Swiss ski resorts began the 2024/2025 winter season with remarkable success, attracting record numbers of visitors just as the season’s thrills were juxtaposed with tragic incidents on the slopes.
According to recent figures from Switzerland Tourism, the combination of fresh snowfall at low altitudes, sunny weather, and the optimal timing of holiday breaks contributed to the seasonal surge. This year's festive period witnessed about 3% more overnight stays than last year, along with similar increases for day trips. Notably, certain ski destinations reported unprecedented guest numbers. For example, Wendelin Keller, manager of the Hoch-Ybrig resort, confirmed daily visits of around 5,500 people.
Other popular areas experienced similar booms. Arosa-Lenzerheide registered 28,000 guests on just one day, with Laax boasting visitor numbers 6.5% higher between Christmas and New Year than the previous year. Davos, Klosters, and Engelberg-Titlis welcomed thousands of skiers, aided by perfect slopes and favorable atmospheric conditions, enriched by the influx of international tourists, primarily from English-speaking nations.
While the winter sports season kicked off with enthusiasm, tragically, it also brought about two fatal accidents. On January 5, 2024, near Chur, a 55-year-old man suffered a fall on the slopes of Tschiertschen ski area. After the incident, he managed to return to his holiday home but sadly passed away the following day. Local authorities are appealing for witnesses, particularly to identify a blonde woman who offered her assistance after the accident.
Just two days later, another tragedy unfolded at Davos-Parsenn, where a 24-year-old German skier collided with another skier near the crossing at the Kreuzweg lift. Following the collision, he crashed against an information sign, which, though foam-padded, could not prevent the severe impact. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the young man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cantonal police are now conducting investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding both accidents, highlighting the need for increased safety awareness on the slopes amid record visitor periods.
Despite these grief-laden incidents, the overall performance of Swiss ski resorts remains impressive. For example, Grimentz-Zinal enjoyed the best December on record, and everyday attendance figures exceeded 20,000 at Verbier. Lower region areas also demonstrated successful spikes, with peaks of 6,500 at Pizol and Sörenberg.
Though increased traffic levels proved challenging for the catering industry, it managed this growth effectively, keeping many guests satisfied. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts are fueling the optimism among all Swiss cable car operators, who report nearly 18% growth from the last season and 31% growth over the past five years.
Martin Nydegger, the director of Switzerland Tourism, expressed gratitude for the circumstances surrounding the winter season. "This is how it should be: the holidays, with lots of guests and great weather, ensures a brilliant start to the winter season," he stated, projecting continued enthusiasm for skiing and tourism alike.
While the winter has commenced buoyantly with positive bookings up 20% compared to last year, particularly toward hotels, attention remains on safety measures. The success stems from timely snowfall, occurring as early as November, leading to early reservations.
While some areas maintain dynamic pricing models to entice visitors, other locations are returning to fixed rates to manage steady demand effectively. Weather trends have benefited day visitors, adding vibrancy to local mountain communities. Urban destinations also witnessed slight gains due to holiday festivities and cultural events.
It remains clear the 2024/2025 winter sports season signifies not only economic impetus but also elevates snow sports' profile within Switzerland. Moving forward, the promotion of Swiss winter experiences will target diverse visitor markets as the industry looks to recover from the impacts of accidents, ensuring safety on the slopes remains at the forefront of future planning and visitor experiences.