Kids' Summer Creative Workshops at The Alpina Gstaad
As the stress of school and exams comes to an end, it’s time to head for the fresh air of the Alps and the freedom of summer. The Alpina Gstaad is thrilled to announce a series of fun, family-friendly creative workshops in collaboration with the Geneva-based Caran d'Ache, the centuries-old family company synonymous with luxury and Swiss-made quality.
These brand new workshops offer participants young and old a unique and fun opportunity to escape the pressures of home. They provide a chance to connect with nature, and each other, through art and imagination, seeing the magnificent Alps through a different lens - not just through sunglasses or ski goggles.
The Workshops
The hotel has teamed up with three internationally renowned artists to offer three brand new two-hour creative workshops for adults and children. Please note children under six must be accompanied by an adult.
29th & 30th June 2024: Nicolas Bamert – Original Cosmos Colours
Nicolas Bamert is a Swiss visual artist from Montreux known simply as “L'Original”. Deeply involved with the urban art movement, his large participatory frescoes and fabulously colourful “positive art” promises an invitation to dream.
Harnessing a blend of techniques including pastel work, carving, and paper-cutting, and using Caran d’Ache Neopastel™ oil pastels and Neocolor™ II watercolour wax pastels, participants will embark on a colour-infused journey into a cosmic realm of richly textured and dynamic artworks.
3rd & 4th August: Alice Izzo – Flower Power
Alice Izzo, a skilled artist hailing from Geneva, is a multidisciplinary creative, excelling as an illustrator, clothing designer, and urban artist. She co-founded Les Amazones collective in the vibrant Quartier des Bains in Geneva, a collaborative space celebrating various forms of graphic art such as illustration, tattooing, publishing, ceramics, and poetry.
In this workshop, she will guide participants in exploring various techniques to decorate charming wooden flowers using the flamboyant colours of Caran d’Ache acrylic paint.
31st August & 1st September: Willemien Bardawil – Family and Pet Portraits
Willemien is a British artist and designer who has built her career between London and Paris, amassing an international following for her dynamic artwork. She has collaborated with numerous brands, including Soho House, Levi's, Selfridges, Sézane, and Le Bon Marché.
Using traditionally made Caran d’Ache Gouache Studio and Neocolor™ II watercolour wax pastels, Willemien will guide participants in mastering the art of watercolour and acrylic to create personalised family and pet portraits.
The Location
These workshops will take place in the intimate setting of the Jean Prouvé House, nestled within the hotel’s alpine garden. Here, creativity flourishes, stoked by a unique blend of inspiration and collaboration amid picturesque nature and the innovative design of Prouvé’s architectural masterpiece.
For the Adults
In addition to these kid-focused workshops, The Alpina Gstaad is also holding adults-only workshops throughout the summer.
The Leica Camera Photography Workshops are five-person, five-hour workshops taking place in the Saanenland landscape. Explore digital photography using the renowned Leica Q3 camera with a mix of theory and hands-on experience. A picnic, petits-fours, an aperitive, and comfortable transfer to the mountains are included.
Those aged 15 and up can also attend adults-only creative workshops exploring pastel techniques with Beya Rebaï (13th and 14th July) or getting an introduction to working with graphite with JP Kalonji (20th July).
For more information on the workshops click here.
Other Family Activities at the The Alpina Gstaad
Alpine Walking and E-Biking: The Gstaad region is full of easy hikes, complete with barbecue areas and playgrounds offering breathtaking views of the Alpine valleys. Follow the yellow signs to walk the Rinderberg to an altitude of 2079m (perhaps with a bit of help from a gondola cabin) or take a scenic walk around Lake Sanetsch. For children, the cultural and themed trails are a great way to explore the outdoors while learning interesting facts about the region.
The Tree House Club: This kids’ space at The Alpina Gstaad is dedicated to play and adventure. Under the attentive watch of trained childcare professionals, younger guests can enjoy a range of fun activities. Children under four must be accompanied by an adult. Open daily, Sunday to Thursday from 11.30am-7pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10.30am-8pm.
Besides providing the materials for the creative workshops, Maison Caran d’Ache will also provide a spectrum of vibrant colours and premium materials to ignite the creativity of every young artist at The Tree House Club. Budding Picassos will be invited to add their brush strokes to an XXL fresco, creating an ever-evolving tapestry throughout the summer.
Homemade Poolside Gelato: What would a family summer be without ice cream? Guests can enjoy homemade ice cream and sorbet served from a charming miniature Italian scooter by the hotel’s resident gelato maestro.
For more details and registration, please contact the Alpina Gstaad concierge hosts.
Email: concierge@thealpinagstaad.ch
Telephone: +41 33 888 9886.
Art Workshop Prices (maximum of five participants per session)
Creative Workshops
Group: CHF 350 per person
Private: CHF 1800
Leica Camera Photography Workshops
Group: CHF 600 per person
Private: CHF 2700
