Actively shaping change: The cable car industry meets in Interlaken and Mürren

Around 380 representatives of the Swiss cable car industry met in Interlaken for the 56th General Assembly and the Swiss Cable Car Forum. The focus was on the impact of current developments on the future of the industry.

General Assembly of the Association

Hans Wicki, member of the Council of States and President of Swiss Cableways (SBS), welcomed the approximately 380 participants to the association's 56th General Assembly on October 20, 2026. The focus was on the association's activities for the 2025 financial year, as well as current challenges and opportunities facing the Swiss cableway industry.

Berno Stoffel, Director of SBS, highlighted the successful 2025/26 winter season and spoke about the ability of Swiss cable car companies to adapt to change. The mountain railway industry has proven in recent years that it can quickly adjust its offerings to changing conditions without losing sight of the long-term perspective. Berno Stoffel was thus pleased to report on the positive developments in both winter and summer.

The board of SBS remains unchanged with the confirmation of Adrian Jordan (Bergbahnen Graubünden, Vice President of the Board), Antoine Micheloud (Remontées Mécaniques des Alpes Fribourgeoises, Board Member), Michael Ackermann (Ostschweizer Verband der Seilbahnunternehmungen, Board Member), Frédéric Füssenich (Transportunternehmungen Zentralschweiz, Board Member).

Embrace change as an opportunity

Following the general assembly, the Swiss Cable Car Forum focused entirely on change. The forum addressed the impact of geopolitical, technological, and societal developments on the Swiss cable car industry.

The event began with a welcoming address from Reto Müller, a member of the Bernese government. Pälvi Pulli, Deputy State Secretary at the State Secretariat for Security Policy (SEPOS), then spoke about Switzerland's security policy challenges. Martin Nydegger, Director of Switzerland Tourism, outlined the impact of international developments on Swiss tourism and subsequently discussed these with Oliver Hammel, CEO of the Jungfrau Railways. Roland Zegg, founder of the Tourism Forum Alpine Regions, offered insights into the long-term development of the mountain railway industry and discussed its future prospects with Sandra Bütler, CEO of the Pilatus Railways, and Berno Stoffel, Director of Swiss Cableways.

Diploma ceremony for the new specialists

A particular highlight was the recognition of 36 specialists and managers for their successful completion of advanced training programs. Seventeen individuals received the Swiss Federal Diploma as cable car specialists, another 17 as specialists in ski slope and rescue services, and two as cable car managers. With their qualifications, these graduates make a significant contribution to ensuring the industry's need for qualified specialists and managers.

Theo Schnider was honored by Swiss cable car operators for his life's work. With great passion, dedication, and vision, he significantly shaped the Sörenberg mountain railways for many years.

Practical workshops in Mürren

On the second day of the event in Mürren, workshops on technical management, artificial intelligence, construction in permafrost, and the Schilthorn cable car 20XX project are on the agenda. This ensures that the forum continues to offer practical insights into current future topics in the industry on its second day.

The next Swiss Cableway Forum will take place on October 26 and 27, 2026, in Fribourg. The event will remain a key platform for exchange and further education in the Swiss cableway industry.