Your room or campsite should be ready for you to check-in from 14:00. If you arrive earlier than that, you may need to wait.
When is the latest we can arrive?
Our Reception is open until 18:00 and until 20:00 in July and August. If you arrive after Reception opening hours, you need to let us know in advance, so we can make sure a staff member is available to assist with your provisional check-in. When arriving later than 22:30, instructions will be left for you at the Reception.
Please note that late check-ins are only provisional, so you will have to meet our reception team the following morning to finalise the check-in.
When is the latest we can check out?
You need to check-out from all indoor accommodations by 10:00. The check-out time for the Campsite is 11:00 o'clock. A staff member will come to the room/ campsite before your departure for a check-out. The room/campsite needs to be tidied by the group before the staff will come for a check-out.
What do we have to do for check-out?
Please close your bill the night before departure during reception hours at the main reception. On the departure day, please come timely for your check-out as a member of staff will make sure you have left your Room / Campsite tidy.
Please follow the check out guide in your room or provided during your campsite check-in for full instructions.
What language do you speak at the Centre?
English is the official language at the Centre. Most of the time you will be able to communicate in other languages, but it depends on the current staff team.
What are the general rules?
Quiet time is from 22.30 – 07.30, according to the law of Kandersteg.
Alcohol is not allowed in public areas.
Smoking is prohibited inside the buildings and public spaces. For smoking, please find the designated smoking areas
Fireworks are not allowed and will be confiscated.
All our guests must sign to agree on our General Terms & Conditions.
Before going into the mountains and leaving the valley floor on hikes etc. a ‘Route Card’ must be completed and handed into the Front Office.
Who are the ‘Pinkies’?
The Pinkies are our Staff and can be recognised by the bright Pink t-shirts they wear daily. The Pinkies are here to help you. They are volunteer Scouts and Guides from all over the world and, although they might not be professionals in tourism and hospitality business or may not speak your language, they will always do their best. So, relax and enjoy your visit to the Permanent Mini Jamboree!
How do we pay our bill?
Please come to Reception the day before your departure during opening hours so that you can settle your bill. You can pay in cash or with credit card. It is only possible to close your bill at the Main reception during opening hours.
Can I overpay my bill and withdraw the refund in Swiss Francs at Reception?
It is not possible to transfer a large amount of money to our bank account and withdrawal it at Reception.
What currency will I need?
In Switzerland, you need Swiss Francs (CHF). We accept cash (in Swiss Francs only) or debit cards (Maestro, Visa Electron & Post Finance) and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard & American Express).
We now no longer accept USD, EUR or GBP. There are two banks in the village where you may be able to exchange money.
Is it possible to receive messages (by telephone / email) whilst here?
Any letters, e-mails or phone messages for our guests will be displayed on the ‘Guest Mailboard’ to the left of reception. Unfortunately, we can’t personally deliver messages to anyone, so it is your responsibility to check this board regularly.
Do I need an insurance?
Kandersteg has a local doctor that provides basic treatment for sickness and accidents, a nearby hospital, and mountain rescue team. Switzerland provides an excellent service - but it is very expensive. We recommend you to arrange private insurance for accidents, mountain rescue, and sickness. We do not offer insurance services for our guests; please arrange your insurance in before arrival.
What’s the village like and how far it is from the Centre?
Kandersteg is a small traditional Swiss village with a population of over 1’200 people. Kandersteg has a developed infrastructure that includes hotels with restaurants, two grocery shops, a drug store, a doctor’s office, banks with cash machine, a Catholic and a Protestant church, souvenir shops, sports shops, a car service and other tourism and leisure facilities (e.g. swimming pool, wellness, indoor climbing centre, village and scout museum, ski jump/ mountain tubing area, etc.). During the Winter and Summer seasons, many local events are happening where you can have a taste of the Swiss and local culture. The Centre is located about 25 minutes by walk from the train station or 5 minutes by local bus. The bus is for free when wearing a scout neckerchief.
What do we do if one of our group members gets sick or injured?
If one of your group members is injured or sick, we ask that you contact a member of Staff straight away. Many of our Staff have First Aid Training and can assist you in our First Aid Room or contact the relevant professional service. If you require a doctor, ambulance or other professional services, please notify a member of Staff who will make the request for you. The doctor in Kandersteg is well equipped and deals with most of our incidents. The doctor has x-ray facilities and can treat broken bones. If necessary, the doctor may direct the person to the hospital. If you have used an emergency service which has not been requested by Staff, please notify any Staff at the Centre as soon as possible.
What are the rules regarding alcohol and smoking?
Alcohol is generally not permitted in any public area of KISC. The Director can make exceptions according to our KISC Alcohol Policy. Our rules are according to Swiss law permitting smoking at 16 years old, the consumption of beer and wine at 16 years old and spirits at 18 years old.
Your group may have its own rules and policies, which are allowed as long as they do not conflict with Swiss law. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas and should be avoided during KISC-led activities and around children.
For further information, please see our KISC alcohol policy.
Can I bring my pet(s)?
Dogs are welcome on our campsite. We also have a limited number of indoor rooms that are pet friendly, so if you would like to stay indoors please let us know in your booking.
All pets visiting KISC should be kept under control and on a lead.
Where is the nearest fuel station?
The closest fuel station is in Frutigen, 12km down the valley.
