School Trips to the Swiss Alps
Study in a spectacular snowy setting
What better place to learn than surrounded by the majestic mountains and breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps? Popular with geography students looking to put their fieldwork skills to the test, the Valais region of Switzerland offers opportunities to explore a range of geographical themes while soaking up the scenery and taking part in exciting educational excursions.
From glacial landscapes and river systems to tourism and climate change, students can investigate real-world geographical processes in one of Europe's most striking natural environments.
What to expect on our Swiss Alps school trips
With spectacular mountain scenery at every turn, the Swiss Alps provide an unforgettable setting for geographical study. Students can apply their fieldwork skills in real-world environments while exploring how natural processes and human activity have shaped this remarkable region.
Our Swiss Alps school trip highlights
From towering peaks to glacial landscapes, the Swiss Alps offer a wealth of opportunities for geographical investigation.
- Visit the iconic Matterhorn, one of Europe's most recognisable mountains.
- Explore the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps.
- Investigate renewable energy at Mattmark Dam.
- Discover how tourism has transformed the resort communities of Zermatt and Saas Fee.
- Carry out fieldwork in dramatic Alpine landscapes shaped by glaciation and climate change.
Why book a Swiss Alps school trip with NST?
Our Swiss Alps itineraries are designed to maximise learning opportunities while making the most of this unique environment. With the support of our travel experts and NST Geography Subject Experts, you can deliver an engaging and rewarding experience both in and beyond the field.
Browse our most popular Swiss Alps school trips
Why choose NST?
Here's why thousands of teachers choose NST each year...
- Unrivalled school trip knowledge
Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will use their trip planning knowledge and expertise to create a tailor-made, curriculum-linked itinerary to meet your group’s exact needs.
- Making it easier for you
Your own trip organiser, travel app, free classroom packs and trip promo resources.
- Free group leader inspection visits
Visit your chosen destination free of charge and plan with confidence.
- Value for money, always
We work hard to make every penny count.
- Over 55 years’ experience
With NST you can rest assured that your group is in safe hands.
- Aligned to your learning outcomes
Every trip can be built around your specific goals — from the latest GCSE and A level curriculum requirements to particular themes, interests or visits you want to focus on.
- Risk assessment guidance
Clear, practical support to help you manage group safety including our free guide.
- Offsetting carbon emissions
Through our partnership with Carbon Footprint, we're committed to offset one tonne of CO2 emissions, and plant a tree on school grounds in the UK, for every trip booked.
Swiss Alps trip highlights - our groups love...
Saas Grund
The Saas Valley, with Grund at its centre, is situated on the Italian border and has traditionally been an important trade route. The settlements now boast the international ski resorts of Saas Fee and Zermatt. This option provides an introduction to the surrounding landscape and the history of the area. It gives pupils an opportunity to soak up the awe and wonder of their surroundings.
The Aletsch Glacier
The longest glacier in Europe, the Aletsch forms part of the largest continuously glaciated area in the Alps. The glacier and the surrounding area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From a number of vantage points above the village of Riederalp, the Aletsch stretches into the distance. Your Field Studies Guide will assist your students to identify the numerous landscape features and processes here. The best glacier viewpoints can be accessed by return cable car.
The Mattmark Dam
The Dam forms part of a hydro-electric scheme that transports the water from the surrounding glacier into a holding lake, which is contained by the largest natural earth dam in Europe. From here the water is released and used to provide power for the whole region. The controlling scheme has allowed the development of villages and the ski industry.
Zermatt & the Matterhorn
This classic Alpine mountain sits on the Italian border and helps attract 4 million tourists a year to Zermatt. This renowned ski area has rebranded itself as a summer adventure capital. The village, situated in a hanging valley, is accessed by a train, widely considered to be Europe’s best rail journey. This can extend to a full day study if time and budget allows. This excursion will involve additional costs for cable cars and trains (payable locally).
Mittelallalin & the Ice Caves
Take the world’s highest underground train to the world’s largest ice caves then relax in the world’s highest revolving café where the spectacular views change every few minutes. Set in the middle of the glaciers on the edge of the permanent snow is the Mittellalin. This is an excellent place to appreciate the power of the ice in shaping the landscape and the ability of the Swiss to engineer access into it. This excursion will involve additional costs for cable cars and trains (payable locally).
Saas Fee
Until 1954 it was only possible to reach the village of Saas Fee by foot. Since the construction of the road, an international ski resort has been built. The village is known as the ‘Pearl’ of the Alps and is surrounded by 4,000m peaks. Trains and public galleries run under the ice and all village vehicles are electric. Saas Fee provides excellent examples of impacts of tourism on the natural environment and also provides some innovative management solutions.
Explore the Swiss Alps with our Field Studies Guides...
Equipped with first-hand knowledge of the culture, climate, history and subject knowledge of geography and geology, our expert guides will assist with programme delivery, tailoring your group’s experience to suit your specific learning needs.
Your guide will contact you ahead of your geography trip for a pre-tour discussion, assist with teaching, guiding, and practical investigation, whilst also providing advice, support and assistance with on-tour logistics.
