Welcome to the latest blog from International Summer Camp Montana and we hope that you are well, wherever you might be reading from in the World!  It’s hard to believe that when I was composing the last blog that there was beautiful sunshine, a warm temperature and hardly a cloud in the sky.  However, this week in Crans-Montana I can report that we have the very first snow of the fall/winter season!  Quite incredible.

One area that will certainly have benefitted from some snow is the Plaine Morte glacier, which sits high above Crans-Montana.  This is where our Senior section go on their one-day hike.  Leaving camp shortly after breakfast, the Senior groups head up to the glacier by the gondola operating from the Aminona station.  They are afforded a splendid view of the Valais on their way to the top, which lies almost 3000m above sea level.  However, the most spectacular view is certainly given when one reaches the end of the gondola ride; what can be seen is quite breathtaking.  The panorama of the Alps is there for all to see and on a clear day mountains such as the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc are visible.  Perhaps there is no better view in all of the Valais (apart from the terrace at camp of course!)

Whilst there are days that the temperatures are high, with shorts, t-shirt and sunglasses being the preferred items of clothing, weather in the mountains can be very changeable!  I must admit that I have seen all conditions during a summer trip to Plaine Morte; sunshine, wind, rain and even a snow blizzard!  What is very special though is that for many campers, they have never had the opportunity to touch snow before.  This excursion can be really inspiring as well as unique experience!

And not forgetting about the Pioneers and Champions, they also have one-day hike as part of their program.  They have the chance to take in some more spectacular scenery and when hiking a short distance through the surrounding nature.  The hike takes them through the forest and down to a small town called Lens and soon on to Chermingon where they are collected by bus and brought back to camp just in time for Open Activities and dinner!

Please, click on the picture to see a HD panorama of Valais