle climb up into the mountains, through forest and open track that has been followed by hikers for over a hundred years.  The hike is not too challenging and plenty of time is set aside for water breaks, as well as a good rest to eat a packed lunch.  Don’t forget a camera though, because there are also many chances to take pictures of the stunning scenery!  Sun-cream, a hat and a rain jacket (just in case!) are also essentials to be packed in your camp rucksack for a hike.

Arrival at the mountain hut is usually in the mid/late afternoon and it is an opportunity to become acquainted with the new surroundings as well as our experienced mountain guide responsible for the running of the hut during the summer!  Campers are supervised at all times by the guide as well as the group counsellors whilst away from camp.  Philippe Studer (the Camp’s Director) is a frequent visitor along with Chef Pascal Rey.  The hut is located near the route that they often mountain bike along and they are always pleased making a short visit to see how campers are enjoying themselves!

In the evening, dinner is prepared and a hearty feast of a barbecue, salad, pasta and bread is served to everyone.  All are welcome to lend a hand in the preparation, as well as the washing up!  There are no dishwashers in the mountains, so we enjoy doing it the old-fashioned manual way!  After dinner, the counsellors and guide will prepare a fire to gather around and there is an opportunity to try the traditional Swiss dish of raclette, as well as a hot chocolate drink.  Bedtime does come around quickly after all that though and everyone sleeps inside the mountain hut.  A mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket and sleeping bag is provided to each camper; boys and girls sleep on different levels inside the hut.

When dawn breaks it is not uncommon to hear the distant ringing of cowbells – nature really is all around you!  For those who enjoy an early rise, the morning at the hut is quite spectacular and provides scenery that you would struggle to replicate in any part of the World.  There is lots of time to eat breakfast, as well as preparing packed lunches for the afternoon.  Campers and counsellors begin the descent back to their pick-up point in the early afternoon and arrive back at camp around 1600.  All that remains is to clean-up, visit the laundry and get set for Open Activities!

The overnight hike experience is something that is to be savoured.  Stunning scenery, great food, a great opportunity to bond with one’s group and a chance to experience many facets of traditional Swiss life.  This is why so many past campers and staff members still recall their memories of a wonderful time spent on the overnight hike!

Please, see our 360º view gallery to see the overnight hut!