Multi-story hotel building on hillside surrounded by trees and open grassy areas near water.

‍Six decades of mountain summers

60 years ago, the first International Summer Camp Montana took place. Right here, in the heart of Europe, surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery.

heritage

A familiy built camp in the heart of the Swiss Alps

Experience, what the healthy and fresh air of the Swiss Alps, a particular feature of our location, which over time has shaped Camp to what it has become: a place of longing and attraction for children from all over the world. A venue of summers which never end.

Black and white photo of a large stone building with balconies in a mountainous area.

Rich in heritage

History

Six decades of success

Camp Montana was born in the Swiss Alps and has remained there ever since, welcoming young people from every corner of the world.

1926

Construction begins on La Moubra, completed in 1927 and originally used as a private clinic, chosen for the exceptional purity of the alpine air in Crans-Montana.

1955

After decades as a medical facility, La Moubra is transformed into a hotel, welcoming guests to one of Switzerland’s most scenic mountain locations.

1961

Rudy Studer founds the first summer camp in Arosa before discovering La Moubra — a place that would soon become the permanent home of Camp Montana.

1963

The first International Summer Camp Montana takes place in Crans-Montana, welcoming young people to live, learn and share experiences in the Swiss Alps.

1966

Erwin Mathieu joins as Administrative Director, playing a key role in shaping the organisation and operations of the camp for decades to come.

1969

The Studer-Mathieu family purchases La Moubra, securing the long-term future of the camp and establishing a strong family foundation.

2000s

Camp Montana grows into a globally recognised destination, welcoming campers from every continent and building a truly international community.

Today

Now in its second generation, Philippe Studer and Tania Mathieu continue the family vision, supported by a dedicated team and a new generation growing into the Camp’s future.

Five people standing on a balcony with mountains and trees in the background, including a child in arms.

Erwin Mathieu

Nico Othenin-Girard

Mila Othenin-Girard

Tania Mathieu

Philippe Studer

About the family

The Camp was founded in 1961 by Rudy Studer. He was a graduate of Basel University, Switzerland and with his wife Erica Studer-Mathieu, together they devoted their lives to recreational education in Crans-Montana.

Camp Montana has now progressed to the second generation of the Studer-Mathieu family and their son Philippe and niece Tania carry on their philosophy that young people will benefit through sports and international friendship.

Philippe Studer is responsible for programming and educational supervision as well as for the house staff and domestic facilities. He is a graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland, with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management.

Tania Mathieu is a graduate of Glion Institute of Higher Education with a Bachelor of Business Administration; specialising in Events, Sports and Entertainment. She is directly involved in many aspects of the Camp’s operations with particular emphasis on Camper health and Camper/parent relations. In addition, having a passion for horses, Tania oversees the horse riding programs.

Nico Othenin-Girard is Tania’s partner and joined the team in October 2017 as Operations and Facilities Manager. Nico has been a part of ISCM for many summers and is a Camp Alumni, having been both a Camper and staff member.

The next generation of ISCM family is now here with Tania and Nico's daughter Mila Othenin-Girard

Erwin Mathieu, Tania’s father, has been the Administrative Director at International Summer Camp Montana since 1966. He has a solid background in business administration, remains an active and passionate cyclist and is very much involved in all aspects of Camp Montana’s operational and admin functions. Erwin's wife, Tania's mother, sadly passed away in March 2025. She will be fondly remembered in her "camp mother" role often helping and looking after campers in the summer. May she rest in peace.

The family