Another one bites the dust.
Climate change, specifically rising temperatures and declining snowfall, is wreaking havoc on low-elevation ski resorts across the Alps. POWDER has reported on a handful of resorts that have closed in the last few years, and another resort, this time in Switzerland, is joining their ranks.
Braunwald, a small resort by Swiss standards, announced on June 19, 2026, that its lift operators will no longer offer “traditional skiing” going forward. “The result is clear: ‘Business as usual’ is no longer possible,” writes Braunwald. “The ski lift operators are therefore concentrating their offerings and will discontinue traditional skiing operations from winter 2026/27. This decision is part of a comprehensive strategic realignment.”
The decision comes after Braunwald’s lift operators met and evaluated the viability of alpine skiing following years of challenging snow levels and inconsistent visitation.
“Alpine tourism is under pressure,” writes Braunwald. “Climate change and shifting consumer behavior are challenging the entire industry. For Braunwald AG, the situation is compounded by a structurally high cost base. The current business model is no longer viable.”
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It’s unclear what Braunwald’s future holds, but a press release from the resort explains that key stakeholders are meeting to launch a “structured planning process.”
The resort could further lean into summer alpine tourism, such as hiking, climbing, and mountain biking, but a shared vision hasn’t been achieved, according to the press release. “The challenges are too great to be solved in isolation. By working together, we are creating the basis for further developing Braunwald as a whole,” says Richard Bolt, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sportbahnen Braunwald AG.
Braunwald has a base elevation of 1,256 m (4,120 ft) and a summit elevation of 1,901 m (6,236 ft). For comparison, Verbier, Switzerland’s largest ski resort, has a base elevation of 1,500m (4,921 ft.) and a summit elevation of 3,330m (10,952 ft.).
Elevation makes all the difference.
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