Hiking, Life Lessons, and the Development of Grit

At nearly 4000 meters of altitude, on the South-West face of the Finsteraarhorn, a group of students from the Ecole d’Humanité is climbing towards the 4274-meter peak. Straining under an unseasonably warm sun, the students push towards the summit. Slowly, step by step, meter by meter, they inch closer to their goal.

They departed their hut at 3 AM, climbing upwards on skis as dawn broke. And now, they climb higher where the air is thinner, each step feeling like four, their bodies not yet fully acclimated to the altitude. Tired, hot, and short of breath, they push on, the warmth of the sun intensifying the climb.

This group of intrepid, adventurous students attends the Ecole d’Humanité, an international, university-prep boarding school in the Swiss Alps. While completing a rigorous academic program, students also take on personal and athletic challenges, designed to develop grit, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork.

These students are on their six-day hike, a time-honored tradition at the Ecole d’Humanité. Students spend nearly a week living in nature, hiking, climbing, or ski touring in small groups, living with nothing more than what they can carry on their backs.

Noah, a student, photographer, filmmaker, and avid back-country skier, describes this ascent up the Finsteraarhorn as one of his most difficult. Tired, and deep in the wilderness, he sees that there is no other option than to press on.

He breaks down the task into small steps – just get one hundred meters further. Forge ahead through the snow.  Like this, he develops a rhythm, a system to take on this formidable task.

Finally, Noah and his hike mates crest the peak of the Finsteraarhorn. At 4274 meters above sea level, they are alone at the top, a blue expanse above them, silence below. What was, moments before, one of the most challenging experiences of his week, now becomes a highlight of his life. Together with his hike mates and teachers, he breathes in the majesty of the mountain. They sit in the sun, taking in the view.

The struggle of a few moments before now becomes vast appreciation, joy, and a sense of accomplishment.

Finally, they ready their skis and begin the descent. Under perfect conditions, they ski down, back to their hut.

Noah explains how he views his hiking adventures – they are profound life lessons. Through hiking and outdoor activities, he’s come to know that struggle is an important part of life for it brings appreciation and achievement. Hiking has given Noah a new perspective on facing challenges in other areas of his life. Huge projects can be overwhelming. But breaking them down into smaller goals, just as you would on a hike, brings them within reach.

Hiking is more than having fun in nature together. Hiking is learning grit, perseverance, and the value of hard work.

To see more of Noah’s work, check out his Youtube channel.

To learn more about the Ecole d’Humanité, our academic program, and our outdoor education program, contact us!