Swiss Lift Co's Report Solid February

Swiss cable car companies have recorded a largely positive result so far in the 2025/26 winter season. While visitor numbers up to the end of the school holidays are 3% below the exceptionally strong previous year, they are 12% higher than the five-year average. The initially mild winter was particularly challenging for smaller, lower-lying ski resorts. The cold snap and snowfall in February provided noticeable relief.

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 February 28, 2026.

Plenty of snow in February

The winter sports month of February was meteorologically characterized by stark contrasts: a prolonged period of heavy snowfall, even at low elevations, was followed by a spring-like end to the month. Viewed in isolation, ski resorts at lower elevations (up to 1,500 m a.s.l.) particularly benefited from the fresh snowfall, recording a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. In contrast, destinations at mid-elevations (1,500 to 2,000 m a.s.l.) registered a 4% decrease, while higher-altitude ski resorts above 2,000 m a.s.l. showed a 3% decline. The closure of higher-altitude ski resorts during the peak summer holiday weeks is clearly having an impact. For lower-altitude resorts, February 2026 thus represented a noticeable improvement after a difficult start to the season.

Regional differences

A regional analysis of the current season from the start of the season to the end of February 2026 reveals a differentiated picture: While Valais shows a slightly more favorable season than 2024/25 with an increase of 2% and Graubünden stagnates at the high level of the previous year, the other regions are experiencing declines, with Eastern Switzerland even experiencing a noticeable decrease of -11% .

Only high-altitude and large ski resorts with growth.

The analysis of visitor numbers by altitude for the current season confirms the expected picture: The winter has been particularly challenging for areas below 1,500 m above sea level. They recorded an average of 8% fewer visitors than in the same period last year. Areas at mid-altitudes between 1,500 and 2,000 m above sea level registered a decrease of 3%. Destinations above 2,000 m above sea level, however, were able to achieve an increase in visitors compared to the previous year.

Comparison with the 5-year average

The subdued picture in many regions compared to the previous year is put into perspective when viewed over a longer period. Compared to the 5-year average (which also includes a winter impacted by the pandemic), the season as a whole is positive. First-time entries were 12% higher than the 5-year average. However, there are significant regional differences: increases range from 3% in Eastern Switzerland to 23% in Ticino.

Thanks to artificial snowmaking, the winter season got off to a solid start. The abundant natural snowfall in February was important for the environment and especially for the activities offered in the second half of winter. "We hope that the warmer temperatures combined with the abundant snow will attract many more snow sports enthusiasts to the mountains. The companies are offering fantastic programs with numerous festivals and concerts in March and April," says Berno Stoffel, Director of Swiss Cableways, confidently.