Swiss Ski Resorts Celebrate Best Winter Season in a Decade

Early and abundant snowfall down to lower altitudes has fueled a surge in popularity for Swiss ski resorts, culminating in the best winter season the country’s ski lift operators have seen in ten years. According to preliminary estimates released by the Association of Swiss Cableways (Remontées Mécaniques Suisses), the 2024/2025 winter season experienced an 11% increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous year.

The association, representing 350 cableway operators throughout the Alpine nation, hailed the season as "the best of the decade," attributing the success to particularly strong attendance during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. A press release from the association highlighted that visitor numbers during the holiday season soared by 24% compared to the 2023/2024 winter season. The February school holidays also saw a significant boost of 10%, while the late season experienced a more modest increase of 1%.

While the Association of Swiss Cableways refrained from disclosing the exact number of visitors for the entire winter season, which typically spans from November to April, they clarified that the figures are based on initial data collected from a sample of 120 ski resorts. More detailed statistics are expected to be released in August.

Earlier in January, the association had already reported a strong start to the season, spurred by significant snowfall reaching lower elevations in mid-November. This was followed by further snowfall just before Christmas, which resulted in a flurry of last-minute bookings.

Although the weather turned drier later in the season, the "high-quality snow base" established by the early snowfall, coupled with "relatively cold" nights, ensured "very good piste conditions" through the use of snowmaking technology.

Berno Stoffel, director of the Association of Swiss Cableways, emphasized that "This season has been very good for many smaller and lower-altitude ski areas." This success is particularly noteworthy considering the challenges faced by these smaller operators in the previous year, when a mid-season thaw significantly impacted snow cover.

In response to the growing concerns surrounding climate change, the association, in collaboration with other Swiss tourism organizations, launched the "Snow Compass" project in November. This initiative aims to assess future snowfall patterns and identify solutions, particularly for low-altitude resorts that are more susceptible to the effects of climate change.

The remarkable performance of Swiss ski resorts during the 2024/2025 winter season underscores the enduring appeal of skiing and snowboarding as popular winter activities. The favorable snow conditions, combined with effective snow management strategies, have allowed resorts to provide consistently high-quality experiences for visitors.

The significant increase in visitor numbers during the Christmas and New Year holiday period highlights the importance of this time of year for the Swiss ski industry. Families and individuals seeking a festive winter getaway flocked to the slopes, contributing significantly to the overall success of the season.

The February school holidays also proved to be a key period, with many families taking advantage of the break to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. The consistent snowfall and well-maintained pistes ensured that visitors had a memorable experience.

The success of the 2024/2025 winter season has provided a welcome boost to the Swiss tourism industry, which has faced various challenges in recent years. The strong performance of ski resorts has had a positive impact on local economies, supporting businesses and creating employment opportunities.

Looking ahead, the Association of Swiss Cableways remains committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Swiss ski industry. The "Snow Compass" project represents a significant step towards understanding the impact of climate change on snowfall patterns and developing strategies to mitigate the risks.

The association is also working closely with its members to promote sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency and responsible water management. By embracing innovation and adopting a proactive approach, the Swiss ski industry aims to maintain its position as a world-leading destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

The success of the 2024/2025 season serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Swiss ski industry. Despite the challenges posed by climate change and evolving consumer preferences, Swiss ski resorts continue to attract visitors from around the world, offering unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Alps.

The strong performance of smaller and lower-altitude ski areas is particularly encouraging, demonstrating that these resorts can thrive even in the face of changing weather patterns. By investing in snowmaking technology and implementing effective snow management strategies, these resorts are able to provide reliable and enjoyable skiing experiences for their visitors.

The Association of Swiss Cableways plays a vital role in supporting its members and promoting the interests of the Swiss ski industry. By providing resources, expertise, and advocacy, the association helps to ensure that Swiss ski resorts remain competitive and sustainable.

The success of the 2024/2025 winter season is a cause for celebration for the Swiss ski industry and a positive sign for the future. With continued investment in innovation, sustainability, and customer service, Swiss ski resorts are well-positioned to continue attracting visitors and providing world-class skiing experiences for years to come.

The early snowfall was definitely a significant factor in the season’s success. It generated a lot of buzz and enthusiasm, leading to increased bookings and a positive atmosphere throughout the winter. The fact that the snow reached lower altitudes was particularly beneficial, as it made skiing more accessible to a wider range of people.

The "high-quality snow base" that was established early in the season was crucial for maintaining good piste conditions even when the weather turned drier later on. This allowed resorts to provide consistent skiing experiences for visitors, regardless of the weather.

The relatively cold nights also played a role in preserving the snow cover. Cold temperatures help to prevent the snow from melting, ensuring that the pistes remain in good condition for longer.

The use of snowmaking technology was also essential for maintaining good piste conditions. Snowmaking allows resorts to supplement natural snowfall and ensure that there is always enough snow on the slopes.

Overall, the 2024/2025 winter season was a resounding success for Swiss ski resorts. The combination of favorable weather conditions, effective snow management strategies, and a strong commitment to customer service resulted in the best season in a decade.