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May 8, 2024 – 11:44
(Keystone-ATS) The Swiss Ski Lifts (RMS) draw a positive result from the 2023-2024 winter season. At the end of April, the number of first visits to ski areas increased overall by 3% compared to the previous year, they indicated on Wednesday.
The increase is even 5% compared to the five-year average. The season was able to get off to a good start thanks to the early snow that fell down to low altitudes in November and the “excellent” weather conditions over Christmas, New Year and January.
The months of February and March were more difficult, especially for low-altitude areas, due to the high temperatures recorded during these two months. On the other hand, high altitude regions were able to benefit from the return of winter at the end of March and April.
In their press release, the Swiss Ski Lifts thus note “marked regional differences” in the evolution of attendance. “Ski areas located at higher altitudes benefit more than average from positive demand.”
Increase in eastern Switzerland
The number of first passages collapsed in the Friborg Alps (-31%) and in the Jura Arc (-26%). Conversely, the ski areas of Eastern Switzerland recorded a 9% increase in first passes, while those of Central Switzerland and the Vaudois Alps increased by 5% each.
The major ski regions such as Valais (+3%) and Graubünden (+7%) are doing better than the previous year, the Bernese Oberland is below (-6%). Despite a bad start to the season, Ticino was able to take advantage of “very good snow conditions” in March and April to limit the loss to 1%.
The RMS also notes that small stations have suffered this year. Companies with a turnover of less than 2 million francs saw their attendance drop by a third (35%). Conversely, the result was positive for those with a turnover between 10 and 20 million francs (+10%) and those exceeding 20 million (+5%).
