Cable cars in Switzerland: High temperatures boost demand in the mountains

Swiss lift co's have confirmed their positive start to the season in July. From the beginning of the season to the end of July, first-time visitors across Switzerland were 7% higher than last year. Compared to the average of the last five years, this represents an increase of 29%. This is certainly due to the excellent weather conditions and the heat, which made excursions to higher altitudes attractive. Thanks to Swiss visitors, the losses in international guests were more than compensated for.

For its seasonal monitoring, the Swiss Cable Car Association (SBS) analyzes the number of visitors (first-time entries) from over 140 members throughout Switzerland. The figures now available allow for an analysis of the start of the 2026 summer season, from May to the end of July.

An exceptionally warm July is favorable for mountain tourism.

July 2026 was characterized by high temperatures, prolonged drought, and above-average sunshine. New temperature records were measured in many parts of Switzerland. Consequently, many people sought relief from the heat and relaxation in the mountains. The extensive range of leisure and sporting activities offered by the mountain railways was all the more appreciated, and overall demand developed positively. Nationwide, first-time entries at the end of July were 7% higher than the previous year.

Shifts in the source markets

In recent years, the summer business has been heavily influenced by a few large mountain railway companies with a strong focus on the international market. However, the geopolitical situation in the Middle East is having an impact on the markets.

Switzerland continues to benefit from its international reputation as a safe, reliable, and high-quality travel destination. Particularly in German-speaking countries, the trend of many travelers foregoing long-haul trips and instead favoring European destinations is confirmed. The picture in Asian markets is more nuanced. The number of visitors from India, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East is currently declining significantly due to geopolitical uncertainty. Visitors from North America and independent travelers remain important drivers of demand and show above-average interest in easily accessible experiences and adventures.

Regional differences

The Bernese Oberland saw particularly strong growth. The region recorded 24% more first-time visitors than in the previous year, significantly exceeding the Swiss average. Graubünden (+11%) also performed well. Ticino (+1%) is slightly above the previous year's level. Central Switzerland and Valais (both -2%), as well as Eastern Switzerland (-3%), are below the previous year's figures. The Vaud and Fribourg Alps recorded a decline of 10% (see Fig. 1).

The figures for the Bernese Oberland are heavily influenced by the Schilthorn cableway's full operation following last year's restrictions due to construction. Eastern Switzerland's results are significantly impacted by the current shutdown of the Säntis cable car. The cable car to the Säntis is being replaced by a new one this summer. This one-off effect is clearly impacting the regional statistics. Excluding this effect, Eastern Switzerland shows a 17% increase in visitors compared to the previous year. While the mountain railways in the canton of Graubünden benefited from increased demand in neighboring markets, the Vaud and Fribourg Alps have seen a significant decline in visitors compared to last year. Nevertheless, visitor numbers remain well above the five-year average.

Significantly above the five-year average

The comparison with the average of the last five years remains clearly positive. Across Switzerland, first-time entries are 29% above the average for the years 2021 to 2025.

The Bernese Oberland shows particularly strong growth, with an increase of 63%. Central Switzerland (+19%), the Vaud and Fribourg Alps (+17%), Valais (+14%), Ticino (+12%), and Graubünden (+11%) also exceed the long-term average. Only Eastern Switzerland remains below the five-year average at -11% due to the aforementioned "Säntis effect" (see Fig. 2).

The industry is satisfied

July underscores the growing importance of summer business for Swiss mountain railways. The exceptionally warm and sunny weather led to high levels of leisure and travel activity in the Alps. At the same time, the industry as a whole is benefiting from the diversification of the markets served. After several strong years – characterized by international guests – Swiss and European visitors have so far made a significant contribution to the positive results this summer. This confirms the success of making summer in the Swiss mountains more attractive.

“The developments in July show that Swiss mountain railways can count on diverse demand. The combination of domestic guests, European markets and long-haul markets contributes to the overall positive development of the summer business. This increases the stability of the industry in a challenging environment,” says Berno Stoffel, Director of Swiss Cableways.