Switzerland saw 123 deaths in the mountains in 2007, an 18% increase compared to 2006. Contrary to impressions one might get from the media it is not powder crazed freeriders being wiped out in avalanches but walkers (44 victims) followed by climbers (34 victims) who have the highest mortality rates.

Once again weather is to blame. According to the Swiss Alpine Club glaciers were poorly bridged last year with extreme weather in July and August. 83 deaths were the result of falls, 22 from avalanches. 52 of the victims were non-Swiss with men forming the vast majority - 85%.