Four fresh, Alps-focused updates chosen for their practical impact on mountain residents and visitors. All items cite Swiss public offices or public-service media and include clear dates.
This Week in Switzerland
FSO publishes second estimate for July hotel nights
On 2025-08-25, the Federal Statistical Office issued its second “HESTA-Flash” estimate for July 2025, part of a rapid indicator that previews monthly hotel overnight trends. While the detailed tables follow later, the early snapshot assists communes and regional organisations in planning late-summer staffing, transport coordination, and event logistics—especially in high-altitude destinations with short peak windows. The estimate complements the standard hotel statistics; it does not replace audited monthly releases. For alpine towns, the practical takeaway is timing: a mid-month update provides earlier orientation for the shoulder period between late August and early October. Readers can expect the full breakdown by canton and tourist region in the regular series, with Neuchâtel publishing schedules and definitions for continuity across years.
A28 Schiers–Furna: new emergency bays to boost safety
ASTRA announced on 2025-08-12 that three new emergency stopping bays will be built on the A28 between the Schiers Industrie junction and the Furna junction. Works begin on 2025-08-18. For the Prättigau corridor, the measure aims to improve incident handling on a stretch with constrained shoulders and frequent seasonal traffic to side valleys. Temporary lane shifts and local speed reductions will be signposted; night activity is possible in phases to limit daytime disturbance. Residents should watch municipal noticeboards for any short-term access changes to frontage roads. The project reflects a broader program of targeted safety upgrades on alpine approach routes, where breakdowns can quickly cause tailbacks in narrow sections. Completion milestones will be communicated as stages progress, with priority given to maintaining weekend through-traffic when feasible.
Albula road closure for SlowUp car-free event on 7 September
The cantonal police in Graubünden advised on 2025-08-29 that the Albula pass road will be closed to motor traffic on 2025-09-07 for the SlowUp Albula. The closure affects the stretch between Filisur and La Punt Chamues-ch, with cyclists and pedestrians using the route throughout the day. For residents, deliveries and cross-valley trips should be planned the day before or after; detours via Julier or Flüela may be necessary depending on origin and destination. Organisers and authorities recommend consulting village boards for feeder-route arrangements and parking perimeters in adjacent communes. The event typically brings a family-day atmosphere to high valleys while giving local associations visibility along the route. Public information highlights that access for emergency services is coordinated in advance, and that reopening follows staged sweep checks late that afternoon.
FOEN’s 2025 Climate Risk Analysis highlights alpine vulnerabilities
FOEN published its new Climate Risk Analysis on 2025-06-05, identifying heat stress as the highest nationwide risk and flagging rising summer-drought impacts. For mountain communes, the report also details compound risks—from intense rainfall and dry spells to slope instability—that can strain water supply planning, trail maintenance schedules, and protective infrastructure. The study assesses how risks could evolve to 2060 and encourages coordination across cantons, utilities, and land-use offices. While the analysis is not a forecast for a specific valley, it provides reference scenarios that village councils can use to prioritise work programs ahead of winter and spring runoff. The document links to adaptation tools already in use and emphasises plain-language communication so residents understand what measures are planned and why they matter.
