Positive outcome of the winter season for ski lifts, especially at high altitude – rts.ch

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.

>> Read: Ski resorts draw mixed results from the February vacation week

In their press release published on Wednesday, the Swiss Ski Lifts (RMS) noted “marked regional differences” in the evolution of attendance. “Ski areas at higher altitudes benefit more than average from positive demand.”

>> Read also: At low altitude, resorts can no longer rely solely on skiing

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.

Large ski regions such as Valais (+3%) and Graubünden (+7%) are doing better than the previous year, while 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%).

>> See also the results of Suisse Tourisme: The ski season has slipped significantly in 2024, according to figures from Switzerland Tourism

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