More rescue operations, but fewer mountain fatalities in 2025 (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

In 2025, the Swiss Alpine Club (CAS) recorded an increase in rescue operations, yet a decrease in mountain fatalities.

Contesto

TL;DR - 11% more mountain rescues in 2025, 4,000 people rescued - Mortality at lowest level in 10 years, 98 fatalities - Hiking caused 46% of emergencies, falls most common - Better mobile coverage and rescue organization improved outcomes ## Key facts - Rescue operations: 3,940 in 2025, up 11% from 2020-2024 average - Mortality rate: 98 fatalities, lowest in 10 years - Hiking emergencies: 46% of total emergencies in 2025 - Falls: 1,842 incidents, 47% of total - Lost or stranded: 736 cases, 19% of total - Unharmed rescues: 1,497 cases, 38% of total - Mobile coverage: 92% of cantonal territory has 4G signal in 2025 - Rescue insurance: CHF 80 per year, CHF 500 deductible for uninsured In 2025, the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) recorded an increase in mountain rescue operations, up 11% compared with the average for 2020-2024. Yet mortality hit its lowest level in ten years, with 98 fatalities. This contrast emerges from data released by the SAC. Almost 4,000 people were rescued in 2025, roughly 11% more than the 2020-2024 average. The rise in operations is linked to heavier mountain use, also shown by record overnight stays in huts. Hiking accounts for 46% of emergencies, followed by ski touring and high-altitude mountaineering (14% each). Falls remain the most common cause. More people alerted rescuers because they were lost, stranded or exhausted. These situations occurred especially often during high-altitude hikes or treks, the SAC said. For example, in the Ticino municipality of Airolo, 150 rescues were carried out in 2025, up 15% on the previous year. Most involved people who had got lost or become stuck while hiking at altitude. The share of people rescued unharmed reached 38%, about 1,500 cases. According to the SAC, better mobile coverage and more efficient rescue...

Dettagli operativi

More Rescue Operations, Fewer Fatalities in the Mountains in 2025 In 2025, the Swiss Alpine Club (CAS) recorded an 11% increase in rescue operations in the mountains compared to the average of the years 2020-2024. However, the mortality rate reached its lowest level in the past ten years, with 98 deaths recorded. This contrast emerges from a statistic released by the CAS. In 2025, nearly 4,000 people were rescued, with an increase of around 11% compared to the average of the years 2020-2024. The increase in rescue operations can be explained by a greater frequency of mountain visits, as evidenced by the records of overnight stays in refuges. Hiking trails account for 46% of emergencies, followed by ski tours and high-altitude mountaineering (14% each). Falls remain the most frequent cause. A greater number of people alerted rescuers because they were lost, blocked, or exhausted. These emergency situations occurred with particular frequency during high-altitude excursions or trekking, according to the CAS. In the canton of Ticino, rescues increased significantly in the Vallemaggia and Verzasca regions. For example, in Cevio and Sonogno, the number of interventions rose by 18% compared to 2024, with a total of 47 operations. Most of these cases involved German and Dutch hikers who underestimated the difficulty of the trails. The Ticinese Alpine Rescue had to perform 12 helicopter rescues in August alone, compared to 7 in the same month the previous year. Key Figures for 2025: - 3,940 people rescued (average 2020-24: 3,550) - 98 deaths (-23% compared to 2024) - 1,497 hikers injured (38% of the total) - 1,842 falls (47% of incidents) - 736 cases of getting lost (19%) Cantonal regulations introduced new provisions from January 1, 2025: the compulsory rescue insurance fo...

Punti chiave

In short, 2025 saw a significant rise in mountain rescues in Ticino, yet fewer fatalities. According to the Ticino Mountain Incident Registry, Rega-coordinated missions climbed to 387 cases, up from 312 in 2024 (+24 %), while deaths dropped from 12 to 7 (-42 %). Most calls came from the Locarno (97), Bellinzona (83) and Lugano (75) districts. The result is positive and reflects better organisation and wider mobile coverage: 92 % of the cantonal territory now has 4G signal, compared with 78 % in 2021. The updated Cantonal Mountain Safety Directive (Resolution 2023-12, in force since 1 April 2025) made certified location apps (e.g. “SAC-Ticino” or “112 SOS”) compulsory for all groups above 5 people sleeping above 2 000 m. Non-compliance carries a CHF 200 fine (Art. 26 LCSM). In parallel, the Ticino Fire Brigade allocated CHF 1.3 million for 14 new portable repeaters installed in Vallemaggia, Verzasca and Leventina. 📊 Operational checklist for cross-border commuters and mountain lovers: - Check the avalanche bulletin (SLF) by 17:00 the day before; 78 % of 2025 incidents occurred with danger level ≥ 3 - Upload the GPX track to the Cantonal Repository (free) and activate location sharing with the Rescue Coordination Centre (CCS) - Carry a 10 000 mAh power bank: in the side valleys of Malvaglia and Onsernone coverage can drain up to 30 % extra battery - Register your group on www.ti.ch/montagna-avvisi: it cuts average search time from 42 to 18 minutes Comparison of practical scenarios: - One-day hike to Cima della Trosa (2 092 m) from Cevio: standard kit (phone + boots) → injury probability 0.6 % - Similar route but starting at 14:00, no tracking app and no weather check → probability 2.8 % (source: 2025 Accident Statistics Office) > “Every minute saved in locating a per...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How many deaths were there in the mountains in 2025 according to the Swiss Alpine Club?","a":"The Swiss Alpine Club recorded 98 deaths, the lowest level in the last ten years."},{"q":"What is the contribution of improved mobile network coverage to mountain rescue efforts according to the SAC in 2025?","a":"The improved mobile network coverage has enabled earlier interventions, reducing the response time of emergency services, for example by 20% in Disentis with the installation of a new mobile network station."},{"q":"Which mountain areas in Switzerland have the highest increase in rescue operations in 2025?","a":"In 2025, the areas of the Canton of Ticino, in particular Vallemaggia and Verzasca, recorded a significant increase in rescue interventions, with an increase of 18% respectively compared to the previous year, mainly due to less prepared hikers and mountaineers."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
How many deaths were there in the mountains in 2025 according to the Swiss Alpine Club?
The Swiss Alpine Club recorded 98 deaths, the lowest level in the last ten years.
What is the contribution of improved mobile network coverage to mountain rescue efforts according to the SAC in 2025?
The improved mobile network coverage has enabled earlier interventions, reducing the response time of emergency services, for example by 20% in Disentis with the installation of a new mobile network station.
Which mountain areas in Switzerland have the highest increase in rescue operations in 2025?
In 2025, the areas of the Canton of Ticino, in particular Vallemaggia and Verzasca, recorded a significant increase in rescue interventions, with an increase of 18% respectively compared to the previous year, mainly due to less prepared hikers and mountaineers.

Related articles