Painting the Peaks: Switzerland, August 24 – 27, 2025

Photography on this page is by Meghan Young

Join us for a high alpine watercolor retreat in the Swiss Alps, with stunning views of the Matterhorn

Spend four days painting outdoors with guidance from Nikki Frumkin in a small, supportive group. Connect with participating artists and create artwork in a truly inspiring setting.

Dates
August 24 – August 27, 2025

Location
Switzerland. 2606 meters above sea level in the Suneegga-Blauherd-Rothorn area above Zermatt (with breathtaking Matterhorn views).

Your Retreat Experience

  • Stay at a remote high alpine Berghaus, with Matterhorn views from your window

  • Join sunrise and sunset painting sessions

  • Hike alpine lakes and mountain trails starting from our front door

  • Enjoy four course meals and relax with other artists in a cozy mountain berghaus

  • Participate in daily painting demos and skill building sessions.

  • Enjoy uninterrupted plein air painting time

  • Leave with new friends, skills, and lots of art.

Watercolor Skills

  • Practice plein air techniques to capture light, shadow, and atmosphere.

  • Learn watercolor techniques for layering, color mixing, and creating atmos

  • Engage with art prompts to practice seeing and representing the landscape.

  • Compose dynamic compositions.

  • Explore color to convey mood, depth, and a sense of place.

  • Develop your personal painting style.

  • Receive one one one feedback to develop your skills and personal voice

  • Connect with and learn from fellow artists.

Spend 4 days immersed in the breathtaking Swiss Alps during this plein air watercolor workshop. We will be perched in the middle of the Swiss Alps with stunning views of the Matterhorn, alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain landscapes. This course focuses on the unique challenges and joys of painting outdoors. It is designed for intermediate painters, though adventurous beginners are welcome. 

Led by professional watercolor artist Nikki Frumkin, you’ll learn to translate the everchanging light of alpine landscapes onto paper. Sessions will combine demonstrations, guided practice, art games, and personalized feedback to help you develop your skills and create plein air paintings that capture the beauty of your surroundings.

(Subject to change based on weather and group preferences)

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Beginnings

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Arrival & Check-in

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Welcome session, introductions, and goal setting

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: First outdoor painting session!

Evening: Group dinner, free time, optional sunset painting

Day 2: Techniques, Play, and Practice

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Breakfast

8:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Morning painting session, techniques, games, capturing the feeling of a landscape

11:00-1:00 PM: Lunch Break, option to take your lunch on a hike

1:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Prompt for uninterrupted painting with individual feedback 

Evening: Group dinner, Free time, optional sunset painting

Day 3: Painting the Alpine Landscape

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Sunrise Painting

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Breakfast and pack for our day hike

8:30 AM - 2:00PM: Day Hike and Paint including learning prompts, demos and time for uninterrupted painting with individual feedback 
(Plan to hike around 6 miles)

2:00PM-6:30PM: Free time to explore and rest

6:30 PM -7:30 PM: Group dinner, free time

7:30- 9:00 PM: Sunset painting session

 

Day 4: Sunrise Painting & Departure

5:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Sunrise Painting

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast and pack belongings

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Final reflections, group farewell and departure

  • Small Group Experience

    This workshop is designed to provide personalized attention in a small group setting. Limited spots available, so you will receive tailored feedback and plenty of one on one time. The small group size fosters meaningful connections with participating artists, creating a collaborative and inspiring environment for learning and growth.

About your Instructor

Nikki Frumkin is a Swiss-American watercolor artist and educator with a BFA in Painting and a BS in Art Education. Her work explores the movement of alpine landscapes and has been exhibited across the country including the Yosemite Valley Museum, and the permanent collection of Grand Teton National Park. Nikki has experience leading watercolor workshops for adults and children, and partners with nonprofits including the Yosemite Conservancy and the North Cascades Institute to teach plein air painting. She has been working fulltime as a watercolor artist since 2015.
You might also meet Nikki's dog and partner who will be exploring the area.

Cost

Imagine waking up before sunrise and painting the Matterhorn as pink light travels across the rock and lights up the sky. Join me on an adventure that prioritizes creativity and playful art making.

This retreat includes cozy accommodations, four course alpine meals, and plein air art instruction.

  • Standard Fee
    $1425 per person
  • Early Bird Fee (Register by 3/22/25)
    $1225 per person

Please note: The workshop will be confirmed once the minimum group size is met. I’ll notify all participants as soon as it’s confirmed.

  • Getting There

    Our Berghaus is accessible only by foot. From Blauherd, it’s a 30-45 minute walk to the Berghaus. The easy hike, offering beautiful Matterhorn views, takes you from Blauherd via the scenic Stellisee to our retreat location.

  • Staying at Berghaus Fluhalp

    At Berghaus Fluhalp, you'll stay in cozy 4 person rooms with stunning views of the Matterhorn. The dining room is where you'll enjoy breakfast and group dinners, and it’s a cozy spot for hanging out. A large sun terrace offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn.

  • The Surroundings

    Our retreat location is surrounded by 360 degree mountains views, including the iconic Matterhorn. We will be at the heart of hiking trails with access to lakes, summits, ridges, and more. It’s an ideal place to connect with nature through art.

FAQs

What experience level is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop is designed for intermediate watercolor painters who have some experience. Adventurous beginners are also welcome! If you're unsure whether this retreat is right for you, please reach out.

Moderate level of fitness is required, as reaching the retreat involves a relatively easy 45 minute hike from Blauherd to Fluhalp. During the retreat we’ll also explore other hikes in the area, for example the scenic Five Lakes Hike (6 miles, 550ft elevation gain and 1500ft loss) so participants should be comfortable with light to moderate hiking.

Should I come to the retreat alone?

Yes, absolutely! Most participants come on their own, and it's a great opportunity to meet new people and make lasting friendships. The small group environment and shared experiences in the mountains creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Our group environment is warm and encouraging. You’ll leave with new friends!

What’s included in the registration fee?

Your registration fee includes:

  • Overnight accommodation at Berghaus Fluhalp, including bedding
  • Expert instruction and daily demonstrations by Nikki Frumkin.
  • Personalized feedback on your work.
  • Four Course dinners during the retreat.
  • Breakfast Buffet during the retreat.
  • Access to watercolor supplies for experimentation.

What’s not included in the registration fee?

Participants are responsible for:

  • Travel to Switzerland and Zermatt.
  • Cable car tickets to Sunnegga and Blauherd.
  • Lunches (available to purchase at the Berghaus or bring your own).
  • Snacks and drinks during your stay.
  • Showers (available for a fee).
  • Towels, sanitary products, and personal items (bring your own).
  • Supplies to participate in the retreat

Which airport should I fly into for the retreat?

Switzerland is very easy and comfortable to navigate by train from any airport.

Close Airports

  • Geneva Airport
  • Zurich Airport
  • Basel Airport

From any airport, take the train to Zermatt. From there you'll reach the retreat by cable car and foot.

How do I get to the retreat Berghaus?

Fluhalp is only accessible by foot. You’ll take a cable car from Zermatt to Sunnegga and transfer to the Blauherd cable car station. From Blauherd, it’s a 30- 45 minute walk along an easy trail with stunning views.

Click here to go to the Zermatt mountain railway timetable.

Click here for a hiking map to get to our location

Will there be time for exploring or hiking?

Yes! The schedule includes free time for hiking, exploring, and painting independently.
There are some incredible ridges and lakes to hike to for sunrise and sunset, as well as plenty of day hiking and exploring.

What should I pack?

You’ll receive a detailed packing list upon registration, but you should bring watercolor supplies, comfortable clothing for hiking and relaxing, sturdy shoes, and any personal items you’ll need during your stay.

Since the Berghaus is only reachable by foot, you'll be carrying everything you need for the retreat on a 45 minute hike. Pack light!

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Fluhalp offers a set four course dinner menu and a breakfast buffet. Common dietary needs like vegetarian or gluten-free can be accommodated with advance notice. Let me know your needs when you register, and we’ll confirm with the kitchen.

There’s also an additional menu available to order from at your own cost.

What happens if the minimum group size isn’t met?

The workshop will not be confirmed until the minimum group size is met. Once the group is confirmed, we’ll notify all registered participants and proceed with the final details. Please do not book travel or make non-refundable arrangements until you receive confirmation. Refunds for travel and other trip expenses will not be provided if the workshop is canceled due to the group size not being met.

What is the refund policy?

If you need to cancel your participation, please notify us as soon as possible. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

  • More than 40 days before the workshop: Full refund minus a $100 administrative fee.
  • Less than 40 days before the workshop: No refund, but you can transfer your spot to another participant. I may be able to help find someone off the waitlist.


We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

Video Tour: Getting There, and Exploring the Area

Contact me with Questions and for more Info