Swiss Cable Car Industry Sets New Standards At A Conference
The cable car industry met in Rapperswil-Jona for its general assembly and the Swiss Cable Car Forum. Under the motto "Leading Better: Collaboration Instead of Going It Alone – What Leadership Needs Today," the program included expert presentations on leadership and business management, as well as engaging workshops. One of the highlights was the presentation of diplomas to the newly certified cable car specialists.
General Assembly and Strategy of the Association
Hans Wicki, member of the Council of States and President of Swiss Cableways (SBS), welcomed the approximately 360 participants to the 55th General Assembly on October 28, 2025, and reviewed the past four years of the association and the successful implementation of the strategy and the continuation of the strategic work with the revised 2026-2030 strategy.
Berno Stoffel, Director of SBS, focused on the positive business developments of recent years and the changes within the industry. For the first time, cable car companies in Switzerland generated over CHF 1.8 billion in revenue in the 2024 financial year. He spoke about the increasing integration of new business areas such as hotels and restaurants into mountain railway companies, as well as the important political framework for the industry. The SBS board of directors remains unchanged, with the confirmation of Hans Wicki as president and the re-election of Michele Beffa.
Impulses for leadership through expert presentations and panel discussions
Following a welcoming address by Barbara Dillier, Mayor of Rapperswil-Jona, the forum began with expert presentations on leadership and business management. Christa Hostettler, Director of the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), explained the FOT's role as a leading authority, and Professor Dr. Thomas Bieger from the University of St. Gallen demonstrated how cable car companies can be managed successfully from an economic perspective. In the subsequent panel discussion, Bernhard Heusler (leadership expert), Lorenzo Schmid (long-time Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arosa Bergbahnen), and Norbert Patt (CEO of Bergbahnen Engelberg-Trübsee-Titlis) discussed successful team strategies and the challenges facing the industry.
Diploma presentation: Skilled workers for the industry
A particular highlight was the formal presentation of diplomas to the newly qualified cable car specialists. A total of 30 male and two female cable car specialists received their certificates. These newly qualified professionals will contribute to ensuring that the cable car industry continues to have a pool of qualified young talent, enabling key positions to be filled competently. They possess the qualifications required to assume the technical management of a cable car company.
Workshops in focus: Solutions for leadership and young talent
The second day of the forum focused on interactive workshops. With topics such as "Winning Teams: How the Board of Directors and Management Work Together Successfully," "OSVS Apprenticeship Network: Promoting Young Talent and Joint Training," and "The Future of Technical Directors: Investing in Technical Leadership Skills," the cable car conference emphasized employee collaboration and the development of young talent. The workshops offered participants the opportunity to learn about practical solutions and actively exchange ideas on trends, innovations, and future challenges facing the industry.
The next Swiss Cable Car Forum will take place on October 20 and 21, 2026, in Interlaken. The event remains a key platform for exchange and further education in the Swiss cable car industry.
