Summer: hiking as foundation
Hiking is the national sport. Three signposted levels:
- Yellow paths: easy trails, family-friendly (12,000 km)
- White-red-white paths: mountain hiking, modest experience required (35,000 km)
- White-blue-white paths: mountaineering, equipment and experience essential (10,000 km)
The SwitzerlandMobility app is the reference tool: full mapping, altitude profiles, GPX tracks. SBB/CFF offers day passes combining train and hiking. Mountain biking has a parallel network of 12,000 km of marked trails.
Winter: spoiled for choice
Switzerland has over 350 ski resorts, from the most exclusive (Verbier, St. Moritz, Zermatt) to the most family-friendly (Charmey, Sörenberg). Options by profile:
- Regional season pass: CHF 600 to 1,200, access to 5-10 resorts
- Magic Pass: CHF 459, access to 80+ resorts in Romandy, Vaud, Ticino, Bern
- Day skiing: CHF 65 to 100 in most resorts
- Family, youth, senior discounts very significant
Alternatives to alpine skiing: cross-country skiing (4,000 km of trails), snowshoes (marked paths), ski touring (booming), ice skating (on frozen lakes in mild winters).
Climbing and mountaineering
Switzerland is one of the cradles of modern mountaineering. To start or progress:
- Indoor climbing gyms: Magnet, O'Bloc, Block17 — access from CHF 25 per session
- Outdoor school routes: many equipped cliffs in Romandy (Saint-Loup, Dorénaz) and German-speaking Switzerland
- Via Ferrata: over 100 secured routes (Mürren, Tälli, Tière) accessible with basic training
- Classic mountaineering: Matterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau — mountain guide recommended (CHF 450 to 1,200/day)
The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) offers courses, guided outings and 153 mountain huts at member-friendly rates.
Water sports
Swiss lakes (Geneva, Constance, Lugano, Zurich, Bienne, Neuchâtel) and alpine rivers offer multiple practices:
- Sailing and windsurfing: certified schools on all major lakes, rental CHF 30-60/hour
- SUP (paddleboarding): explosion since 2020, rental CHF 25-40
- Kayaking and canoeing: guided descents of the Aare, Doubs, Reuss
- Rafting and hydrospeed: specialised companies in Grisons and Bernese Oberland
- Lake diving: possible year-round with drysuit
Lake swimming is possible from May to October, even year-round in heated public baths (Frauenbad Stadthausquai in Zurich, Bain des Pâquis in Geneva).
Year-round disciplines
Some season-independent sports:
- Running: thousands of kilometres of trails, organised races (Geneva Marathon, Lausanne Marathon, Frauenfeld)
- Road cycling: ideal profile in plains and Jura foothills, legendary routes (Great St. Bernard Pass, Furka)
- Triathlon: circuits in all cantons, including Ironman Switzerland
- CrossFit and functional training: strong growth of boxes in all cities
- Yoga and Pilates: standard in urban zones, often at reasonable prices
Lake temperatures allow open-water swimming until November in regions warmed by south winds.
Gear: rent or buy
Some principles for beginners:
- Skis and boots: rent for the first 2 seasons (CHF 150-250/season), buy after
- MTB: day rental to test (CHF 30-80), purchase from CHF 1,200 minimum for a decent model
- Mountain gear (backpack, technical clothing): invest gradually; Mammut, Ortovox, Mountain Equipment offer quality and durability
- Rain gear: non-negotiable, plan for a waterproof breathable jacket (CHF 300-500)
Second-hand markets are active: Bazar (SBB), Recycliv, Anibis offer pro gear at half price.
Safety first
Essential principles:
- Check weather and avalanche bulletin (slf.ch) before any mountain trip
- Inform someone of your route and return time
- Carry map, compass, charged phone, headlamp
- REGA (mountain rescue): CHF 40/year membership saves you 5-figure bills in case of evacuation
- Supplementary accident insurance: check your UVG and supplements
- Basic training: avalanche transceiver, airbag, first aid for mountaineering and off-piste
Switzerland is safe, but the mountains remain demanding. A training day can save lives.
