The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

Mountain deaths continued to fall in 2017

matterhorn
Hiking fatalities increased, but elsewhere the trend was positive. Keystone

The number of deaths in the Swiss mountains continued a downward trend last year, falling by 8%. The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) attributed this to less snowy winter conditions and rather changeable weather through the rest of the year.

The overall number of deaths in the mountains – resulting from (among others) climbing and hiking accidents, illnesses contracted in the heights, and skiing and mountain-biking accidents – was 154 in 2017. This is down from 179 the year before, and 213 in 2015, said the SACExternal link on Monday.

Considering only the “classic” activities of hiking and climbing, the death toll was 103, also down (by 8%) on the previous year. Ski touring, rock climbing, and avalanche-related deaths all decreased; though more hikers (54 compared with 43) lost their lives.

Foreigners made up a sizeable proportion of the 103, said the SAC: some 43 of the fatalities came from abroad, while the rest were Swiss citizens. Most of the foreigners were from neighbouring Germany and Italy.

Men were more than four times more likely than women to lose their lives.

Overall, a total of 2,712 distressed people had to be rescued in the Alps and the Jura mountains through the year, a 4% drop on the previous year.

The SAC speculated that the reason for the decline was, firstly, the lack of snow in the mountains between January and April 2017 and, secondly, changeable summer conditions that may have deterred adventurers.

More

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

New 3D simulations for better avalanche forecasting

More

New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting

This content was published on A new 3D simulation tool is enabling much more accurate avalanche forecasts. The model, which proved its worth during the landslides in Brienz (GR) and Blatten (VS), could lead to more effective management of alpine risks.

Read more: New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting
Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist organisation indicted

More

Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist group indicted in Switzerland

This content was published on The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has brought charges against a Kosovar on suspicion of being the leader of the Swiss branch of a Kosovar terrorist organisation. He is also suspected of having been active in the management of the organisation in Kosovo.

Read more: Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist group indicted in Switzerland
Lenk Glacier Lake drained without complications

More

Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage

This content was published on The Faverges glacial lake on the Plaine Morte above Lenk in the Bernese Oberland drained over the weekend. There was no flooding or damage, the authorities announced on Monday.

Read more: Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage
Swiss managers distance themselves from the USA

More

Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States

This content was published on According to a survey of managers, Swiss companies are increasingly turning away from the USA and orientating themselves more towards Southeast Asia and the EU. This is the result of a recent survey.

Read more: Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States
A live scarecrow competition to thrill Denens (VD)

More

Live scarecrow competition set to thrill Swiss

This content was published on The Fête de l'Epouvantail (scarecrow festival) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to Denens in canton Vaud for its seventh edition from July 10-20.

Read more: Live scarecrow competition set to thrill Swiss

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR