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Media release, 12.2.2025 | 0,3 Mb |
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Adliswil – A survey by Generali Insurance has shown that winter sports are hugely popular among people in Switzerland. 1,306 out of the 1,408 respondents describe themselves as winter sports enthusiasts. 920 of them have been out on the slopes on skis or snowboards in the last two years.
People in Switzerland are loyal to their native mountains – after all, they are on the doorstep. Winter holidays in Switzerland are the clear number one. When it comes to neighbouring countries, Austria and France top the list of preferred winter destinations.
Many Swiss residents are unable to resist the snowy winter landscape. Even if it’s “just” for a walk. The majority pursue this activity (65%). 64% have donned their downhill skis or descended into the valley by sledge (50%). Around a fifth (19%) regard themselves as snowboarders, while slightly fewer prefer cross-country skiing (14%). 7% do not participate in winter sports.
Most respondents (44%) treat themselves to a winter holiday once a year. 65% take between four days and a whole week’s holiday. A fifth opt for a long weekend in winter, taking three days’ holiday. Day trips are not included.
A third of winter sports enthusiasts either rent a holiday apartment in the mountains (35%) or stay in a hotel (33%). Only 3% favour a luxury resort. The daily budget per person for accommodation, ski pass and other expenses is CHF 100–200 for most respondents.
As already shown by the Generali accident study in autumn 2024, skiing, along with cycling and football, are the types of sport with the greatest risk of injury. Generali’s latest winter sports study also reveals that almost 30% of winter sports enthusiasts have suffered an injury requiring medical treatment in the past. Most people injure their legs (49%), but hand and arm injuries are also common (30%). Head injuries are less frequent, at 13%, possibly due to the widespread use of helmets (77%).
Almost half (46%) of accidents occur on advanced red runs. On intermediate blue runs, the figure is 27%, and 18% of accidents happen on black runs – the most challenging.
Around 69% of respondents who had an accident were able to continue skiing independently afterwards. However, 32% had to be taken from the slopes by rescue sledge or even helicopter.
The most common reasons for accidents are losing control by underestimating your speed (30%), poor conditions on the slopes (28%) and the weather in general (23%).
A whopping 97% of people in Switzerland take various measures to protect themselves against accidents. Helmets in particular have become socially acceptable in winter sports: 77% never ski without a protective helmet. 76% say they take other skiers and snowboarders into consideration and 67% adjust their speed accordingly. Around a quarter wear protective gear on the slopes. Additional data from the Generali survey revealed that 52% of respondents have their equipment checked at least once a year. A third do warm-up exercises before taking to the slopes.
The most common type of insurance for winter sports is private liability cover (43%). This provides financial protection if others are harmed due to your own negligence. 34% mention their household contents insurance in connection with winter sports. This covers the often expensive equipment in the event of theft or damage. 32% mention mountain rescue insurance.
Study profile
1,408 Swiss residents took part in this study, including 1,306 winter sports enthusiasts. 920 of these are skiers or snowboarders who have practised their sport in the last two years. The survey is representative in terms of age, region and gender. It was conducted between 9 and 18 December 2024.
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