Celebrating the MMAC And the Philanthropy That Made It Possible

By Adlyn Holmes ’24

The MMAC’s incredible new infrastructure provides an excellent open space for not just students but the entire LAS community. The top floor includes a variety of cardio and strength machines as well as free weights, allowing students and teachers to work out freely, and also a running track and gallery that overlooks the space below.

The MMAC, which opened in the fall of 2016 on the site of the former Goat House (located just below the Savoy dorm) is used to facilitate classes, assemblies, and extracurricular activities. Throughout the school day, the MMAC is used for our LAS physical education classes and after school the MMAC is open for students to work out in the state of the art fitness center or practice their sport of choice during open gym time. During both the fall and spring activity terms, the MMAC is the venue for a variety of after school activities, including everything from strength and conditioning to volleyball practice.

But the MMAC isn’t just for sport; twice per month the entire student body gathers together for assemblies where announcements are given by the Student Council President and fun and informative activities are led by some of our wonderful LAS faculty. This year alone the LAS student body has hosted the Dorm Olympics and the Faculty Family Games, with students competing in relay races and activities of speed and skill to win coveted prizes for their dorms or families. Spirit Week, International Week, and the Cowbell Games all take place in the MMAC as well, continuing generations of LAS traditions within the school.

On the main floor is a large court that is used for a wide assortment of sports: basketball, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, badminton, and so much more! A large climbing wall covers one whole side of the gym and LAS recently hosted our first ever climbing competition with nearby schools. The wall is a frequent destination for both students and faculty when the weather isn’t conducive to climbing outdoors and provides a facility unlike those in other schools.

The lower level features lockers and changing rooms for students in PE classes and for competitions and games that LAS hosts on campus. There is also a multi-purpose room which is the site of yoga and Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes for students and faculty, as well as other activities.

But we can’t forget about the roof of the MMAC. In the warm weather, students can play basketball or football or even try their hand at boffering, a live action role play sport with foam weapons that is very popular with our students. And any activity held on the roof of the MMAC has the added benefit of the best view in Leysin against the backdrop of the Dents du Midi!

The Magic Mountain Athletic Center is truly a space for all LAS students. Friends often come together at the MMAC and bond over playing badminton, basketball, climbing, or simply working out. It is a fantastic communal space open to anyone at LAS.

Leysin American School was able to build the MMAC with the generous financial support of so many of our LAS Global Family members during the multi-million franc capital campaign. It is just one example of how our extended community continues to support current LAS programming and facilities, ensuring that each generation of LAS graduates has the best experience possible on the Magic Mountain.