Leadership Trails

Where
Swiss Alps

Length
At least 3 days

Difficulty
Not difficult but a decent level of fitness is required

Basecamp
Mountain hut, Mountain hotel, tent

Leadership Trails

Forge leadership, insight and team cohesion on a multi-day mountain journey tailored for corporate teams. Mountful Hikes’ Leadership Trails in the Swiss Alps blend challenge, reflection and connection into one transformative experience.

Why choose a Leadership Trail in the Alps?

  • Clarify purpose through conscious disconnection—away from screens and schedules.
  • Grow through challenge—navigate terrain, reflect on leadership, and solidify team bonds.
  • Stretch the moment—time in the mountains creates insights that last well beyond the return leg.

What your Leadership Trail includes

  • Duration: Choose from 3-day or 4-day expeditions, with options for tailored programs that match your team’s rhythm.
  • Core design: Each day balances guided hikes with structured coaching, nature-driven reflection sessions, and moments of personal insight.
  • Base options: Stay in mountain huts or hotels—authentic and inspiring lodgings that enhance focus and reflection.
  • Optional extras: Add evening program elements such as mindful fireside discussions, journaling exercises, or gentle yoga in the alpine light.

Leadership outcomes that endure

  • Strengthened presence: Leaders become conscious of how they inhabit influence, not just position.
  • Deepened collaboration: Shared challenge creates empathy, trust, and new ways of relating.
  • Balanced perspective: Silence, altitude, and pace encourage self-awareness and clarity of direction.
  • Lasting energy: The alpine experience anchors fresh motivation and accountability back in the workplace.

Guided with experience and care
Your journey is led by certified mountain leader Famke van der Elst, with expertise in supporting international teams through meaningful, safe outdoor experiences. Coaching is provided with warmth and professionalism—from evening debriefs to leadership reflections on the trail.

Ready to design your Leadership Trail?
Let’s shape an experience that reflects your goals—without the rush of daily life, with the openness only the mountains can inspire.

[Request an offer]

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Harnessing the Mountains as Facilitators and Catalysts

Our journey of development is uniquely guided and catalyzed by the majestic mountains themselves. Complementing this natural influence, our team of dedicated human facilitators, including a skilled coach and an experienced mountain leader, will curate a tailor-made expedition for your group.

Before embarking on the trail, our coach will engage with your team members to ensure that the upcoming experience aligns seamlessly with your objectives and anticipates your desired outcomes. This personalized approach guarantees that our trail is finely tuned to meet your needs and deliver the transformative results you seek.

 

Program examples:

1. Back to Nature (wild camping)

2. Peaks & Perspectives (trekking from hut to hut)

3. Basecamp de Luxe (day trips from a luxurious mountain hotel)

The Lateral Space

I’ve teamed up with Lateral Space, an innovative boutique consultancy with a penchant for adventure. Their adept consultants have steered numerous teams and leaders toward remarkable advancements.

Aligned in our values, we are committed to:

  1. Cultivating transformative capacities in individuals, teams, and organizations.
  2. Creating a secure space for team members to exchange ideas, explore possibilities, and nurture curiosity.
  3. Honouring personal and organizational boundaries in all our endeavors.
  4. Nurturing openness and transparency to foster personal, team, and organizational growth.
  5. Revering nature’s potency while basking in the splendor of our planet’s beauty.

Discover a partnership that embodies shared values, propelling growth and innovation.

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Testimonials

  • In March 2025, our Nordian team embarked on an unforgettable snowshoeing adventure in the Italian Alps. Over the course of several days, we pushed our limits, crossed a 2,500-metre mountain pass with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, and found plenty of space to reflect on our ambitions for the years ahead and the launch of Nordian IV. It was more than just a physical challenge, it was a chance to grow as a team, to overcome obstacles together, and to return with fresh ideas and renewed energy. A special thank you to our guide, Famke van der Elst, for designing such a beautiful trek and leading us with her trademark enthusiasm, supported by two excellent co-guides. And of course to Woody, her four-legged partner, who stole everyone’s heart with his cheerful antics. This trip will stay with us for a long time; both for the memories we made and the lessons we brought home.

    Tijs Akkerman, Nordian, Managing Partner

  • Last September, together with a group of inspiring women, I joined Famke on a 3 day trial through the Swiss Alps. The tour - very much focused on personal development - was an amazing combination of being in and with nature, being present in the here and now, using the mountains as reflection to my own journey and partnering up with the mountains for a few days - experiencing her beauty, source of basic needs (such as water and oxygen), ability to co-exist and to learn from.

Famke had prepared an amazing hike - with great detail - that guided us through this journey. During this journey she was not only guiding us the way, but also monitoring our progress - making sure we we ok at all times. Famke is a true source of so much knowledge on the area, but also an example of how to live hand in hand with nature and the mountains. She showed us several amazing spots during those hikes, where we could, rest, revigourate, relax and also process the personal journey we were on. 

She shared with us her love for the mountains - and made me realise how much energy they bring and how amazing it is to spend time in them. 
I need to find the best configuration and timing - but when I do get to claim that time - I will for sure reach out to Famke to take us on another memorable trip.

    Merel Osinga, marketing director

  • Famke and I worked together on a Wilderness Trail, where we took a group of women wildcamping into to the Swiss Alps. Famke took us to the most amazing spots where we spent the night under the stars. When you're a facilitator I can strongly recommend her. She's really adaptable and likes to tailor a trip to your needs. However, she really knows and loves the mountains which means she will not bend in all ways - because safety, fun and a balance between relaxation and stamina is what she takes care of.

    Maaike Bloem, business coach

  • “The trail was well balanced, which must have been a challenge taking into account our very diverse team, (also in terms of hiking experience). Really wonderful location, especially the mountain hut.”

    A. Mojana

  • “The coaching was needed and very positive: really supporting and driving the team dynamics/energies in the right direction.”

    M. Schipper

  • “The trail exceeded my expectations!”

    N. Shadid

  • “Normally in these nature team-building activities you see a soft-sports approach to fit all levels. This was not the case this time, I love that.”

    B. Arias

  • “The hike was good, not too difficult but also not too easy, great nature experience and out-of standard routes.”

    L. des Vignes

  • “What I really liked about the coaching was that you work in the area of phsycological safety and mindfulness, which is so refreshing in a work performance culture. I believe your approach is the right one.”

    R. Philips

  • “Famke’s key strength is how she combines her great social skills with an in-depth knowledge of being in the outdoor and the mountains. This combination creates not only a strong feeling of safety in the group but also a great atmosphere of positivity and fun.”

    W. Hoffman

Other options

breakout-sessions

Breakout sessions

teambuilding

Teambuilding

company-outings

Company outings