Program Overview
The deadline to register for this program is November 10th!
Get ready for the ultimate winter adventure in the Swiss and Italian Alps! Set off on an unforgettable journey with Travel For Teens as we hit the slopes at some of Switzerland’s most iconic ski towns. Our Switzerland and Italy ski adventure program is perfect for anyone who wants to explore world-class ski destinations while also diving head-first into the culture of the Swiss and Italian alps. With three days on the slopes accompanied by professional ski guides, this will truly be an adventure you won’t want to miss.
In addition to skiing (or snowboarding), we will experience some thermal baths, dine on raclette and fondue, ice skate, snowshoe, sled, explore the picturesque towns of Zermatt, Saas Grund, and Saas-Fee, and then ring in the New Year from iconic Lake Como in Italy.
This program is the perfect combination of natural beauty and outdoor activities to help us appreciate the best of Alpine culture in Europe. So grab your gear, do a snow dance, and join us in the alps for what is sure to be the greatest ski trip ever.
*Please note that this program is not for beginner riders. We ask that everyone is at an intermediate level of skiing or snowboarding
During this program, you will…
- Enjoy three full days of skiing or snowboarding at three different world-class ski areas
- Receive personalized instruction from our professional guides and instructors
- Marvel at the Matterhorn as we explore the town of Zermatt
- Get a feel for true Swiss-mountain culture in Saas-Grund and Saas-Fee
- Snowshoe, ice-skate and sled when we aren’t skiing
- Dine on raclette, fondue, and other Swiss specialties
- Celebrate the New Year on Lake Como and see one of the best fireworks shows in Europe
- Soak in thermal baths among the mountains (even if it is snowing outside!)
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAY 2: MILAN > SAAS GRUND
Meet your professional Travel For Teens staff as soon as you land and head as a group into the mountains! Be sure to keep your eyes glued out the window as we pass into the breathtaking mountains we will be exploring for the next week.
After a bus ride trip, arrive at our private Swiss Chalet hotel in Saas Grund and get settled into your rooms. Get acquainted with your ski guides, take in the breathtaking view, and get ready for the incredible trip ahead of you!
We’ll wrap up the night with our first Swiss dinner and enjoy an evening activity.
DAYS 3-5: SAAS-FEE
The next three days will be spent on the slopes! Saas Fee is a breathtaking town and one of the highest-altitude ski areas in all of Europe. After our guides show us all the secret stashes, we will explore the whole ski area which is actually a glacier and open year-round to skiing. Keep your eyes peeled for international ski teams as they train.
When not skiing, we will explore this world-class mountain town. Get some shopping in, dine on Swiss delicacies, go snowshoeing, and enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa in our Swiss chalet after a day on the mountain!
DAY 6: ZERMATT > LAKE COMO
On our final day of 2022, we’ll head to the town of Zermatt, poised right under the iconic Matterhorn. This is a town that will leave an impression on you! Don’t forget to stop for some Toblerone and munch on it as we look at the mountain that has made it so famous.
After getting our last bit of exploring in, we’ll head out to Lake Como to ring in the New Year with a fireworks show over the lake and a fancy final dinner. Dine on amazing Italian food and reminisce on all the memories we shared over the past week. There simply may be no better way to start 2023!
DAY 7: RETURN FLIGHT HOME
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of teen typically participates in a TFT program? What are the requirements to join?
Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.
Where do we stay?
Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Annecy, we stay at a charming hotel in the center of the old town, just steps from the best shopping, restaurants, and beautiful canals of this medieval city. In Saas-Grund, we stay in a traditional Swiss chalet complete with absolutely stunning views of the Alps from our balconies. In Lake Como, we will stay in a top-rated hostel overlooking the lake.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
Do most travelers go on their own?
Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!
If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.
What do students like most about this program?
Students love that they are able to explore the beautiful Alpine towns of Saas Grund and Saas Fee, two of the world’s top ski destinations!
What is unique about this program?
From the ability to ski in the Swiss Alps to diving into other winter sports, all from the base of our stunning accommodation in a Swiss chalet, this program embodies the best of any winter tour!
What is included?
Tuition cost includes ground transportation, accommodation, chaperones and guides, mountain pass, program-related activities and admissions, taxes and tips, all breakfasts, three lunches, and dinners.
Not included in the cost (not intended to be an exhaustive list): Airfare, lunches, visas and visa application fees, beverages other than filtered water at meals, ski/snowboard rentals, activities and admissions not referenced in the itinerary or deemed not program related, such as movies, expenses incurred by the participant that are outside the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels, expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters, as well as personal and medical expenses.
How do the optional group flights work?
Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.
Who leads the program?
Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.
We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.
Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.
What are the safety qualifications for our staff?
Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.
What is the average group size?
We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.
How does this program connect to other programs?
Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer. When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.
What is the food like on this program?
In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!
The cuisine in Switzerland has a French influence, and every meal during this duration of our stay is served fresh daily and specifically for our group at our accommodation. There will be fresh veggies and fruit available every day to keep us healthy for all of the activities we will be participating in!
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
Do we ever get time to go off on our own?
Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.
We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.
Do I need any vaccinations for this program?
We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.
What kind of visa do you need for this trip?
Any US citizen that enters Europe is automatically granted a free 90-day tourist visa.
When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.
Do I need to speak the language?
No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!