10 NEW THINGS TO DO IN GENEVA IN 2020
by Chené Koscielny and Alana Dunsmore
Still feeling inspired by the start of a brand new year and the fresh opportunities it brings? Push yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new and different this year. You’re never too old and it’s never too late. Luckily, there is no shortage of new experiences to try in Geneva this year.
1. CURLING ANYONE? You get to shout a lot.
Somehow curling hasn’t really been on our radar until now. Heck, we didn’t really understand what it was till recently: Curling is a sport in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice toward a kind of bulls-eye on ice, which is segmented into four concentric circles. It is related to bowls, boules and shuffleboard.
Apparently it’s a great workout and burns loads of calories PLUS you get to shout a lot, so we’re happy to give this a shot. The Curling Club de Genève (which has 200 members and exists since 1946) offers you the chance to try out a curling class or to organise a group to try out this sport with qualified instructors. They also have a junior school.
WHERE
Centre Sportif Sous-Moulin
Route de Sous-Moulin 39
MORE INFO
www.curling-geneve.ch
2. WORK WITH WOOD – without upsetting your Swiss neighbours
Maybe you have a woodworking project you always wanted to do or there is an abandoned craftwork sitting in the corner that you have vowed to finish this year. Or maybe you don’t have the space to swing a cat or the sound of a drill or a saw will send your Swiss neighbour through the roof. Well, here is a solution for you.
Geneva Open Wood Workshop is hosting a variety of events for beginners and experts, adults and children, to fulfil their woodwork dreams.
Check their website for more details as there are a variety of pre-arranged events. There is also the opportunity to hire a professional to do a semi-private session with you to help finish a project.
Refer to website for specific events, dates and cost.
WHERE
Rue des Moulins-Raichlen 6
MORE INFO
3. COLLEGIATE SHAG CLASS – no, it’s not what you think!
If you love dancing – why not try a new Collegiate Shag (it’s a dance, not actual shagging, you fool!) class starting in February 2020 with super-friendly Alex and Amy at Geneva Swing.
The course will be taught in English in a friendly environment and it’s open for all beginners of any type of dance.
Teacher Amy says: “It’s great for jazz lovers who want to be able to dance to jazz concerts – manouche vintage big band – or 50s era music, during all the outdoor music festivals in Geneva during the summer.”
If you’re not quite convinced, Geneva Swing is also hosting a Winter Hop & Jump workshop on the weekend of 25 and 26 January, where you can try out some of their dances, including a taster to the Collegiate Shag dance. Sounds like fun!
MORE INFO
The Collegiate Shag class takes place on Mondays at 9pm at the Geneva Swing Studio, 35 Rue de Carouge.
The cost is CHF280 per semester and CHF200 for students with a student card.
WEBSITE
4. SNOWSHOEING – for the more fainthearted.
Maybe you’re just not that into skiing or maybe you just want to shut up all those *&%$#! people trying to get you onto the snow or you’re sick to death of ski-ing and you just want to try something different. Well, there is snowshoeing – surely, this can’t be as hard for adults to learn as skiing?
Snowshoeing is said to be a great workout, but a little slower paced for those who don’t like the feeling of racing downhill on two sticks. It will still get you outside and enjoying the beautiful mountains and you’ll even work up a sweat and earn your fondue and wine.
Book an excursion with Xavier Gadat through Adrenaline Hunters. He will take you out on a half or full day excursion around Chamonix at a beginner level in French or English. We have heard from a good source that this is a beautiful and must do experience.
Let us know what you think! Refer to the website for more details.
MORE INFO
5. DOGSLEDDING – has anyone actually tried this for real?
This seems like something out of a movie, but apparently it’s for real and it’s an alternative which will allow you to get outdoors to experience the magnificent mountains and to play in the snow with dogs.
In the Portes du Soleil you have the chance to try out this different form of travel, powered by dogs. Don’t worry you will be led by a musher.
During the session you will learn how to take care of the dogs and direct the sledge. After the instruction you will have the opportunity to test out your skills with a ride through the beautiful landscape of Avoriaz or Abundance. This excursion is available in English or French.
Please note good physical condition is required! Hmmm, that’s the bit that worries me. Why? We thought the dogs are doing the work! If you’ve done this, please do send us your experience in a comment or drop us a line: info@thingstodoingeneva.ch
MORE INFO
6. IGLOO-BUILDING – release your inner Elsa
Discover the most beautiful massifs of Haute Savoie and learn to build your own igloo! Not sure what exactly this entails, but it’s something different. Just think of the Instagram selfie potential.
From hiking to mountaineering, Maxime of Adrenaline Hunters can take you into the wild to unusual and sublime places. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry, he proposes a quick introduction to walking with snowshoes (technique, use of poles, breathing…). If you’re already experts, Maxime has some sporty and alpine itineraries up his sleeves.
Discover the Mont Blanc, Dents du Midi or multiple panoramas on the Northern Alps (Morzine-Avoriaz, Les Gets, Portes du Soleil…).
The excursion is offered in French, German and English. You have the option of snowshoeing and igloo building (for 3 hours) or just igloo building for 3 hours.
Check the website below for all the details.
This playful activity is suitable for families as well.
MORE INFO
7. HIGH ALTITUDE FITNESS – for fitness junkies
Is exercise a big part of your daily life but you’re getting a bit bored of your current routine? Take your 2020 exercise regime to new heights with this fabulous high-altitude fitness experience in Verbier.
You will learn new fitness techniques and meet new people with similar interests to you. This opportunity includes a guided ski tour, high altitude fitness, followed by a relaxing session of aerial yoga.
TO GET AN EXCLUSIVE 25% OFF DISCOUNT as a THINGS TO DO IN GENEVA reader, CLICK HERE.
8. CERAMIC MODELLING – enough adrenalin already
Maybe you just want to do something calm. mindful and creative after all of those outdoor thrills.
Joelle from TerraTerre Atelier teaches kids and adults how to make their own custom ceramics using the modelling method. With her help you’ll create some beautiful pieces to show off to friends and family visiting this year.
Contact Joelle directly if you’d like to book instruction in English.
WHEN
Refer to course schedule
WHERE
15 rue Louis-Favre
MORE INFO
9. BOOST YOUR PHOTO SKILLS – in a castle
Every time you look at your snaps of family and friends do you wish you were better at taking photos?
In 2020 the Swiss Photo Club and the Château de Vullierens are organising a weekend photography workshop in Spring. There will be a variety of workshops for participants to choose from, so whether you’re a beginner or you’re looking to improve your skills, you’ll find something that works for you.
You will have all-day access to the beautiful gardens and the workshop includes guided tours of the Château de Vullierens gardens, as well as wine tastings. Sounds fantastic!
Inscription is required. Further details included on website below.
To read more about the Swiss Photo Club and their other courses CLICK HERE.
TIP: there is a discount code for the Swiss Photo Club courses.
WHEN
May 22-23, 2020 (Wet weather contingency date May 30,2020)
WHERE
Château de Vullierens
MORE INFO
10. BECOME A FONDUE MASTER CHEF
Are you a fan of fondue and want to become a “Fondue Expert”? Well, here is your chance. Hotel Edelweiss offers exactly that.
Choose between a Fondue Discovery or Suississime and leave with a “Fondue Expert” diploma. Who needs a C-permit if you can have a fondue expert diploma? Cheese and wine – can’t see much wrong with that, can you?
WHERE
Edelweiss Restaurant and Hotel
Place de la Navigation, 2
