Swiss Ski Resorts Face Christmas Crisis: Snow Scarcity Fuels Capacity Debate
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A looming lack of snow threatens to disrupt the Christmas ski season in Switzerland, forcing lower-altitude resorts to close and potentially overwhelming higher-elevation destinations. Published December 17, 2025, the situation has sparked debate over whether capacity restrictions are needed to prevent chaotic conditions and ensure a safe experience for skiers.
The forecast is grim for many ski areas. Unless a significant weather shift occurs, numerous resorts in the Vaud and Friborg Alps will be unable to open for the crucial holiday period. Some areas in central and eastern Switzerland are bracing for a Christmas season focused on hiking rather than skiing. This lack of snow is expected to drive a surge in visitors to higher-altitude resorts, but even those destinations are facing limitations.
The Rush to Higher Ground – and Potential Chaos
The influx of skiers to higher elevations is already raising concerns about overcrowding. Reports from last weekend in Val Gardena, Italy, highlighted the potential for disruption, with guests facing hours-long waits for lifts. “Guests had to wait in line for hours at the elevator, causing trouble for them in videos and social media posts,” one observer noted. Swiss resorts are keen to avoid similar “shitstorms,” as described by industry insiders.
The question of whether to implement guest caps is proving contentious. Tourism expert Christian Laesser of the University of St. Gallen cautioned against short-term restrictions, stating, “Such a measure must be communicated well in advance. The guests have to get used to it, otherwise there is a risk of a shitstorm.” However, Laesser acknowledged the potential long-term benefits, suggesting that a well-planned capacity limit could add “a certain exclusivity” to the ski experience. He emphasized the need to guarantee access for hotel guests, stating, “A destination cannot afford it if hotel guests are not allowed on the ski slopes.”
Lessons from Past Seasons and Regional Variations
The potential for overcrowding echoes issues experienced in the 2022/2023 winter season, when numerous ski areas closed due to insufficient snow. This led to a concentration of skiers in remaining open resorts, such as Val d’Anniviers and Anzère, which were subsequently “overrun” by skiers, including those holding Magic Pass ski passes. According to Roland Schegg, a tourism expert from HES-SO Valais-Wallis University, a similar scenario is likely this year. “There will be a rush again in some ski areas,” he predicted, adding that reduced slope availability increases the risk of accidents.
Interestingly, the Jungfrau Region already operates with a maximum capacity of 17,800 people in the Grindelwald-Wengen area. A media spokeswoman confirmed that this limit has never been reached, despite record visitor numbers in recent years. Currently, approximately half of the region’s pistes are open, and officials are optimistic that improved snowmaking capabilities will allow for additional slopes to open before the holidays. However, she acknowledged potential “bottlenecks” during peak arrival and departure times.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Berno Stoffel, director of Cable Cars Switzerland, expressed skepticism about the need for access restrictions. He believes the snow conditions will naturally limit the flow of skiers, with some regional visitors opting to stay closer to home. Stoffel also pointed to factors like traffic and parking availability as natural constraints. “The situation can still change by then. Cooler temperatures are forecast,” he said, adding that “More kilometers of slopes could possibly be covered with snow.”
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the fate of the Swiss ski season. While the prospect of a white Christmas remains uncertain for many, the debate over capacity management highlights the growing need for sustainable tourism practices in the face of climate change. .
