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.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
TradeXBank to resume full operations after Sberbank Switzerland taken off sanctions list
This content was published on
TradeXBank, the former Swiss branch of Russia’s Sberbank, will be able to resume its dollar-denominated activities from the second half of this year.
Geneva decides not to remove controversial memorials
This content was published on
The city of Geneva has presented an action plan regarding a series of controversial local statues and monuments of historical figures linked to racism, colonialism or slavery.
University of Lausanne calls for end to pro-Palestine sit-in
This content was published on
The pro-Palestinian occupation continues at the University of Lausanne (UNIL). On Monday evening, a group of students refused to agree to the deadline set by the rectorate.
Ukraine peace conference should include Russia, says Chinese ambassador
This content was published on
China supports a peace conference on the Ukraine war that would see equal participation of all parties, says Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui.
This content was published on
A majority of Swiss citizens have open attitudes towards various infertility treatments, including even egg donation, which is currently prohibited.
Reports of Swiss cyber fraud almost doubled in six months
This content was published on
The head of the new Federal Office for Cybersecurity (FOC), Florian Schütz, has presented a new strategy after just over four months in office.
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.