Swiss Lift Co’s Have Had A Good Start To The Winter Season 2025/26.
Compared to the exceptionally strong start to the 2024/25 season, the number of visitors at the start of the 2025/26 season was 5% lower, but compared to the five-year average, visitor numbers were 23% higher. The mild weather from the beginning of December caused a large portion of the heavy snowfall from the end of November – especially at lower elevations – to melt away. Ski resorts in lower regions therefore had a difficult start, or were unable to open at all. In contrast, ski resorts at higher elevations were able to ensure an attractive offering thanks to early snowfall and the use of artificial snowmaking. Swiss cable cars emphasize the crucial importance of artificial snowmaking for winter tourism in the mountains. Last year alone, the mountain railways invested over CHF 55 million in the renewal and expansion of their snowmaking systems.
For its seasonal monitoring, the Swiss Cable Car Association (SBS) analyzes the number of visitors (first-time entries) from over 120 members throughout Switzerland. The figures now available allow for an analysis from the start of the winter season until December 31, 2025.
Heavy snowfall at the end of November, even at lower elevations, led to a surge in bookings and an early start to the season. Simultaneously, a cold spell allowed for artificial snowmaking on many slopes, enabling skiing at higher elevations to begin as planned at the beginning of December, despite the dry conditions, wind, and mild temperatures. The situation was much more challenging for ski lifts at lower elevations without snowmaking capabilities, which had benefited from an exceptionally strong start to the previous season. In some areas, skiing was either impossible or severely restricted due to the altitude.
The exceptionally successful start across Switzerland last winter could not be repeated. Despite the lack of snow over Christmas and New Year's, there were only 5% fewer passengers using cable cars nationwide than at the start of the 2024/25 season.
Regional differences
A look at the regions shows that Valais and Graubünden had a better start to the season than in 2024/25, Ticino stagnated, and the remaining regions started with lower visitor numbers. The high-altitude regions of Valais and Graubünden recorded 8% and 6% more visitors respectively than in the previous year, while the other regions reported lower visitor numbers: Ticino -1%, the Bernese Oberland -9%, Central Switzerland -15%, the Vaud and Fribourg Alps -16%, and Eastern Switzerland -28%.
High-altitude and large ski resorts with growth
An analysis of visitor numbers by altitude in winter sports areas reveals the expected picture: The start of the season proved particularly difficult for areas below 1,500 m a.s.l., which recorded an average of 23% fewer visitors than during the exceptionally snowy start of the 2024/25 season. Winter sports areas between 1,500 and 2,000 m a.s.l. registered a decline of 7%, while areas above 2,000 m a.s.l. were even able to welcome more visitors than in the previous year.
Analyzing the change in guest numbers in relation to company size (measured by traffic revenue) reveals a similar picture: Small companies, often located in low-lying areas, have seen a significant decrease in guest numbers, while large companies have seen a slight increase of 5%.
Ski resorts lagging behind in day visitors
The results show that the mild weather had an impact on guest behavior: businesses that primarily welcome day visitors had an average of 22% fewer guests than in the previous year. Areas with overnight guests or a balanced mix of guests recorded an average of 7% more guests.
Comparison with the 5-year average
The picture, which was difficult in many regions compared to last year, changes when the current start to winter is compared to a longer time series. Compared to the 5-year average, this winter has been successful (including a winter impacted by the coronavirus pandemic). A 23% increase in first-time arrivals was recorded compared to the 5-year average. The growth rates vary, ranging from 1% in Eastern Switzerland to 31% in Valais.
Under the given conditions, the industry association speaks of a successful start to the season. It is evident that, thanks to the favorable temperatures at the beginning of December, a significant amount of artificial snow could be produced. This artificial snow provides the foundation for safe operations and an attractive offering for guests. "Snowmaking is the lifeline for the winter business in Switzerland, without denying that we are, of course, also waiting for heavy snowfall. As an industry, we remain optimistic for the rest of the season," says Berno Stoffel, Director of Swiss Cableways.
