The Swiss ski lift industry has got off to a very good start to winter 2024/25. Compared to the same period of the previous year, the number of guests increased by 18%, indicated Friday the umbrella association Remontées Mécaniques Suisses (RMS), which evaluated the figures of more than 120 members from all over Switzerland.
In mid-November, snow fell in large quantities down to low altitudes, leading to a surge in bookings. Shortly before Christmas, snow also fell in abundance even in the towns of the Plateau, which again triggered last minute reservations.
The exceptional weather in the mountains after Christmas and the excellent snow and slope conditions also attracted daily tourists to the ski resorts. All regions benefited from this and had a better start to the season than the previous year.
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Positive for small stations
Low altitude regions have benefited from this start of winter above average thanks to excellent snow conditions, notes RMS. This is particularly visible in central and eastern Switzerland.
RMS says it is “delighted” to see that the small ski resorts have been very busy. “It is important that families and children in particular can be enthusiastic about snow sports thanks to small ski areas located close to large cities,” says umbrella director Berno Stoffel.
Very busy French Alps
In detail, the large regions of Valais and Graubünden recorded 11% and 8% more guests respectively compared to the previous year, followed by Ticino (+7%). The prize goes to the Vaud and Friborg Alps (+41%), followed by Eastern Switzerland (+38%), Central Switzerland (+32%) and the Bernese Oberland (+22%).
Snow sports and winter holidays are still popular among the Swiss population and international visitors, rejoices RMS. The industry, however, says it is aware that conditions can change again. “It is only after Easter that we will take stock,” underlines Berno Stoffel.
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