Swiss Lift Co's Report Solid Winter 2025/26 To Date

Swiss cable car companies have had a good 2025/26 winter season so far. Although visitor numbers at the start of the season are 4% lower than the exceptionally strong previous year, they are 17% higher than the five-year average. Higher-altitude destinations, on the other hand, were able to maintain an attractive offering thanks to early snowfall and efficient snowmaking systems. The mild weather posed challenges, particularly for lower-altitude ski resorts, where day visitors were sometimes lacking. Swiss Cable Cars emphasizes the central role of artificial snowmaking, in which the mountain railways invested over CHF 55 million last year alone.

For its seasonal monitoring, the Swiss Cable Car Association (SBS) analyzes the number of visitors (first-time entries) from over 120 members throughout Switzerland. The figures now available allow for an analysis from the start of the winter season until January 31, 2026.

Regional differences

A regional analysis reveals a more nuanced picture: While Valais, with a 3% increase, experienced a more favorable season than 2024/25, Graubünden (+1%) and the Bernese Oberland (-2%) remained at the previous year's level. Valais recorded more visitors than last year, while the Vaud and Fribourg Alps saw a decline of 5%, Ticino 6%, Central Switzerland 8%, and Eastern Switzerland 13% .

High-altitude and large ski resorts with growth

The analysis of visitor numbers by altitude in winter sports areas confirms the expected pattern: The start of the season was particularly challenging for areas below 1,500 m above sea level, which on average counted 14% fewer visitors than in the comparison period of the exceptionally snowy winter of 2024/25. Winter sports areas at 1,500 to 2,000 m above sea level recorded a decrease of 4%, while destinations above 2,000 m above sea level even managed to achieve an increase in visitors compared to the previous year .

An analysis of visitor numbers by company size (measured by traffic revenue) reveals a similar picture: Smaller companies, often located at lower elevations, suffered significant declines in visitor numbers, while larger companies recorded a slight increase of 4% on average

Ski resorts lagging behind in day visitors

The results show that the mild weather had an impact on guest behavior: Businesses that primarily welcome day visitors had an average of 10% fewer guests than in the previous year. Areas with overnight guests or a balanced mix of guests recorded an average of 3% more guests.

Comparison with the 5-year average

The subdued picture in many regions compared to the previous year becomes less clear when the winter of 2025/26 is viewed in a longer-term context. Compared to the 5-year average (which also includes a winter impacted by the coronavirus pandemic), the season as a whole is positive. First-time entries were 17% higher than the 5-year average. However, regional increases show significant differences, ranging from 8% in Eastern Switzerland to 25% in the Bernese Oberland.

Despite the lack of natural snow, the industry association considers the winter so far to be a success overall. The vast majority of mountain railways offer excellent slopes. Modern technology, safe operation, and well-trained specialists are crucial to this success. To ensure reliable and attractive operations in the future, the industry is investing specifically in young talent. On March 23 and 27, 2026, as part of the national "Alpine Tech Heroes" campaign, 36 cable car companies will open their doors to young people during the "Call of Heroes" taster days, showcasing apprenticeships in the mountains. "Without skilled workers, no cable car can operate. That's why the industry is consistently investing in young talent," says Berno Stoffel, Director of Swiss Cable Cars.