Pick the date and peak
Wind on exposed alpine peaks typically peaks in the afternoon.
What this solves
Jungfraujoch is shut down by wind 6–10 times per month in winter, vs Pilatus which rarely closes. Most travellers don't know this and book a single-day trip. When the cable car is closed, they lose a precious Swiss day. This tool gives you the historic closure probability by peak + month + day + time.
It also flags the buffer-day rule: for high alpine peaks (Jungfrau, Schilthorn, Glacier 3000), plan at least 2 trip days in your itinerary if weather is variable. For mid-altitude (Pilatus, First), one day is enough.
How to read the results
- Closure probability = historic days where wind / ice / visibility forced a full shutdown. Not a forecast.
- Partial closure risk = sections running at reduced speed or upper station closed.
- Best time slot = earliest in the morning, when wind is calmest.
- Buffer days recommended = how many spare days you should keep free for this peak.
What this calculator ignores
- Real-time weather. Always check meteoschweiz.ch the morning of.
- Maintenance closures — most cable cars have 1–2 days a year of full closure for cable replacement.
- Operator bankruptcy — yes, it happens (e.g. Harderbahn was rebuilt in 2021).
Common questions
Which peak closes the most often?
Jungfraujoch (3,454 m) and Schilthorn (2,970 m) are the most exposed. Glacier 3000 also closes often. Pilatus and Titlis are more reliable because they have backup gondolas in tunnels or protected routes.
What wind speed cancels a cable car?
Detachable gondolas shut at ~60 km/h, older fixed-grip cable cars at ~45 km/h. Some aerial tramways run higher. The operator publishes thresholds in their annual report.
How often is the Schilthorn closed?
About 5–10 days/year in summer, 30+ days/year in winter. Most closures are wind, a handful are ice on the cable.