Alpine Climbing Program Helps Refugees Heal and Build New Community in Switzerland
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📰 The quick summary: A mountaineering initiative in Switzerland brings together refugees from various countries to climb Alpine summits, helping them heal from trauma and build cross-cultural friendships in their new home.
📈 One key stat: The program has grown from a handful of participants to a community of more than 200 refugees from across the globe, with female participation increasing to over 40%.
💬 One key quote: “Mountaineering isn’t just a sport. Reaching the summit brings an incredible sense of relief. And it’s proof that you can overcome your physical and emotional challenges, even after extreme hardship,” says Soroush Esfandiary, 27.
1️⃣ The big picture: The Geneva-based non-profit Peaks4All is transforming the lives of refugees in Switzerland through mountaineering expeditions in the Alps. Founded by two female mountaineers, Laëtitia Lam and Clémence Delloye, the initiative helps refugees from countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Ukraine, and Palestine recover from trauma while fostering integration. Participants train together and tackle challenging climbs, including peaks reaching nearly 4,000 meters. What began as a small project has grown into a diverse community of over 200 refugees, creating meaningful connections across cultural boundaries.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The mountains provide refugees with a powerful therapeutic environment to process trauma from war, persecution, and difficult journeys. Participants discover inner strength they didn’t know they possessed, as the physical challenge of climbing mirrors and helps overcome emotional hardships. The program bridges isolation by creating a supportive international community where differences in nationality fade away. For many, like Afghan refugee Alem Big Qaderi, the Alps evoke memories of mountains from their homelands, offering a sense of familiarity and belonging in their new country.
3️⃣ What’s next: Peaks4All plans another major summit climb this year, following last year’s successful ascent of Ulrichshorn at 3,925 meters. Between these annual climbs, the organization regularly offers smaller hikes and mountain activities including bouldering and canyoning. The group aims to continue expanding its community while deepening connections between refugees and Swiss locals.
Read the full story here: The Guardian – Friendship at 13,000 feet: how climbing in the Swiss Alps is bringing refugees together
