So far this summer ten people have died attempting to climb the Matterhorn, near Zermatt
KEYSTONE/ VALENTIN FLAURAUD
The number of fatal accidents in the Swiss Alps during the first six months of 2018 is double that of the same period last year, according to intermediate figures from the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC).
On Sunday, an NZZ am Sonntag reportExternal link showed that between January and June 2018, 80 people died climbing or skiing in the Swiss Alps – the highest level since the turn of the century.
Thirty-eight people died during the first six months of 2017, while the annual average is around 45.
As most fatal mountain accidents generally occur between July and August and the summer temperatures were perfect for high-altitude climbs, 2018 looks set to be a record year. Already ten people died this summer trying to scale the Matterhorn, near Zermatt.
There are numerous factors behind this year’s spike in fatalities. There were several major incidents, such as at Arolla in May, and numerous avalanches caused by unusually high levels of snow. Experts say people venturing into the mountains sometimes overestimate their abilities, bring inappropriate equipment and are insufficiently prepared.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025
This content was published on
A man flew a drone around the venue on Wednesday evening during the first match of the Women's EURO 2025 in St. Gallen. The 30-year-old violated the absolute ban on flying during match days. He was reported to the police.
More than 250 Swiss companies sign CO2 reduction initiative
This content was published on
A total of 257 companies from Switzerland have signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). In doing so, they are committing to CO2 reduction targets that are compatible with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Swiss accident prevention group sees federal targets at risk
This content was published on
The Swiss government's target for accident figures is at risk, reckons Mario Cavegn, member of the executive board of the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention.
Feminicide: Swiss justice minister calls for electronic monitoring
This content was published on
Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans has called for electronic monitoring and an ankle bracelet warning system for perpetrators of violence against women.
This content was published on
American artist Chaka Khan ‘and friends’ opened the 59th Montreux Jazz Festival on Friday. For over three hours, their show, dedicated to their friend and mentor Quincy Jones, thrilled the audience,
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Final body found after fatal avalanche
This content was published on
Rescuers have found the fourth and final person who went missing after being swept away by an avalanche in a ski area of Switzerland six weeks ago.
This content was published on
On Saturday, the ski tourer fell from the 3,698 metre high Balmhorn mountain on the border between cantons Bern and Valais, near to the popular resort of Leukerbad. The accident occurred when a snowdrift came loose, sweeping the man over the edge of the mountain. Three companions who were also on the climb escaped unscathed…
This content was published on
This winter has already seen a record number of dynamite-triggered avalanches in the Swiss Alps. The reason is the huge amount of snowfall.
This content was published on
Rescue operators also had to conduct fewer operations to save stricken people in the mountains. A total of 2,244 people called for help between January and September, down 204 from the corresponding period last year. There were fewer emergencies among people enjoying the classic mountain sports such as hiking, climbing and ski touring. But there were…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.