Switzerland Today
Dear Swiss Abroad,
Warmest regards from Bern!
This weekend will be a scorcher here in Switzerland.
Many people will be trekking up the mountains for cooler temperatures – but if you are planning a trip up the mountains, Swiss authorities are warning mountain-goers due to a sharp increase in hiking accidents.
We will tell you why, but first let’s take a glance at the headlines coming out of Switzerland.
In the news today: a massive global IT outage, another body uncovered from the storms in June and more Eurovision 2025 news.
- Global IT outage causes disruption at Zurich airport: a worldwide issue affecting Microsoft IT systems today has had an impact on Zurich Airport, where landings were suspended mid-morning.
- Another body found in southern Switzerland after June storms: a body was found in the Maggia river in the southern Swiss canton of Ticino yesterday, police said. It is “likely” to be the sixth victim of devastating storms which hit the region at the end of June.
- Swiss construction sector had mixed year in 2023: while construction expenditure in Switzerland rose by 0.3% in nominal terms last year, the price-adjusted situation shows a 2.5% decrease, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
The highs and lows of hiking in Switzerland
“We are a nation of hikers,” writes Swiss public television, SRFExternal link.
With good reason! The Alps, sweeping views, lakes and restaurant huts at almost every trail – it is no wonder many of Switzerland’s trails have become highlights for visitors, both domestic and international.
With temperatures spiking in Switzerland this Saturday, many hikers will seek cooler temperatures in the heights of the mountains.
But while many see hiking as a leisurely activity, the reality can be quite different for mountain-goers.
In the early 2000s, there were around 17,700 hiking accidents annually; now there are on average around 40,000. More troubling still, 53 people die every year.
The reasons for this disproportionate increase in accidents are currently unknown. However, representatives from the Swiss Accident Prevention Advisory Centre speculate there could be several contributing factors.
One reason could be the increase in mass tourism in Switzerland.
As the number of tourists and visitors flocking to the mountains rises, the trails have become more accessible. While the mountains are easier to reach, this does not mean that the trails themselves have become less treacherous.
Unfortunately, due to the accessibility of these trails, many visitors think they can manage the sometimes steep and slippery paths. “As a result, people who are poorly equipped and have no experience find themselves in critical terrain extremely quickly,” says Bernhard Streicher, a former professor of social and personality psychology specialised in risk research, to SRF.
Another factor contributing to the increase in mountain hiking accidents is individual ego.
Overconfidence, not paying attention, and neglecting to check weather forecasts and terrain conditions all play significant roles in how hiking accidents occur.
More than 600 trails closed – some permanently
It might be fortuitous, then, that bad weather at the beginning of the summer season has led to 620 hiking trails being closed to visitors.
Many of these paths have significant damage, and some still have snow.
While some of the damaged paths can be repaired gradually, cantonal authorities say that some trails might not re-open.
Sébastien Rappaz, head of hiking trails in French-speaking Valais at Valrando, spoke to French-speaking Swiss public radio, RTSExternal link. Rappaz said that mountain faces previously protected from rockfalls due to permafrost are no longer safe as the permafrost disappears. Rappaz adds that while flooding and other natural phenomena are not new, they are becoming more frequent and unpredictable.
Bravery in turning back
“Don’t be stubborn or overestimate yourself,” advises Streicher. Dark clouds forming on the horizon or a wet path with the wrong gear are good reasons to pack up, turn around and enjoy a glass of wine at the restaurant hut back at the start of the trail.
More
Eurovision 2025 – vote on your choice canton!
Four cantons were in the running to host the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest: Zurich, Bern, Basel, and Geneva.
Now, the competition has narrowed down to two: Basel and Geneva.
The two finalists were selected based on several criteria: venue suitability, public transport connections, sustainability, hotel capacity, security measures, waste disposal plans, investment, experience with large-scale events, and local support and motivation, to name a few.
Geneva has pledged CHF30 million ($33.8 million) to organise the contest at the Palexpo centre. In contrast, Basel has not yet released financial details but plans to host the event at the city’s St. Jakobshalle.
While the investment in hosting Eurovision is substantial, the expected economic benefits are also significant. For example, Liverpool, the 2023 host, saw an economic boost of €62 million (CHF59.9 million).
Where should the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest to be held? Join our debate and share your thoughts!
More
In compliance with the JTI standards
More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative
