Skiers at Villars in the western region of Switzerland on December 30, 2024.
Keystone-SDA
Sunshine and newly fallen snow drew numerous winter sports enthusiasts to Swiss ski resorts during the holiday season. A number of ski areas reported unprecedented visitor numbers.
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According to Télé Anzère President Sébastien Travelletti on Thursday, the number of individuals carving on the slopes of Anzère in the Valais canton over the festive season was “the finest ever.” The previous record for daily entries, established in 2019 (5,723), was surpassed twice between Christmas and New Year’s.
Goals for the year’s end will be achieved, although the overall figures are currently somewhat lower than last year due to a less advantageous season start.
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Similarly, the Grimentz-Zinal area, also in the Valais canton, has reported above-average statistics. “This December is the best we’ve ever experienced,” states director Pascal Bourquin.
In Verbier, over 20,000 skiers per day utilized the slopes throughout the festive period.
Impact on overnight accommodations
The Vaud Alps have shown comparable trends over the last ten days, attributed to perfect snow conditions and consistent sunlight. “Visitor numbers have increased compared to last year, which was already a record year for Christmas,” noted Villars-Gryon-Diableret lift manager Martin Deburaux.
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Swiss Mountain Railways is expected to announce its first detailed statistics on Friday. Switzerland Tourism will also publish data on overnight stays at its resorts.
The Valais tourism body Valais Wallis Promotion anticipates a 1% rise from last year, which itself was already a record year. The exceptional weather this season has stimulated the volume of short-term bookings, as stated by spokesperson Roger Brunner.
Increase in occupancy at lower altitudes
Swiss guests constituted the majority of individuals on the slopes, with many looking to evade the foggy conditions prevalent in the lowlands.
+ Going downhill: over 50 Swiss ski lifts are deteriorating
Resorts at lower altitudes, where snow is becoming increasingly sparse, have also reported favorable figures. “The number of holiday visitors and sales have doubled compared to last season,” remarked Marc-André Léchot, chair of the executive board of Les Téléskis aux Prés-d’Orvin, located above Biel in the canton of Bern.
+ Swiss Alpine ski resorts face 40% decline in snow days
The resort, which managed to operate continuously from December 24 to January 1, will not face a deficit after two years of losses, according to Léchot. He remains optimistic, but practical, noting that with snow conditions no longer guaranteed, the resort now relies on summer activities to maintain balance.
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