FAQ / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If any information you need is not shown below, please feel free to contact us
Who is this retreat for??
This retreat is designed for women, or individuals who identify as women, who are ready to step away from the noise of daily life and invest in their personal and professional growth. Our goal is to create a supportive space where participants can explore personal growth, leadership and adventure in a small group.
Is this program for me if I have never climbed a mountain?
Absolutely! No prior mountaineering or snowshoeing experience is required. All you need is a sense of curiosity and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Before our summit day, we’ll practice together with a professional mountain guide to ensure you feel prepared and confident.
What about if I am scared of heights?
You know yourself best, and we encourage you to listen to your limits. That said, this experience is designed to help you face fears in a supportive and structured way. With expert guidance from our mountain team, you may find yourself building confidence in ways you never expected.
What about fitness? How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking for up to six hours with a light pack. If you have concerns about your fitness level, we’re happy to chat and offer tips on how to prepare.
What is the best to prepare or train?
The best training is simple: walk outside regularly, focusing on hiking uphill whenever possible. You don’t need to be fast—consistency is key. Building endurance and confidence in varied terrain will serve you well on this journey.
What about gear?
See our detailed gear section and then let us know if you have any questions. Click here for the summer gear list or winter gear list.
Do I need to have previous experience with meditation?
Not at all! Whether you’re completely new to meditation or have years of practice, you’ll be guided through simple yet powerful techniques. All we ask is that you come with an open mind and a willingness to try something new.
Is this program for me if I am in the middle of a burn out?
It depends. If you’re experiencing severe burnout, this may not be the right program for you. We recommend consulting with your therapist or doctor to ensure this experience aligns with your recovery. If you’d like to discuss whether the program is a good fit, please reach out.
What if I am a person with a disability?
We strive to make our experiences as inclusive as possible. If you have specific needs, please contact us so we can explore options together and ensure a safe and supportive experience for everyone.
What about men? Can we join?
We are planning mixed gender programs in the future…check back regularly to see what’s on the schedule.
Will I receive 1-1 coaching on the retreat?
While we don’t schedule formal individual coaching sessions on the mountain, there will be plenty of opportunities for 1-on-1 conversations throughout the retreat—whether while hiking, during reflective moments, or in informal discussions. Our approach is highly interactive, incorporating group coaching, guided discussions, and personal growth activities that foster deep insights and meaningful transformation. You’ll gain valuable coaching tools and perspectives in a supportive and dynamic group setting.
Is this a coaching program or a mountaineering course?
At the core, Alpine Azure offers personal development programs based on coaching techniques that are designed to enable your awareness and growth. We choose an outdoor environment, specifically a high alpine environment to offer you new perspective and challenge and we combine that with mountaineering activities to inspire you to see yourself in new ways. While you will learn basic mountaineering skills, this is not a mountaineering course.
More questions? Our team will be very happy to answer any other questions you may have. Please contact us directly at: info@alpine-azure.com
Karoline (31, DE), Physicist
“Right from the beginning I felt like being part of the Women on Ice family. I will always remember these 5 days in the Swiss Alps where I tried many things for the first time and got to know myself much better. I was inspired by the other women and profited from their experience as much as I profited from my own.”

Alpine Azure
Geneva – Zurich
info@alpine-azure.com
Chris Nassivera
chris@alpine-azure.com
+41 (0)79 909 89 35
Andrea Barrueto, PhD
andrea@alpine-azure.com
+41 (0)78 352 20 21