3 Day Silent Hiking Retreat through the French and Swiss Alps

22 - 24 July 2023
Starting in Morzine, France
Silent Hiking, Mindfulness Meditation, QiGong & Yoga
€560
English
Led by
Ursula
Enquire Now
Vipassana silent hiking retreat in the Alps

What awaits you on this Silent Retreat?

Tune into your inner emotions and regain clarity and focus on this three day hiking retreat carried out in total silence.

Silence is an integral part of many spiritual practices and whether you are struggling with loss, burnout or other emotional challenges this retreat is for anyone in need of a space away from everything, besides yourself and the healing realms of nature.

As you walk through the magnificent landscape of the French and Swiss Alps you will be able to use this time as a much needed respite and take the silence as an opportunity to be truly honest with yourself and contemplate what it is you need.

Everything is taken care of as you are led by a fully qualified mountain guide, rested in traditional alpine huts and catered for including a celebratory closing dinner - all you need to think about is engaging in meditation, yoga and yourself.

Come away both mentally and physically refreshed and rejuvenated, having been surrounded by like minded people and outstanding natural beauty.

silent hiking retreat in the alps in summer
vipassana meditation retreat in the swiss alps
refuge de chesery lac vert in the swiss alps
misty mountain views with goats in the alps

Sleep in Traditional Mountain Huts and Enjoy Locally Sourced Meals

The two nights of the three day retreat will be spent in two separate Swiss huts; each of which offers simple, shared accommodation that is run by the locals in summer. Set in the heart of the mountain range, these lodges are only accessible on foot, making the experience all the more magical.

Your first night will be spent in Refuge Chesery, a renovated alpine barn set against the breath-taking backdrop of the Swiss Alps and on night two you will find yourself staying at Refuge Cantine de Barmaz in the enchanting flowery pastures of the Dents Blanches.

Every meal is included within the retreat package and as you practice mindfulness you will be fueled by delicious local produce. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be made up of cheeses from nearby farms, dairy from cattle fed on alpine pastures and seasonal veggies, as well as plentiful supplies of cleansing mountain water.

You are also welcome to bring any snacks of your choice as this retreat is entirely for you.

hut refuge de chesery in the swiss alps in summer
traditional alpine cheese and charcuterie in the swiss alps
the cantine de barmaz champery refuge in the swiss alps
cake and coffee with exceptional views at refuge chesery lac vert
sleeping accomodation in cantine de barmaz champery in the alps

Practice Silent Mindful Hiking Led by a Fully Qualified Guide

As you hike for three days in total silence you can practise mindful vipassana meditation whilst walking through nature; a wonderful alternative to simply sitting on a nail bed or doing yoga inside.

By engaging in physical activity you are often forced to focus on the act of moving forward, consequently allowing the mind to become calm. Better yet, being amongst the magnificence of the mountains means you can truly disconnect from the business and stresses of life at home.

On this retreat you will be led by Neil, a fully qualified mountain guide. You will need to have some hiking experience and a moderate level of fitness but that does not mean the journey will be rushed at all. Be ready to embrace what the weather brings as well as what you discover about yourself.

Vipassana meditation in the mountains of the swiss alps
stunning views of the alps on silent hiking retreat in switzerland
hike to refuge de chesery lac vert in the swiss alps
muddy hiking boots after hiking

Guided Wellness Program: Practice Yoga, Meditation, Qi Gong

Each day of the retreat will involve pre and post-hike meditation, movement, & mindfulness practice.

This will include gentle yoga stretches and poses as well as Qigong and breathwork sessions, all to be held outside amidst the mountains in the fresh alpine air - with the option to practise inside if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Each of these practices will be guided by Ursula, your retreat leader, and can be carried out in comfortable clothes (such as hiking pants) and without any extra equipment making the retreat beginner friendly.

yoga practice on a silent hiking retreat in the alps
outdoor gentle yoga in the alps in summer
forest bathing meditation on silent hiking retreat

Experience the Wonders of the French & Swiss Alps

You will begin your hike in the French Alps, a unique and wonderful mountain range that offers excellent conditions for hiking in the summer. The exceptional landscape provides the peace and tranquillity to aid inner reflection and the crisp mountain air will help you in your journey to clear the mind.

During the retreat the immensity of the mountains will be ever-present; and with every step you take you will encounter extraordinary beauty in the flora and fauna. Without even realising it you will cross the border from France into the Swiss Alps, and you will be able to spot the breathtaking peaks of The Dents du Midi, a three-kilometre-long mountain range.

The Alps are a hiker’s paradise but they also provide secluded areas that are ideal for practising vipassana, meditation and gentle yoga.

Be ready for varying weather conditions, it can be very warm in the summer but clear skies can change dramatically in an hour and packing a light raincoat along with short sleeves and hiking pants is very much advised.

goats in their summer pastures in the alps
traditional alpine hut with hiking gear hanging up
dents blanches mountain range in the alps
alpine cows in the french alps in summer

15 Minute QiGong with Ursula

What's Included?

2 nights accommodation in shared mountain cabins

3 day hiking program with a qualified mountain guide

All meals provided: dinner, breakfast and packed lunch

Daily guided meditation, yoga and QiGong

Closing dinner to honour & celebrate the journey

What's not included?

Flights & Airport Transfers

Travel Insurance

Additional drinks

How to get to the meeting point?

The group will meet at Parking Ardent, in Montriond, France, which is 75 minutes drive from Geneva airport.

  • Rte d’Ardent, 74110 Montriond, France

  • Skiidy Gonzales offers the largest fleet of comfortable private and group transfers from Geneva airport to the French Alps and back.

  • From Geneva airport (Switzerland) take a 30 minute train to Annemasse (France)
    From Annemasse take a 45 minute train to Thonon Les Bains train/central bus station (Gare)
    From Thonon Gare take 45 min trip on the Y91 bus to Morzine direction (‘Mairie de Montriond’ bus stop)
    Cross the road to opposite side and take a 5 minute bus to Ardent telecabine (final stop)

Meditation, Yoga and QiGong instructor

Ursula Tereba

Having practised yoga for 20 years, Ursula's background includes over a thousand training hours in Vinyasa, Power Yoga, Forrest Yoga, Yin & Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Myofascial release, Movement for Trauma, Trauma-sensitive & somatic bodywork, Psychotherapy, Sound Healing Therapy & Teen Yoga.

Ursula brings an open and compassionate approach to her classes. She does not believe in competition or judgement - just curiosity, honesty and connection. She encourages practising yoga with integrity, honouring your bodies’ strength as well as all its limitations and listening carefully to what it is trying to communicate with you.

Ursula Yoga at Lake Montriond, French Alps
Yoga class at Lake Montriond with Ursula Tereba
Yoga & Snowshoeing Retreat in the French Alps
Ursula yoga teacher in Morzine Studio
Mountain Leader

Neil Game

Neil is a highly qualified mountain guide based in Morzine, in the French Alps, who has been guiding private groups since 2017.

Originally from the UK, Neil is an experienced guide who knows the Morzine, Les Gets, and Avoriaz area like the back of his hand.

He offers a range of guided activities, including winter snowshoeing trips, summer hiking, forest bathing, and shinrin yoku.

Neil is also passionate about leading groups on meditation and yoga retreats in the stunning surroundings of the French Alps.

With a deep love for nature and the mountains, Neil is dedicated to helping others experience the beauty and tranquility of this spectacular region in a safe and enjoyable way.

Neil Game - guided hiking in Morzine
Neil Game - mountain leader in Morzine and Les Gets
Neil Game - private mountain guide in Morzine and Les Gets in the French Alps

Retreat Booking & Details

  • €560 per person
  • Amount due in full upon booking, 30% non refundable if cancelled after the 27th June
  • Medium hiking fitness level required
  • Newbies to meditation/yoga are welcome.

Find Ursula online

Want To Hear More?

Please use the contact form to enquire with Ursula directly, it is free of charge and will not incur any fees from us or Ursula.

Find Ursula online

Other Retreats That Might Interest You

View More