How do we travel?
Athletes most often travel as a group. Early bookings are available on Swiss Air and athletes are accompanied through all aspects of travel. We fly from Boston to Zurich then transfer to Geneva where a luxury coach awaits to take athletes to Les 2 Alps (about a 3 hour trip). Families who join the camp are welcome to fly with us or make independent arrangements and join the team in Les 2 Alps. (Some families have used this as an extended vacation; they flew separately and rented a car so they could visit other areas of Europe during their stay.) Flight on Swiss Air range in price but are approximately $1,000 - $1,400 per person.
What is included in the cost?
The cost of the camp includes everything but airline tickets and spending money. This includes: roundtrip transfers from the airport to the hotel; lodging and meals; lift tickets and training for 10 days; afternoon activities and trasnportation (examples: white water rafting, paintball, canoeing, biking, alpine slides, etc.). Campers are encouraged to bring spending money for afternoon treats in town, souvenirs, and other expenses. Parepente (paragliding above the Alps) is offered each trip at an additional expense to campers. Athletes can also choose to "check" their skis at the top of the mountain for the week for a small fee so they don't have to carry them up the gondola each day.
Where do athletes stay?
Athletes stay at the beautiful Hotel BelAmbra, right next to the gondola (for an easy morning commute). Rooms accomodate 2-4 athletes as arranged by our partner in Les 2 Alps. A full buffet is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner with options to please any palate. Skis are left in the basement ski storage area for easy access.
What is Les 2 Alps like? Is it safe?
The village of Les 2 Alps is small enough to feel safe and big enough to explore. There are athletes all over the village and a strong sense of community. Team Excel athletes like to visit Laurie's Bakery to get croissants or get a crepe at one of the many restaurant offerings in town during free time. There are cute shops that sell a variety of souvenirs. In addition, campers will travel by gondola to the village of Venosc where hillside shops and restaurants offer new places to explore. Campers are never too far from the hotel but enjoy a sense of independence during their free time.
Parents and families can join? What would we do?
Have the vacation of a lifetime! Parents have joined the camp for the past few years and enjoyed the experience immensely. Recent family members have skied, biked part of the Tour de France route, hiked the various trails surrounding the town, rented a car and driven to Italy for a few days, participated in afternoon activities with kids and enjoyed the tremendous food and drinks of the area. Other options for families are available including intensive language programs for kids and adults, organized trips to Italy and more. Look at the Family Option page for more information.