Cool mountain tourism boosts Swiss resorts amid heatwaves

As heatwaves grip the plains, Swiss mountain resorts, particularly Ovronnaz in the Valais region, are experiencing a surge in tourism driven by the desire for cooler temperatures. At an altitude of 1,940 meters, the Jorasse chairlift area offers a refreshing 22 degrees Celsius, a stark contrast to the much hotter conditions in the Rhône valley.

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For us, people wanting to escape the heatwave is not new, but the phenomenon is amplifying.

Jessica Monnet, head of the Ovronnaz tourism office, noted that while people seeking refuge from the heat in the mountains is not a new phenomenon, the trend is intensifying. "For us, people wanting to escape the heatwave is not new, but the phenomenon is amplifying," she said. The office has recorded a roughly 20% increase in overnight stays in June compared to the previous year, alongside a 10% rise in inquiries. "City dwellers came earlier than usual and tell us they plan to spend the whole summer in the mountains," Monnet added.

This influx of visitors is a significant boon for local businesses. "For shopkeepers, this period is not insignificant," Monnet stated, highlighting the economic benefits of the extended summer season. The cooler mountain air provides a welcome escape for tourists, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities and the natural beauty of the Alps while avoiding the oppressive heat experienced at lower elevations.

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City dwellers came earlier than usual and tell us they plan to spend the whole summer in the mountains.

The trend underscores a growing appreciation for mountain environments as a refuge during increasingly hot summers. Resorts like Ovronnaz are capitalizing on this shift, offering a vital cooling alternative and extending their peak tourism season, benefiting both visitors seeking relief and the local economy.

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For shopkeepers, this period is not insignificant.