Led by executive coach and leadership expert Michael Hoffman, this intimate retreat through the breathtaking Swiss and Italian Alps offers a powerful fusion of life and business coaching, woven into a journey of high-altitude beauty and cultural depth. From the glacier-fed valleys of Goms to the sacred hills of Domodossola, this experience is designed for a small group of purpose-driven leaders ready to elevate their path forward. Through daily coaching sessions, guided alpine hikes, and spacious moments of reflection, you’ll uncover new clarity, grounded confidence, and bold direction for both life and work. With private coaching, immersive cross-cultural exploration, group rituals, and awe-inspiring natural surroundings, this retreat invites you to slow down, reset, and reconnect with what truly matters—at the rhythm of your breath and the pace of your values.
Coaching Package Options
PERSONAL 1:1 + GROUP COACHING
(5, 10, or 20 personal coaching sessions)
GROUP COACHING ONLY
+ Personal Coaching on Demand
Collaboration with Professional Coaches
For certified coaches who would like to participate.
CONTACT US TODAY
Now accepting aplications for September 5th – 11th, 2026. (Limited space)
I really enjoyed my El Camino experience. It was one of the highlights of my year, and the fond memories will last a long time.
I loved the scenery, the food, the drinks, and the accommodations—everything was excellent.
Michael’s coaching sessions brought valuable self-discovery and future planning. The organization always made sure we were in good hands. If you get the chance, go!
Designed for Growth
Each day offers opportunities to connect, reflect, and engage—both with the group and within yourself.
The Daily Experience
Morning and evening group coaching sessions are thoughtfully planned to create genuine connections, insight sharing, and lighthearted camaraderie. These moments are designed to build a sense of belonging among participants while also opening space for spontaneous, meaningful conversations.
Throughout the journey, you’ll encounter a few unexpected surprises, designed to deepen the experience, spark creativity, or simply delight you along the way.
And because true transformation happens in both stillness and movement, you’ll always have the freedom to choose: join in, contribute, or step back for personal time and solo exploration. This is your journey—shaped by you, supported by us.
Nights Along the Way
At the end of each day’s journey, you’ll rest in comfort.
Each participant will enjoy their own private room in carefully selected, high-quality hotels, considered the best in each location.
This is a luxury growth and development retreat, where staying in the best is part of feeling your best. Every detail is designed to support deep rest, clarity, and meaningful transformation.
Mind & Body Preparation
To help you get the most out of this 7-day journey, we’ll guide you in preparing both physically and mentally so you feel confident and ready to explore the high alpine beauty of Switzerland’s Goms Valley and the cultural richness of Italy’s Val d’Ossola.
This cross-border experience blends invigorating mountain trails, glacier-fed valleys, and sacred hillsides with moments of deep stillness and reflection. The terrain is varied yet accessible, ideal for thoughtful movement, mindful hiking, and immersive exploration.
In the weeks leading up to the retreat, you’ll receive personalized support to prepare: from recommended gear and fitness guidance to mindset practices designed to ground and center you. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or returning to the trail after time away, we’ll ensure you’re well-equipped and fully ready to engage with this extraordinary experience.
Taste the Journey
Each evening, we’ll gather at some of the region’s finest restaurants, where the flavors of the Alps come alive, Swiss mountain specialties like rösti, alpine cheeses, and rich Valais wines meet northern Italian delights such as handmade pastas, wild herbs, and velvety Barolos. These dinners aren’t just meals, they’re celebrations of culture, community, and connection.
Midday moments offer their own pleasures. Whether enjoyed at a beautifully situated mountain terrace or prepared for a scenic picnic along the trail, lunches highlight regional flavors like artisan breads, cured meats, alpine cheeses, and seasonal specialties. Each one offers a delicious pause, filled with taste, texture, and breathtaking views.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Each morning begins with a shared breakfast and group coaching session, setting the tone for a purposeful day. As you walk, you’ll receive individual mentoring woven into conversations with Lead Coach Michael Hoffman and our experienced guides.
To support deeper presence and reflection, internet and smartphone access will be limited during the day. You’re welcome to leave your phone with the guide or have it transferred securely to your next hotel, giving you space to fully engage with the path, the people, and your own process.
the coach
Michael Hoffman
International Executive And Life Coach, ScaleYOU
Michael Hoffman is a highly regarded international executive and life coach, mentor, and leadership expert. His coaching empowers corporate leaders and individuals to navigate personal and professional transformations with clarity and confidence.
With a background as a symphony orchestra conductor, Michael brings a nuanced understanding of collaboration, communication, and leadership—skills that translate seamlessly into the business and personal development arenas. His ability to synthesize strategy with emotional intelligence makes him a trusted advisor for executives, entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking greater fulfillment and success.
Michael has coached leaders across the globe, including Fortune 500 executives, entrepreneurs, and high-potential professionals, helping them achieve peak performance, enhance decision-making, and lead with impact.
Retreat Location
Itinerary
Activities and sequence may adjust to optimize your journey.
Your journey begins at Milan Malpensa Airport, where our small group convenes before traveling into the alpine serenity of Switzerland’s Goms Valley. This quiet, expansive region will be our setting for reflection, movement, and powerful conversations.
Once we arrive and settle in, we’ll breathe in the mountain air and gather for a welcome dinner where we’ll begin to set intentions. From the start, we integrate business and life coaching into the experience, as a thread woven through daily reflection, small-group coaching, and personalized support.
We begin our core work—both physical and internal—with Nordic walking through the Goms Valley’s pristine trails. This low-impact, high-engagement style of walking activates the full body, supporting both strength and mindful pace. These aren’t just walks; they’re purposeful movement experiences that create clarity and emotional space.
As we walk, the landscape expands around us—panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, quiet villages, and mountain streams. One route leads us to the source of the Rhone River, a fitting metaphor as we explore personal origins, leadership direction, and what’s ready to emerge.
We board a scenic train and cross the border from the structured beauty of Switzerland to the inviting textures of northern Italy. The journey itself is a transition—a time to reflect on what we’re releasing and what we’re moving toward.
Upon arrival in Domodossola, you’ll feel the shift immediately. This picturesque town is known for its well-preserved architecture and lively charm, offering a welcome contrast to the alpine stillness of the previous days. The cultural shift provides fertile ground for discussions about change, adaptation, and leadership in the face of evolving environments.
We continue with Nordic walking, this time along gentler trails through the Italian countryside and wooded hills near Domodossola. The walking becomes more meditative, setting the stage for deeper work.
One of our key destinations is the Sacred Mountain of Domodossola, a UNESCO World Heritage site and place of both historical and spiritual depth. The walk there is slow, intentional, and profoundly quiet, a contrast to the speed at which most leaders live.
These final coaching sessions are where threads come together: the questions you’ve been asking, the clarity you’ve uncovered, and the decisions you’re now ready to make. Whether it’s a business pivot, a leadership shift, or a personal breakthrough, this is where insight meets action.
On our final day, we return as a group to Milan Malpensa Airport. It’s not just the end of a retreat—it’s a new beginning informed by movement, nature, and meaningful coaching. You’ll return home with more than insight. You’ll return with intention.
