Swiss heat wave drives surge in mountain cable car visits and sparks tennis safety debate

Switzerland's unusually hot summer has boosted mountain cable‑car traffic. The industry association Seilbahnen Schweiz reported a 7 % rise in first‑time entries from the start of the season to the end of July compared with the previous year, and a 29 % increase over the five‑year average. The strongest gains were in the Bern Oberland (+24 %) and Graubünden (+11 %), while Central Switzerland, the Valais and the Eastern Alps saw modest declines. Director Berno Stoffel said the rise reflects domestic and regional visitors seeking cooler altitudes, offsetting lower numbers from the Middle East and parts of Asia.

The same heat waves are raising concerns for Swiss tennis. Average April temperatures were 2.6 °C above the 1991‑2020 baseline, and the World Meteorological Organization warned of El Niño‑related high summer temperatures. A survey of tennis coaches indicated growing awareness of heat risks, but officials stress the need for clearer guidelines on hydration, shade, training adjustments and first‑aid protocols to protect players and staff.