Nothing has been decided yet, but it is generally assumed that mountain railroads will be able to resume operations on June 6. The decision by the Federal Council is expected on 27 May. For Cableways Switzerland, it is clear that the hygiene regulations of the Federal Office of Public Health must be complied with when operations resume. Each company must draw up an individual protection concept, and the industry association has now created a basis for this with its position paper, which is to be regarded as a recommendation for action.

In principle, "Seilbahnen Schweiz" assumes that there are no restrictions if the distance of two meters between people can be maintained. However, the fact is that this is never actually the case in the day-to-day operation of mountain railroads. Where this minimum distance cannot be maintained, "Seilbahnen Schweiz" urgently recommends protective masks. Guests should bring their own masks.

Translated to mountain bikers, this should mean that Mountain railroads will start operating with a general mask requirement for guests. This means that anyone who wants to ride the mountain railroads to the trails this summer should have their own protective mask with them. There is now a wide range of masks available that don't look too bad. Strictly speaking, however, these reusable masks are not suitable for summer tourism, as they would be taken off again for the ride on the trail and stowed away in your rucksack. If it is then worn again for a second trip up the mountain, the protective function is lost because hands, rucksack and everything in the rucksack would be contaminated. If implemented consistently, the mask requirement in mountain biking would mean only using disposable masks and then disposing of them in closed containers at the mountain station.

Further information:

Download the position paper: seilbahnen.org
Information page of Seilbahnen Schweiz: seilbahnen.org/en/Service/Corona-Virus