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Nature Coaching and Hiking

Gain new perspectives, develop inner strength, and get moving, step by step.

Sometimes it becomes clearer what’s going on inside you as soon as you start moving. A trail, a sweeping view, or a quiet forest can spark new thoughts. I combine nature, movement, and coaching into personalized guidance tailored to your goals, your pace, and your individual needs. Whether you’re seeking clarity, want to regain trust in your body, are planning a guided hike, or are preparing for a challenging mountain trek: Together, we’ll figure out what’s right for you.

My nature coaching sessions take place primarily in the Valais. I also plan guided hikes and customized tours in other regions of Switzerland and in neighboring countries. In doing so, I take into account safety, weather, terrain, fitness level, technique, and your personal goals.

  • «I’ve had the pleasure of joining Lara Mandioni on several hikes and taking a private course with her titled “Mountain Hiking and Introduction to T4.” Each experience was extremely enriching. What makes her tours special is the added value she provides through her fascinating explanations of rock types, wildlife, and historical context. She’s a hiking guide who makes all the difference—and a wonderful person to boot. Two more trekking tours with her are already planned, and I’m really looking forward to them!»

    Catherine


Nature Experiences All Year Round – Tailored to You

I’m out and about with you all year round—with well-thought-out, personalized itineraries tailored to the season, your skill level, and your goals. Whether it’s a gentle snowshoe hike, a challenging alpine hike, or a culinary and cultural themed hike: Every season has its own magic—and I’ll help you experience it.

  • Winter: Snowshoeing and Winter Sports

    When winter sets in, things become quieter, clearer, and more focused. I’ll guide you through various winter activities:

    • Guided snowshoe hikes as half-day, full-day, or multi-day tours
    • Easy ski tours for beginners
    • Custom-planned snow days featuring nature experiences and mindfulness
    • Getting back into snow sports after an accident, a long break, or an unpleasant experience

    Depending on the destination, you’ll be out and about on snowshoes, skis, telemark skis, cross-country skis, or touring skis. I prioritize safety, a pace that suits you, and realistic expectations so that you feel comfortable and can build confidence.

  • Spring: Hiking, Trekking, and Exploring Nature

    When nature comes to life, a hike is the perfect way to get some gentle exercise, connect with nature, and find new inspiration. This spring, I’m offering you:

    • Enjoyable hikes through blooming landscapes
    • The season’sfirst trekking tours, tailored to snow conditions and trail conditions
    • Themed hikes exploring the plant world, featuring herbs, flowers, trees, and buds
    • Nature hikes focused on mindfulness, awareness, and personal reflection

    Spring brings movement and inspiration. Depending on the tour, you’ll discover new landscapes, learn about regional plants, or use nature as a space for your personal growth.

  • Summer: Mountain Hiking, Trekking, and Alpine Hiking T4

    Summer offers many opportunities for hiking in Switzerland. These include:

    • Guided day hikes and multi-day tours
    • Mountain hikes of varying difficulty
    • T4 alpine hikes, with a personal introduction upon request
    • Three- to five-day trekking tours with overnight stays in mountain huts or hotels
    • Cultural and themed hikes focusing on geology, wildlife, history, legends, cuisine, and local customs

    I’ll tailor the tour specifically for you or your group. If needed, we can discuss different options to suit various fitness levels and experience levels.

  • Fall: Themed Hikes, Reflection, and Nature Retreats

    Fall is the perfect season for intentional breaks, immersive experiences in nature, and the last major hikes before winter. My offerings include:

    • Hikes through colorful forests and quiet valleys
    • Reflective hikes and retreats in nature
    • Cultural hikes exploring harvest traditions, myths, and natural cycles
    • Season-closing treks

    Fall invites us to look back, let go, and consciously prepare for the next season. The tour can be focused on fitness, relaxation, or personal reflection.

 

My Programs for Nature, Exercise, and Personal Development

 

Nature Coaching | Lara Mandioni

Nature Coaching

Are you looking for clarity, new perspectives, or a way to reconnect with yourself? Out in nature, I’ll guide you mindfully, intuitively, and with a wealth of experience—on your very own personal journey.

Comeback Coaching | Lara Mandioni

Comeback Coaching

After a break, injury, or loss, getting back into the game can be challenging. Comeback coaching combines mental preparation, exercise, and nature.

Together, we’ll identify realistic next steps and build your confidence in your own abilities.

Hiking and Trekking | Lara Mandioni

Hiking and Trekking

Whether it's a day hike or a multi-day trek, I'll guide you personally, thoughtfully, and with experience along trails that are truly right for you.

Alpine Hiking T4 | Lara Mandioni

Alpine Hiking T4

Want more than just hiking? I’ll guide you on your journey into alpine terrain—with personalized preparation, expert guidance, and a wealth of experience. For people who are ready to push their limits.

Snowshoeing | Lara Mandioni

Snowshoeing

Experience the tranquility of the winter landscape far from the slopes—with personalized, mindful, and safe snowshoeing tours.

Getting Back into Snow Sports | Lara Mandioni

Getting Back into Snow Sports

Whether you're coming back from an injury, a long break, or feeling unsure, I'll provide you with mindful, personalized guidance as you get back into skiing, cross-country skiing, or telemark skiing.

Retreats | Lara Mandioni

Retreats

Whether you're seeking clarity, making a decision, or letting go: In my hiking retreats, you'll find the space you need right now. Nature, coaching, and mindful guidance will support you on your journey.


Here's how the booking process works with me

  • Get in touch

    Get in touch with me—preferably by email or phone—and briefly tell me what you’re looking for. You don’t need to have a clear idea yet. Even a rough idea is enough to get the process started.

  • Clarify Wishes and Needs

    During a one-on-one conversation (by phone or online), we'll work together to clarify your ideas:

    • What kind of tour are you looking for?
    • How physically demanding would you like it to be?
    • Where would you like to go?
    • How many people will be joining?
    • Are there any specific themes, interests, or limitations?

    I’ll take the time to work with you—so you get a tailored proposal that’s truly right for you.

  • Get Tour Suggestions

    Based on our conversation, I’ll put together 1–2 tour suggestions that suit your needs.
    I’ll take into account your goals, the group size, your preferred difficulty level, accommodation preferences, stage lengths, and much more.
    You can then let me know what works best for you—or we can fine-tune the plan together.

  • Down Payment

    Before I begin detailed planning for the selected option, I ask for a deposit of up to 50% (for international trips) of the total amount.
    This covers the costs associated with route selection, reservations, itinerary planning, and the safety plan. Your reservation is not binding until this deposit has been received.

  • Detailed Planning & Implementation

    I plan every detail of the tour carefully:

    • Route planning
    • Accommodations (mountain hut, hotel, inn)
    • Safety considerations & alternatives
    • Advice on what you need to bring
    • Regional Highlights

    On the day of the tour, I’ll personally accompany you—with experience, attentiveness, and everything else that goes with it.

  • Final Payment

    The remaining payment is made as agreed, usually shortly before or after the service is provided. Everything is handled transparently—you always know what you’re paying for.

    I work without hidden costs and with clear communication.

  • «I love designing tours that are both challenging and enriching—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.»

    Lara Mandioni


Group Size & Safety

The maximum group size depends on the difficulty level and your experience— safety is my top priority.

  • For T4 alpine hikes, I guide groups of 3 to 5 people

  • For easier day hikes, the group can be up to 8 people—depending on the group composition, terrain, and destination of the hike

I adhere to professional standards for hiking guides—not to group sizes that are most profitable. For me, quality matters, not quantity.

 


Why I'm the Right Choice for You

  • I work on a custom basis and tailor my approach to your needs

  • I take your physical condition and technical skills into account.

  • I plan each project individually and guide you from the initial contact through to completion.

  • I bring experience, passion, and expertise to the table—as a federally certified hiking guide with international recognition and an in-depth background in coaching.

  • I prioritize safety, group dynamics, and nature—and respect the weather, terrain, and personal limits.

Snow Sports, Snowshoeing, Skiing | Lara Mandioni
Snow Sports, Snowshoeing, Skiing | Lara Mandioni
Snow Sports, Snowshoeing, Skiing | Lara Mandioni
Snow Sports, Snowshoeing, Skiing | Lara Mandioni
Snow Sports, Snowshoeing, Skiing | Lara Mandioni
Snow Sports, Snowshoeing, Skiing | Lara Mandioni
Snow Sports, Snowshoeing, Skiing | Lara Mandioni
Guided Tours | Lara Mandioni

Want to go on some unforgettable hikes?

Whether it's nature coaching, trekking, alpine hiking, or themed hikes—I'll plan your next hike to suit your interests and skill level.
Contact me now. I look forward to meeting you!

 

FAQs About Guided Tours

  • As a beginner, will I be able to find a suitable tour with you?

    Yes! Many of the people who hike with me don’t have much mountain experience, and that’s exactly why I’m here. Before we plan a hike, we’ll go over your experience level together:

    • What kind of hikes have you done so far?
    • How many hours of exercise per day do you find comfortable?
    • What elevation gains have you managed so far?
    • How confident are you on the trail, and what’s your stamina like?

    If you’re unsure, I offer a trial hike so I can better assess your capabilities. My goal is for you to feel neither overwhelmed nor underchallenged—and to enjoy the hike with confidence.

    I design every tour to be realistic, meaningful, and safe for you, whether it’s an easy stroll, a trekking tour, or a T4 alpine hike.

  • How much does a private tour cost?

    The price depends on several factors:

    • Duration (half-day, full-day, or multi-day tour)
    • Region and travel arrangements
    • Group size
    • Level of difficulty
    • Effort required for planning and organization

    I do not work with fixed flat rates, but rather charge fairly and transparently based on the amount of work involved. After an initial consultation, I will provide you with a written quote.

    A deposit of up to 50% is due before detailed planning begins. This helps me cover my work expenses—especially for multi-day tours involving overnight stays and reservations.

  • Do you also plan multi-day trekking trips?

    Yes— 2- to 10-day trekking tours are my specialty. I plan these tours upon request, tailored to:

    • region and terrain
    • Elevation gain, daily stages, difficulty
    • Accommodations (SAC hut, hotel, mountain lodge)
    • Preferred themes (e.g., culture, geology, cuisine)
    • Group size and pace

    You’ll receive a custom-planned trekking tour with a well-thought-out route, reservations, and alternative options—accompanied by me personally.

  • What if the weather is bad?

    A few clouds or some rain are no reason to cancel. I plan every tour carefully and always have a Plan B.
    Only in the event of a real danger (e.g., storm, thunderstorm, or avalanche warnings; force majeure) will I suggest an alternative; otherwise, I’ll cancel the tour. I’m familiar with the official weather services (MeteoSwiss, SLF) and carefully assess the situation.

    If continuous rain is forecast in the north, I often reschedule tours to another region—such as Ticino. I make sure you’re safe, flexible, and well-informed throughout the trip.

  • Can I bring my dog with me?

    Yes, for privately booked tours; no, for group tours.
    If you’re traveling with me privately, I’ll plan a suitable route for you and your dog—including dog-friendly accommodations and trails. Dogs aren’t allowed inside SAC huts—neither in the common room nor in the sleeping quarters. Separate, enclosed outdoor areas are available for dogs. In such cases, I’ll look for alternatives, such as pet-friendly hotels.

    Dogs are not allowed on open group hikes. I want to ensure that all participants can enjoy an undisturbed experience of nature—without having to worry about fears, allergies, or behavioral conflicts.

  • Do you also offer tours abroad?

    Yes, but only on a case-by-case basis and upon request. I plan guided hikes and retreats in regions I know personally, such as Madeira or Sardinia.
    However, my focus is clearly on Switzerland. Here, I’m familiar with the terrain, know the weather conditions and trails, and am familiar with the huts, so I can lead tours reliably and safely.

  • What should you keep in mind when going on snowshoe hikes, ski tours, or on snowy days?

    The right gear is essential—and it varies depending on the activity:

    For snowshoeing:

    • High, sturdy hiking boots with good traction (no winter boots!)
    • Weatherproof clothing layered according to the “onion principle”
    • Gaiters to keep snow out of your shoes
    • Hat, gloves, sunglasses
    • Backpack with a filled thermos (hot!), snacks, and a change of clothes if needed

    For ski tours:

    • Touring skis or splitboard with skins and crampons
    • Ski touring boots (not alpine ski boots!)
    • Technical base layers, breathable backcountry clothing
    • Insulating layer (down, Primaloft, etc.)
    • Wind and weather protection (lightweight hardshell)
    • Helmet, gloves (possibly a spare pair), ski goggles
    • Avalanche safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel)

    For snowy days without a tour (e.g., for orientation or to get back into the swing of things):

    • Warm, flexible clothing
    • Weatherproof shoes or snowshoes, depending on the activity
    • Optional: Thermos, seat pad, small snacks

    I’ll provide you with personalized advice in advance so you’re fully prepared. For snowshoes, poles, or avalanche safety equipment, I’ll connect you with suitable rental locations. Safety and comfort are our top priorities.

  • Do you also offer tours for ambitious athletes?

    Yes. I also guide people with experience in mountaineering—for example, on T4 alpine hikes, more technical routes, or longer stages with significant elevation gain. If you’re looking to challenge yourself physically, technically, or mentally, I’ll plan a tour that’s right for you—tailored to your individual needs and carefully designed to meet your goals.

    The only important thing is that the tour must be within my capabilities. During our initial consultation, we’ll be happy to discuss together what’s realistic and feasible. This way, we’ll ensure that you’re well-guided and on the trail safely.

  • What's the difference between a guided tour and one you plan yourself?

    You’ll get more than just someone to accompany you. A guided tour with me means:

    • Personalized planning and guidance
    • Safety-conscious route selection and navigation
    • Expert knowledge of nature, weather, flora, geology, and culture
    • Help with reservations, organization, and daily itineraries
    • Upon request: mindfulness, coaching, themed hikes
    • Flexibility in response to weather and group dynamics

    I’ll guide you with experience, attentiveness, and a willingness to listen—and design tours that you’ll remember for a long time.

  • What happens if I have to cancel at the last minute?

    I understand that plans can change. Still, here’s the thing:

    • I start planning early, book accommodations, and invest a lot of time
    • Therefore, in the event of cancellation, a cancellation fee is due in accordance with the Terms and Conditions
    • SAC huts can generally be canceled free of charge up to 48 hours in advance
    • Different conditions apply to hotels
    • The shorter the notice, the harder it is to avoid incurring costs

    If you let us know early, we can usually find a fair solution. I recommend that you consider cancellation insurance for longer trips.

  • What is nature coaching?

    Nature coaching combines coaching with movement and nature. Conversations, mindfulness exercises, and reflection take place outdoors and are tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

    Nature coaching addresses topics such as clarity, change, decision-making, self-confidence, and finding a new direction. Nature doesn’t provide ready-made answers. It creates a space for experience where you can think, perceive, and act differently. If you’d like to learn more about nature coaching, we’ll first discuss your concerns and a suitable framework over the phone or online.

  • Who is nature coaching suitable for?

    Nature coaching is ideal for people who want to reflect on a personal issue while being active and taking a step back from their daily routine. It can be helpful during times of change, when making decisions, when considering a career change, or when seeking greater clarity.

    You don’t need any special mountain experience. We’ll choose the location, duration, and requirements to suit your needs and circumstances.