This past July, nine young girls spent 10 full days living on their tents besides the Findelen glacier completely disconnected from the rest of the world. The aim of the Girls on Ice Switzerland Expedition is to introduce young girls into the experience of deep connection with nature, both in the physical and intellectual dimensions.

The Girls on Ice Expedition is part of the international organization ‘Inspiring Girls Expeditions’ funded in Alaska in 2012, whose success has allowed the quick expansion to different regions of the world. Here in Switzerland, it was the fifth German and third French speaking edition – and again a great success despite the ongoing pandemic situation. A team of three scientists and one mountain guide lead this exclusively female adventure that opens for applications every year from December to February for young girls from all around the world. Language and age (15-17 years) are the only requirements.

Empowering girls as individuals and as a team

The aim of the program is to introduce young girls into the experience of deep connection with nature, both in the physical and intellectual dimensions. The opportunity is therefore prioritized for applicants revealing reduced accessibility to wild environments in general. During these ten days, the girls learn how to move safely through the mountain landscape and empower themselves as individuals and as a team to achieve the physical challenges ahead.

Scientific fieldwork, excursions and workshops

The scientific dimension is a fundamental part of the program, that has been carefully thought through to inspire the girls to observe their surroundings with curious eyes. With topic related workshops, excursions and real experiences of scientific fieldwork, the girls are encouraged to develop a wide range of inquiring skills, while being surrounded and fully immersed in the beautiful object of their study. 

Motivated by the example and experience of the professional woman in charge of the program, plus the participation of visitor scientists – I was one of them – and artists who are all experts in their fields, the girls are introduced into a new world of possibilities to inspire their future.

We encourage all the young girls to apply for the 2022 expedition! Girls on Ice Switzerland

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: Inspiring Girls Expeditions EU @ige_eu
Contact: swiss@girlsonice.org

Inés Dussaillant