13th Eastern Swiss Mountain Forum Takes Place On Säntis
This year's BergForum was dedicated to the exciting topic "The Challenge of the Mountains – Between Risk and Safety." Speakers explored how mountain railways, rescue services, and other organizations can contribute to mountain safety and the challenges that need to be overcome. The event was enriched by Corinne Hofstetter, who moderated the forum with her open and dynamic style.
Walter Maffioletti, Head of Legal and Safety at Swiss Cable Cars (SBS), discusses the responsibilities (and liabilities) that play a central role in mountain safety – both in winter and summer. Guests seek adventure and adrenaline, but mountain railways face a special responsibility. It's important to recognize hazards early, identify risks, comply with regulations, and implement targeted measures to ensure safe mountain operations without compromising the quality of the experience for guests: a challenge for mountain railways. To overcome this challenge, cooperation with authorities, rescue services, and all other mountain stakeholders is essential.
In the panel discussion, expert personalities discussed the personal responsibility that is increasingly decreasing among the guests:
- Ralph Schneider, Head of Pizolbahnen Ski Rescue Service
- Roger Pfiffner, Alpine Task Force, St. Gallen Cantonal Police
- Michael Wehrli, Technical Director, Säntis Cable Car
- Stefan Elmer, Director, Elm Sports Cable Cars
- Corinne Hofstetter, Moderator
- Florian Schneider, Deputy Head of Communications, St. Gallen Cantonal Police
- Walter Maffiioletti, Head of Legal and Security, Swiss Cable Cars
Patrick Sieber, Head of Partner Training at Rega, confirms in his presentation that close cooperation with the cable car industry is crucial, especially in the mountains, for providing rapid and safe care to those injured or ill. He provides fascinating insights into the procedures of rescue flights, the challenges of alpine terrain, and the importance of reliable partnerships.
Sandra Stöckli, a professional handbiker from Rapperswil-Jona, talks about her motivation, dealing with setbacks, and the importance of perseverance. At the same time, courage, perfection, and meticulous preparation are essential – values that are also crucial for safety in the mountains. Only those who recognize risks and prepare for the unexpected can be safe on the trail.
The OSVS would like to take this opportunity to thank the long-standing sponsors of the Eastern Swiss Mountain Forum: Garaventa AG, feratel media technologies, Mosterei Möhl AG, Säntis-Schwebebahn AG.
