Good Start To Winter For Swiss Ski Areas

The 2023/24 winter season got off to a good start. Compared to the mild winter of 2022/23, the season starts this year with an increase of 26% in first-time entries. The reasons for the successful start are the very good snow conditions, even at lower altitudes, and positive weather conditions over the festive period.

The 2023/24 winter season got off to a positive start and the good snow conditions enabled a successful snow sports experience for locals and tourists. The winter began with a lot of snow at higher altitudes, which created optimal conditions for preparations. Many lower-lying ski areas were also able to open the season early due to the good snow conditions.

Compared to last year, the current season presents a promising abundance of snow in the mountains. This enabled a larger number of slopes to be open compared to the previous year. The mountain railways across Switzerland recorded an increase of 26% in the months of November and December 2023 compared to the start of winter last year. Compared to the five-year average, the increase in first-time entries is 12%.

Regional differences

However, a distinction must be made: The start of the season last year was characterized by warm temperatures without natural snow around Christmas time, which hit particularly low-lying areas without technical snowmaking particularly hard. The high-altitude ski areas or those with extensive snowmaking were able to attract many additional guests in the last winter season thanks to their very good offerings. This particularly affected large individual areas in Valais and Graubünden.

This is the opposite at the current winter start. The general snow conditions were much better. The current start of the season was characterized by good conditions down to medium and lower altitudes. Those regions with ski areas at medium and lower altitudes are now doing comparatively better and are reporting a significant increase in skier days. This applies in particular to parts of eastern Switzerland (+86%) and the Vaud Alps (with +109%) but also to the Bernese Oberland.

Although the weather was predominantly bad, especially in November, almost all regions were able to get off to a good and enjoyable start to the winter due to the snow conditions and the good weather over the festive period and are very satisfied with the start of the season.

Comparison with the 5-year average

In the long term, the 5-year average comparison is more meaningful. The change compared to the five-year average for Switzerland as a whole is +12% for first-time entries. There is an overall positive trend here - the Covid winters are also included here. In particular, the Vaud Alps and central Switzerland recorded strong growth. In the Jura and Ticino, however, there is a negative balance (see Fig. 2).

«We are thrilled about the successful start of the 2023/24 winter season in the Swiss ski areas. The destinations reported “Full House”, there was optimal weather with enough snow, and the mountain railways offered the maximum possible range of unforgettable snow experiences in the Swiss mountains,” says Berno Stoffel, Director of Cable Cars Switzerland. “We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world and offering them a safe and entertaining winter sports experience.”

Overall, the 2023/24 winter season promises an exciting time full of snow fun and unforgettable experiences for winter sports enthusiasts in the Swiss ski areas. With the optimal snow conditions, the wide range of activities and a strong focus on safety, nothing stands in the way of enjoying the fresh air in the coming winter months and ski holidays.