Sheet 2 · Training
Training
The 3×3 of geology: three courses, three modules each, in three languages.
Each course comprises 10 course days in three modules, spread across 2027. The modules take place in three geologically different regions of Switzerland. The three courses are held in German, French and Italian. The training follows the format of the GeoGuide Sardona training in eastern Switzerland, extended by two further regional geologies.
Module 1: 4 days · Module 2: 3 days · Module 3: 3 days
All modules must be attended in full. You will find the dates and places of the three courses just below.
You learn in the classroom and outdoors, on field trips and through talks, lessons and group exercises. And you practise yourself: in short presentations you explain to the group what you see in the field. You also prepare and deliver an interpretation of your own.
Profile photo included: during the training we photograph all participants. You receive a professional profile photo for your appearance as a Swiss GeoGuide.
Before the course you work through the “CSI-ALPS” learning materials in self-study, with self-assessment. Allow 5 to 15 days, depending on your prior knowledge. Between the modules there are a further 5 to 10 days of self-study, plus preparation for the examination.
01 Course dates and locations
| Module | Date | Duration | Location/area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | 27.05.–30.05.2027 | 4 days | Schwanden (Lochsite, Sernftal, Elm) |
| Module 2 | 20.08.–22.08.2027 | 3 days | Binn (Heiligkreuz, Lengenbach, Geisspfad) |
| Module 3 | 17.09.–19.09.2027 | 3 days | St-Maurice (Saillon, Salvan, Morcles) |
| Examination | November 2027 | ½ day | as per separate invitation |
| Module | Date | Duration | Location/area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | 17.06.–20.06.2027 | 4 days | St-Maurice (Saillon, Salvan, Morcles) |
| Module 2 | 03.09.–05.09.2027 | 3 days | Binn (Heiligkreuz, Lengenbach, Geisspfad) |
| Module 3 | 24.09.–26.09.2027 | 3 days | Jaun (Gastlosen, Forêt du Lapé) |
| Examination | November 2027 | ½ day | as per separate invitation |
| Module | Date | Duration | Location/area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | 08.07.–11.07.2027 | 4 days | Flims (Segnesböden, Tschingelhörner, Ruinaulta) |
| Module 2 | 27.08.–29.08.2027 | 3 days | Binn (Lengenbach, Alpe Devero, Geisspfad) |
| Module 3 | 01.10.–03.10.2027 | 3 days | Mendrisiotto (Gole della Breggia, Monte San Giorgio) |
| Examination | November 2027 | ½ day | as per separate invitation |
02 · Legend What the training covers
Included
- Geology in space and timeEarth history: the age of the Earth, how rocks are dated, the history of life and climate, ice ages and mass extinctions.
- Tectonics and mountain buildingThe supreme discipline of geology: plate tectonics and how mountains are formed.
- Geology of the Alps and SwitzerlandAn introduction and overview, plus the geology of the three course regions.
- Glarus Thrust and Swiss Tectonic Arena SardonaThe UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site where mountain building can be seen particularly well (in Module 1 of the German and Italian courses).
- History of geological researchHow the geology of the Alps was gradually explored.
- Rocks of SwitzerlandThe most important rocks of Switzerland, with a focus on those of the three regions. You learn to describe and identify rocks in the field.
- Geological and tectonic mapsThe map series of Switzerland, the Geological Atlas 1:25,000, the Tectonic Map 1:500,000 and digital data, with exercises on laptop and smartphone.
- Geoscience communication in the digital ageCommunicating geology, analogue and digital.
- Natural processes and geohazardsRockfalls, debris flows and rock avalanches, with examples such as the rock avalanches of Blatten, Elm and Flims and the Illgraben, and what they mean for visitors and tourism.
- Geomorphology and geodiversityThe most important landforms and processes in Switzerland, glaciers and permafrost, and the diversity of non-living nature.
- Landforms and landscape interpretationHow landforms develop and how to read a landscape.
- Rocks, soil, plants, habitatsHow the ground beneath shapes soils, plants and habitats.
- Didactics and experiential learningThe concept of interpretation: how to structure a presentation. You practise in the field and receive feedback.
- Tasks of the Swiss GeoGuides and their networkWhat Swiss GeoGuides do, who they work with and what role parks, World Heritage regions and geoparks play in tourism.
Not included
- Leading groups safelyWe take this for granted. It is not part of the training.
- Fitness testThere is none. You should, however, be comfortable with a mountain hike of 5 to 6 hours.
- Biodiversity and ecology in detailWe only touch on these topics briefly. You can explore them further in other courses and further training.
- Accommodation / meals and insuranceAccommodation, meals and travel to and from the course are not included in the course price. Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
03 Prerequisites
- Enjoying people and encounters You like being out and about with visitors.
- Interest in landscape and nature You want to understand what you see outdoors.
- Prior knowledge of geology A basic knowledge of geology and geomorphology. And the willingness to study on your own before and during the training.
- “CSI-ALPS” learning materials To be worked through before the course starts, with self-assessment.
- Experience in leading groups You lead groups safely in the terrain where you later want to work.
- Fitness For a mountain hike of 5 to 6 hours, difficulty T3 on the SAC hiking scale. Culture and city guides are exempt.
- Languages The language of the region. Ideally a second national language or English.
- Commitment You want to be active as a guide in the long term and to keep training.
- An advantage You are already a park guide, ranger, hiking leader or mountain guide. Initial knowledge of natural hazards.
Downloads
Pictures
Registration
Places are limited. Registration deadline: 07.12.2026.
CHF 2'600 Total cost of the training
Register now