Federal Act on Mountain Guides and Organisers of…
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 1 Scope of application
1 This Act applies to commercially offered high-risk activities in mountainous or rocky terrain and in or around streams or rivers where: a. there is a risk of slipping or falling or an increased risk due to rising water levels, falling rock or ice, or avalanches; and b. the activities require special knowledge or special safety precautions. 2 The following activities are governed by this Act: a. the activities of mountain guides; b. the activities of snow sports instructors that do not fall within the responsibility of ski lift or cableway operators; c. canyoning; d. river rafting and white water rafting; e. bungee jumping. 3 The Federal Council may make further comparable high-risk activities subject to this Act; in doing so, it must familiarise itself with the objective risks that may be expected when carrying out the activities concerned.
Art. 2 Duties of care
1 Any person who offers an activity that is subject to this Act must take the measures that experience indicates are required, that are possible according to the state of the art and that are appropriate in the given conditions, so that the lives and health of the participants are not endangered. 2 He or she must in particular: a. alert clients to the specific dangers that may be related to carrying out the activity concerned; b. assess whether the clients have the capacity to carry out the activity concerned; c. ensure that equipment is free of defects and installations are in a good condition; d. assess the suitability of the weather and snow conditions; e. ensure that staff are adequately qualified; f. ensure that a sufficient number of support staff are available according to the degree of difficulty and the danger; g. show consideration for the environment and in particular the habitats of flora and fauna.