Seilbahnen Schweiz - What Will Summer 2021 Be Like For Swiss Mountain Areas?

What will summer 2021 be like for  Swiss mountain areas?  

This is a question that is currently driving the mountain railway industry. Seilbahnen Schweiz assumes that local guests in particular will book holidays in the Swiss mountains this summer. Fortunately, the booking situation looks pretty positive in destinations with a traditionally high proportion of Swiss guests.

Cable cars in Switzerland are cautiously positive

Those excursion areas that benefit from easy access to Germany are also optimistic. On weekends with nice weather, good frequencies were already achieved there in early summer. On the other hand, as during the winter season, the picture continues to be gloomy for internationally oriented destinations due to the lack of guests from distant markets. Because internationally oriented destinations also generate the highest sales at the same time, the Swiss Cable Car Industry Association does not expect total sales to recover at the national level.

Capacity restrictions lifted

With the relaxation, the Federal Council has also adjusted the provisions for mountain railways. The capacity restrictions on gondolas and cabins have been lifted. The same regulations now apply as in public transport. That means: Mask compulsory in all closed vehicles and waiting areas. However, the mask requirement is waived on the chairlifts. This relaxation is very much welcomed by the mountain railway operators.

Guidelines «Obligation to maintain safety for summer activities»

Safety is a top priority for Swiss cable cars. The industry does everything possible to ensure the safety of guests at all times. A new industry solution was developed to ensure safety at leisure facilities operated by mountain railways. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. iur. Manuel Jaun from the Working Group on Summer Activities at Seilbahnen Schweiz, the compulsory road safety for summer activities was drawn up. This defines the safety requirements for hiking trails, mountain bike offers, via ferratas, facilities for independent sports and facilities with a pronounced technical character. In addition, organizational responsibilities, work planning and emergency organization, the protection against falls and natural hazards as well as the control and maintenance of protective structures and the signaling are dealt with. The "traffic safety obligation for summer activities" has been in effect since May 1st and is currently being introduced and checked by the mountain railway companies. All cable car companies operating in summer have the opportunity to receive the “certified summer operation” seal of approval.