Preparation

Here you will find all the important information you need to prepare for the Summer School.

When you are registered for the Summer School, you will also receive these checklists in PDF form so you can keep them with you :)

Travel guide

⚠️ Important note for non-Swiss participants ⚠️

Mobile data in Switzerland can be very expensive. Don’t forget to switch off your mobile data when arriving in Switzerland. Consider purchasing a data package for your travel days. Wifi is provided at the school for free. When you are registered for the Summer School, you will also receive these checklists in PDF form so you can keep them with you.

⚠️ Health insurance ⚠️

Make sure to organize health insurance for yourself, because medical costs can be high in Switzerland. If you have a Swiss insurance, don’t forget to bring your insurance card. If you do not have a Swiss insurance, make sure to prepare travel insurance. When you visit the doctor in case of an emergency, you will need to pay up front, and can later have it refunded by your insurance.

Routes

If you come from outside of Switzerland, you can travel to a Swiss city (e.g., Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zürich). 

When you arrive in Switzerland, you will travel to Visp or Brig, then to Sierre, Vissoie Poste and finally to Chandolin Poste. We organize two extra buses that will bring you from Sierre to Chandolin (without changing in Vissoie). The bus takes around an hour to get to Chandolin. The exact departure time of these buses will be confirmed via email. See map below (scroll left / right):



The way from the bus station to the house is around 550 metres. If that poses any difficulties, please contact us.

Tickets

Which ticket to buy? You can choose one of these options:

  • Ticket for your route

    • A regular ticket to Chandolin, Poste.
    • Half fare Travelcard is only if you have a Halbtax (Swiss travel card).

  • SBB Saver Day Pass

    • The Saver Day Pass is valid for one day for all public transport in Switzerland.

    • You have to buy a ticket to the first station within Switzerland when coming from abroad.

    • The price of this ticket changes over time, so don't wait too long before buying it.

  • Travel Pass Flex (only for non-Swiss travelers)

    • This is only useful if you travel for more than two days within Switzerland.
    • The possible option could be the 'flex' option, travel for several days within 30 days. This is especially convenient if you plan to travel Switzerland for a few days before or after the Summer School.
    • There are two fees: people younger than 25 years old and people 25 years old and older.

Final remarks:

  • No matter which option you pick, you don't need to log in with SwissPass but can always log in as a guest.

  • If you pick a Swiss Travel Pass or the Saver Day Pass and want to travel somewhere else, you'll have to check the map of validity. (But the route to Chandolin Poste is included in both)

  • We will set up a simple Excel sheet to find travel buddies and travel to Chandolin together if you like.

  • Let us know if you need help with the travel route or costs.

  • Enjoy the scenery :)

Packing list

We recommend bringing a backpack rather than a suitcase — the path from the bus stop to the house can be muddy and uneven.

Travel and Arrival

  • Lunch for Saturday
    • We only serve dinner on arrival day (from around 19:00), so bring something to eat on the way.
  • Mobile data for Switzerland
    • There is WiFi in the house, but roaming can be expensive. A Swiss data package is useful for the arrival and departure days.
  • Travel health insurance
    • Bring your Swiss health insurance card if you have one. Otherwise, arrange travel health insurance before you come.
  • Small backpack for the hike
    • If you’re planning to go on the hike to carry water and lunch
  • Water bottle with your name on it
    • If you’re planning to go on the hike, please bring a second bottle so that you can take at least a litre of water with you.

Bedroom and Bathroom

  • Bath towels
    • Bedsheets and pillowcases are provided.
  • Toiletries
    • Shower gel, shampoo, sunscreen, insect repellent, and anything else you use regularly.
  • Medication
    • Bring your medication, if you need any.

Clothing for one week

  • Warm layers
    • It can get cold at 2000m even in summer. Therefore, pack a fleece or down jacket, jumper, beanie, and warm socks.
  • Indoor shoes or slippers
    • For wearing inside the house, as shoes are not allowed inside.
  • Hiking boots with good tread
    • Required for the hike, if you want to join. Running shoes are not sufficient for the terrain. We only allow people with appropriate footwear on the hike.
  • Sports clothing and light shoes
    • For activities like yoga, runs, or volleyball. Check your email for the full activity schedule.
  • Swimwear
    • We pass by a mountain lake on the hike, so bring some if you want to take a dip in the cold glacier water.
  • Party outfit
    • For the closing party on the last evening. Please don’t bring glitter, as we have to clean the room ourselves, but feel free to go all out otherwise.

Lectures and Workshops

  • Laptop or tablet (with charger)
    • Or bring printed readings if you prefer working on paper.
  • Stationery
    • Pens, notebooks, and ideally some large felt-tip pens for group work.
  • Power adapter for Swiss sockets
    • Switzerland uses a different plug type from most of Europe. There are Europlug sockets in most bed rooms; adapters are needed elsewhere in the building, see the Swiss power plug.
  • Multi-plug / power strip (if you have one)
    • Useful for charging multiple devices; much appreciated by roommates.

Food and Drinks

  • Lunchbox
    • Useful for packed sandwiches on the hike and for taking leftovers home at the end of the week.
  • Cash in Swiss francs
    • Drinks such as wine and beer are not included in the fee and must be paid for in cash, TWINT or PayPal.
  • Mate or other personal snacks
    • The nearby shop does not stock Mate as far as we know, so bring your own if you want it. Personal snacks are welcome.

Free Time

  • Yoga mat (or large towel)
    • For the optional yoga sessions during the week.
  • Musical instrument
    • There is space and time to play. Bring something if you like.
  • Games
    • Card games, board games, or anything fun for the evenings.
  • Books
    • We usually do an informal book swap. Bring a book to exchange if you like.

Optional but appreciated

  • Dish-drying cloth
    • If you have a spare one at home, it's always useful when the chores group has to clean dishes for 100+ people .

Sign up for chores

As this Summer School is organised by 10 volunteers, we kindly ask you to take part in doing the chores. It is up to all of us to keep the house clean and comfortable :)

Please sign up for a chores group before arriving. Thank you! You can find the sign-up link in the email we will send you after we receive your payment.

Readings

We will soon be providing you with a reading list for your preparation. Stay tuned!