Fresh Air, Fast Sleds, and Alpine Cheese: Why Getting Outdoors Is Good for SHMS Students

Surrounded by the Swiss Alps, the SHMS Leysin campus offers something many universities simply can’t: a natural playground right outside the classroom. Snow-covered trails, fresh mountain air, and panoramic views make it easy for students to step away from their laptops and into nature.

Recently, SHMS students did exactly that through two winter excursions: a scenic hike to the local alpine cheese maker Le Temeley and an afternoon of high-energy tobogganing. While both activities were full of fun, they also highlight something backed by science: spending time outdoors is incredibly beneficial for both physical and mental health.

Hiking to Le Temeley: A Scenic Study Break

Bundled up in winter layers, SHMS students recently set off on a snowy hike through the alpine trails above Leysin. The destination: Le Temeley, a traditional mountain cheese maker known for its local specialties.

The route wound through quiet forests and open slopes, giving students plenty of opportunities to pause, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful alpine surroundings. After the climb, the group arrived at the rustic cheese maker, where they could warm up, and cool down after the trek.

For many, the experience felt like the perfect reset from busy campus life.

“It felt amazing to step away from assignments for a few hours and just enjoy the mountains,” one student shared. “The hike was challenging but fun, and arriving at the refuge made it even more memorable.”

Beyond the beautiful views, outdoor activities like hiking offer measurable health benefits. A large study published in Scientific Reports found that people who spend at least 120 minutes per week in nature report significantly better health and well-being compared with those who rarely go outdoors.

Even short periods outside can help. Research suggests that exposure to natural environments can reduce stress levels and improve mood - especially when paired with light physical activity like walking.

Tobogganing: Laughter, Speed and Snow

Another recent outing traded hiking boots for sleds as students headed to the slopes for an afternoon of tobogganing.

With each run came cheers, laughter, and the occasional dramatic spin in the snow. The fast-paced activity quickly turned into friendly races and plenty of shared moments of pure winter fun.

“You forget how much fun it is to just play in the snow,” another student said. “Everyone was racing each other and trying to beat their last run—it was impossible not to laugh.”

Activities like sledding get students moving during the winter months, which helps boost cardiovascular health and release endorphins: the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals.

Time outdoors also provides exposure to natural light, which supports healthy sleep cycles and vitamin D production.

Perhaps just as importantly, shared outdoor experiences strengthen social connections. Whether hiking together or racing down a hill on a sled, these moments help build friendships and create lasting memories.

Why Nature Matters

A growing body of research shows that time in nature can significantly improve mental well-being. Studies have found that even brief exposure to natural environments can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and help restore focus.

For university students balancing coursework, deadlines, and busy social lives, these benefits are particularly valuable. Natural environments provide what psychologists call “attention restoration”or a chance for the brain to recover from constant concentration and screen time.

At SHMS Leysin, students are uniquely positioned to enjoy these benefits. With alpine trails and snowy slopes just minutes from campus, outdoor adventures like hiking and tobogganing become more than just excursions—they’re part of the student experience.

Sometimes, the best way to recharge isn’t another cup of coffee. It’s a walk in the mountains.

Until next time!

(You can take a look at our excursion to our local mountain through this link, happening on the 14th March 2026)

Sports and Leisure SHMS Leysin

References

White, M. P., et al. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports.

Roberts, H., et al. (2019). The effect of short-term exposure to natural environments on depressive mood: A systematic review.

Wang, R., et al. (2019). Urban greenery and mental wellbeing in adults.