Are Switzerland's Alpine summer luge tracks encountering approximately 130 accidents annually, raising safety concerns?
In the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, summer toboggan runs, also known as alpine coasters, have long been a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. However, recent incidents have sparked concerns about the safety of these gravity-driven rides.
On July 4th, 2025, a tragic accident occurred on the Heimwehfluh toboggan run in canton Bern. A 35-year-old employee fell from a luge during testing and unfortunately lost their life. This incident followed another accident in 2021 that resulted in a hospitalization.
The Heimwehfluh run is not the only one with a history of accidents. In 2010, a 26-year-old Pakistani tourist died after being ejected from her toboggan on the same run. Another serious accident in 2014 left a 16-year-old girl with a severe head injury.
These incidents have led to calls for improved safety measures. Gabor Piskoty, an engineer at the Swiss Federal Institute for Materials Science and Technology Empa, believes that backrests and three-point seat belts would be essential to prevent such accidents.
Currently, summer toboggan runs in Switzerland are not subject to the same legal requirements for operational supervision as cable cars and ski lifts. According to Bern's Department of Public Works and Transport, they are subject to voluntary supervision or periodic inspections by the canton or operator. However, the Association of Ski Lift Companies insists that regular mandatory inspections ensure maximum safety on these runs.
The standards for summer toboggan runs are required to be met from a structural, technical, and operational perspective, according to the Association of Ski Lift Companies. Yet, investigations have shown that the machines require extensive maintenance. As a result, the Cantonal Directorate of Public Works and Transport has concluded that conditions for the summer toboggan run to be authorised for operation and remain safely open to the public are no longer met.
Authorities in Switzerland take safety seriously, involving bodies like the Bernese Construction and Transport Directorate and the Intercantonal Concordat on Cableways and Ski Lifts (IKSS) to inspect and regulate these facilities. Closure orders, such as the immediate ban on the Heimwehfluh run after the latest fatality, reflect that safety standards are enforced and that operations can be halted if risks are deemed too high.
In summary, summer luges in Switzerland have inherent risks typical of gravity-driven rides. With proper maintenance, oversight, and cautious use by riders, they remain largely safe. However, recent accidents and investigations spotlight the need for ongoing vigilance, strict adherence to safety protocols, and regular maintenance to prevent tragedies. Visitors should remain aware of safety rules and heed operational warnings when using these facilities.
Sports enthusiasts may find it disheartening to learn that sports-betting might not be the only activity in Switzerland requiring careful consideration. Despite the popularity of alpine coasters, also known as summer toboggan runs, concerns about safety have arisen due to a series of incidents. Weather conditions, particularly during forecasts, might impact the operating safety of these rides, emphasizing the need for constant weather monitoring.
