While many in Switzerland are currently navigating a route down red and black ski slopes, another group of youths – including five asylum seekers – are training on cross-country trails at the Swiss Youth Cross-Country Ski Camp.
The initiative, run by canton Lucerne, took place for the first time as a pilot project in 2024 and has now become permanent. “Demand is high,” says Ladina Käppeli, who accompanies the refugees. Around 60 young asylum seekers registered to take part this year, before the final handful was chosen by lottery.
A total of 140 children and youths are currently training at the camp in Engelberg, canton Obwalden. The young asylum seekers are not only out and about on the cross-country trails, but are also integrated into the overall programme.
This works, even if their German is not yet good, explains Käppeli. “That’s the great thing about young people – everything is fast and uncomplicated. And they understand each other without many words.”