Sisterhood in Switzerland: Women-only outdoor activities

As the saying goes: anything men can do, women can do in heels. While the idea is fun, high heels probably aren’t the best choice for the “100% Women” program by Switzerland Tourism. Instead, put on your walking boots or running shoes to join in a variety of exciting outdoor activities, all designed by women, for women.

Adventurous travelers should also check out outdoor activities in Switzerland.

The Peak Challenge

Mostly, men have been the ones shaping the history of mountain climbing, but women have been taking on the Alps since the 19th century. A highlight of the 100% Women initiative is the Peak Challenge. It encourages female climbers to follow in the footsteps of Victorian pioneers like Lucy Walker, who, on 22 July 1871, became the first woman to climb the Matterhorn – wearing a white dress and fueled by champagne and sponge cake. The Challenge started on 8 March 2021 for International Women’s Day and runs until 8 October. It aims to inspire women-only teams to climb all 48 of the 13,000ft peaks in Switzerland within six months.

At the time of writing, 27 of the 48 peaks have already been conquered, which means that there are 21 still to go. The only requirement to take part is that you are a woman brave and fit enough to make it all the way to the top. A selfie at the summit is enough evidence to tick another peak off the list! The smattering of smiling selfies on the Peak Challenge website pays tribute to the teams’ amazing work. You can also get inspired by the women’s progress at the hashtag #Ineedswitzerland on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The emphasis of the Challenge is not on competition, but rather on creating a community of women from all over the world, professional mountaineers and new climbers alike, and helping the teams to share an incredible experience. To this end, there is a Facebook group dedicated to the Challenge, where women can find inspiration (and maybe even a rope partner!). The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), the Swiss Mountain Guide Association, and Swiss outdoor brand Mammut are also partnering with the Challenge, meaning finishers will be rewarded with a top-notch carabiner and a 100% Women Peak Challenge t-shirt. Swish!

Climbing and mountaineering

In a country with highlands as beautiful as Switzerland’s, there are plenty of opportunities to scale some truly magnificent mountains. Alongside a wealth of single- and multiple-day climbing courses for all levels, you will find some fun and quirky activities offered by the programme. The experience named ‘Climbing and fondue as the sun goes down’, for example, tells you everything you need to know! Your guide will lead you as you hike and climb to the summit of secluded Pierre Avoi, where you will enjoy fondue on the mountaintop at sunset; an almost impossibly idyllic experience.

The 100% Women initiative aims to help women realise their potential, whether it be in the mountains, in sport, or in life. As such, there are several hiking and climbing courses that are interwoven with personal development workshops. Where better to learn how to cope with uncertainty than in the mountains? This is exactly what Maya Lalive and Rosaria Heeb aim to do in their two-day mental training and hiking workshop, ‘Strength in mountains, strength in life’, where they equip women with techniques and tools that they can take with them when they head home.

Trail Running

Trail running in Switzerland offers an unparalleled opportunity to run through awesome scenery and on every conceivable type of terrain. With courses held in the gorgeous greenery of Arosa, the stunning Pizol mountain, idyllic Saas-Fee, the famous mountain resort of Zermatt, and beautiful Nendaz, trail runners (and those who aspire to be!) are spoilt for choice.

Women's Outdoor Adventures in Switzerland

Women in Switzerland have a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from, whether it's climbing, mountaineering, or trail running. The country offers safe and exhilarating adventures for women, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both challenge and community. From scaling peaks to enjoying a fondue at sunset, outdoor Switzerland provides endless opportunities for women to explore and grow.

Women's Outdoor Adventures in Switzerland

When you're not getting lost in the amazing views or meeting new friends, you'll learn to listen to your body, improve your running skills, and get tips on nutrition. The courses range from a few hours to a few days, with workshops for different skill levels. Some courses are for everyone, while others are just for beginners. Starting your running journey in the Swiss Alps with a group of supportive female friends is truly special.

With all the running experiences offered by 100% Women, the focus is on having fun, building a community, and empowering yourself and others. As one of the course coaches says: “If you run with joy, you can move mountains.”

Hiking Adventures for Women in Switzerland

If you want a similar experience but at a slower pace, hiking might be for you. The Swiss love hiking, and with over 65,000km of marked trails showing off stunning Alpine views, it's easy to see why.

100% Women offers many hiking experiences for different abilities. Whatever you want from your hike, they have a trail for you. Among the regular hikes, you’ll find wellness-themed hikes that mix walking, yoga, qigong, meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises, all set against beautiful backdrops of mountains, forests, hills, and lakes. There are also ‘offline’ hikes where phones are banned for a few hours to a few days, giving you a digital detox.

One hike in the Binn Valley lets you learn about and hunt for precious gems, which you can later turn into jewelry or small art pieces. There's a hike for early risers in the mountains of Liechtenstein that starts in the dark and lets you watch the sunrise from a mountain summit. Another unique hike in Ferpècle is about ‘searching for sound’, where you listen to the natural sounds of the mountains and experiment with your own voice, led by an experimental rock singer. There's even a hike called ‘A culinary discovery tour with donkeys’, where over five days, you hike and ride through the Blenio Valley, learning about Ticino’s culinary history and collecting herbs.

Cycling

The Swiss really love cycling, maybe even more than hiking! You'll see red signs everywhere marking the cycling paths. You can rent bikes and gear at main stations, and in summer, big cities offer free bikes. If you want to explore nature on two wheels, 100% Women has great options. They offer cycling experiences all over Switzerland for all skill levels and any schedule.

These activities are specially designed for women and always led by an experienced female guide. Many include things like cooking or yoga, plus workshops to teach you how to fix your bike. This can save you money and is important for safety if you want to try the trails on your own later!

Winter sports

There are tons of chances to learn or practice winter sports in the Swiss Alps. For skiers and snowboarders, the choices with 100% Women and all of Switzerland are huge. Verbier and Zermatt are famous for tough skiing, while the Jungfrau region – Grindelwald, Mürren, and Wengen – is better for intermediates. You can even ski in summer on glaciers at Saas Fee and Zermatt.

100% Women offers experiences that focus on bonding, learning, and building confidence. Many activities mix skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing with yoga, personal growth, and tasty snacks (like flame-grilled salmon on a mountain!). There’s also hiking and cross-country skiing through beautiful landscapes, plus courses in avalanche safety and self-care to help women reach their full potential.

Whether you're exploring women's outdoor adventures or curious about what women can do in Switzerland, the country offers a safe and exciting place for outdoor activities. From cycling to winter sports, women in Switzerland can enjoy a wide range of adventure activities designed with their needs in mind.

Aquatic sports

Switzerland isn't just about mountains and fresh air; it's also about water and fun ways to enjoy it. Many hiking, cycling, and climbing trips let you go wild swimming in lakes you find along the way. But if you're looking for water-based activities, 100% Women has got you covered.

You might think surfing in land-locked Switzerland is impossible, but think again! 100% Women offers a wakesurfing course for all levels. Beginners who have never stood on a surfboard will learn to catch waves on Lake Murten, and advanced surfers can try out new tricks.

There are also several kayaking experiences to try. There's a beginner course where you can learn the basics in a safe and beautiful setting. Or, you can take a weekend course that includes three hours of kayaking on Lake Lugano's clear waters and a massage. Afterward, you can relax by the pool, explore nearby villages, or go shopping. You can also join a multi-day kayak adventure across Switzerland, paddling on some of the world's most stunning freshwater lakes.

Another fun way to meet inspiring women is the yoga and sailing experience. Start each day with a one-hour yoga class by the calm Lake Constance, then learn to sail a yacht together. Sailing is a great way to bond with others!

City and culture

The 100% Women initiative focuses on highlighting women's contributions to history. They offer cultural and historical tours across Switzerland that celebrate women's roles in history. Whether it's exploring fashion through the ages in St Gallen, art at the Basel Art Museum, women's history in Zurich, books in Solothurn, or a unique tour in Wilchingen led by actors playing 1767 washerwomen, there's a tour that will entertain and educate you wherever you are in Switzerland.

Women's Outdoor Adventures in Switzerland

Wondering what women can do in Switzerland? The country offers a ton of outdoor activities. From amazing landscapes to peaceful lakes, Switzerland is perfect for adventure. Whether you're exploring the water or diving into the rich culture, there are endless opportunities for women's outdoor adventures. Is Switzerland safe for women? Absolutely, and the 100% Women initiative ensures that women have enriching and safe experiences.

And much more…

In Switzerland, there are tons of outdoor activities that don’t fit into just one category. Some mix different experiences, while others are just unique! You could try tasting Swiss delicacies, like learning to brew beer in Rheinfelden, enjoying wine tasting and a picnic at a women-run vineyard in Gentilino, or taking a cooking course with a herbalist using herbs you’ve foraged yourself. There’s also archery, paragliding, triathlon training, moped tours, survival skills, and even a half-day experience called ‘Fun with diggers’ – which is exactly what it sounds like!

With the 100% Women initiative, Switzerland Tourism hopes to attract more women to Switzerland. They want women to experience the unique landscape and inspire them to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. With so many outdoor adventures for women of all levels and a supportive atmosphere, it’s no wonder the initiative has been so successful.

How to plan your trip

The best way to travel sustainably in Switzerland

Switzerland is a public transport paradise. Hydroelectric rail travel is the backbone of sustainable mobility, and you can glide over lakes by solar-powered boat or float up mountains in a cable car. In partnership with the climate protection organisation ‘myclimate’, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) customers can offset their CO₂ emissions by donating to climate protection projects and purchasing alternative fuels. SWISS has frequent, direct flights from London and other major UK & Ireland cities to Zürich and Geneva. Zürich, Basel, and Geneva are well connected by train from London.

Also, find information on how to get to Switzerland.

Book your bespoke Swiss experience

The Switzerland Travel Centre can create personalized trips using their expertise and experience of this beautiful country. Discover legendary train journeys, nature tours, culinary expeditions, ski, bike, or hiking holidays, and a wide range of city and culture trips. Alternatively, choose the Swiss Travel Pass, which lets you explore Switzerland on a single ticket! The Swiss Travel Pass allows unlimited train, bus, and boat travel to Switzerland’s most scenic regions and is one of the most flexible ways to get around the country.

Discover more on MySwitzerland.com

Travel possibilities from the UK to Switzerland are looking brighter for the summer and autumn; now is the time to start booking your trip! Find out more about this stunning country and Covid-19 restrictions, as well as your chance to win a trip to Switzerland at [www.myswitzerland.com](https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/microsites/gb/we-need-switzerland/).

Top image © Switzerland Tourism/Florence Gross

This article was written in partnership with Switzerland Tourism.

Women and Outdoor Adventures in Switzerland

Switzerland offers a wealth of outdoor activities for women, from hiking and biking to skiing and nature tours. Whether you're wondering "is Switzerland safe for women?" or seeking women's outdoor adventures, this country provides endless opportunities. Discover what women can do in Switzerland and explore the beautiful landscapes through various adventure activities.