Our Story

From the beginnings to a One-Brand Strategy.

Group of men in traditional clothing with hiking sticks and equipment in front of a building.
Group of men in traditional clothing with hiking sticks and equipment in front of a building.

Outdoor experiences in Switzerland have many faces, and we have united them into one brand. OUTDOOR Switzerland AG was formed from the merger of several specialists who have been shaping nature, adventure, and mountain sports for years. Today, all activities operate under one brand: OUTDOOR.

A Common Foundation

Every small outdoor company brings its own strengths: expertise, passion, and closeness to the guest. However, topics like finance, HR, or marketing often drain energy that could be used for adventure. This is where we come in: we pool competencies and create structures so everyone can do what they do best: create unforgettable experiences.

This has created a unique network that today offers over 250 outdoor and mountain sports activities. They are led by professionally trained guides and mountain leaders who receive continuous training. Our safety standards are certified by the ISO 21101 certification of the BFU.

Our Commitment

We are convinced: A strong brand builds trust. That is why we consistently live the One-Brand Strategy. Behind all activities, whether from independent companies or integrated teams, stands one clear name: OUTDOOR Switzerland.

Milestones


1898: Founding of the Grindelwald Mountain Guides Association

  • Founding of the Grindelwald Mountain Guides Association by Pastor Gottfried Strasser.


1937: Founding of the Swiss Ski School Grindelwald

  • Founding of the Swiss Ski School Grindelwald.


2001 & 2002: Two Independent Paths

  • Founding of Outdoor Interlaken AG as a provider of unique nature experiences in Interlaken.
  • Formation of grindelwaldSPORTS AG, combining the Swiss Ski School Grindelwald and the Grindelwald Mountain Guides Association.

 

2002 to 2016: Close Collaboration

  • Outdoor Interlaken AG and grindelwaldSPORTS AG increasingly collaborate.
  • Exchange of know-how and resources strengthens both companies.

 

2017: A New Foundation

  • Founding of Jungfrau Sports Holding AG by the two companies.
  • Integration of Alpin Raft GmbH from the Interlaken area.

 

2021: A New Era Begins

  • Renaming to OUTDOOR Switzerland AG: Launch of the One-Brand Strategy, with all activities clearly under one brand since then.
  • Launch of outdoor.ch as a marketplace for around 250 activities.
  • Integration of new partners: Jetboat Interlaken AG for jetboat rides on Lake Brienz and Eiger Vision for team and corporate events.

 

2023 to 2024: Growth in the Sky

  • 2023: Laying the foundation for the new headquarters in Wilderswil, a modern base for employees and guests from 2025.
  • 2024: Integration of Skydive Switzerland GmbH.

 

2025 to Today: New Foundation for the Future

  • Opening of the new headquarters at the Eichelt Business and Leisure Center in Wilderswil.
  • A center for adventure sports with the Orbit Interlaken Climbing Hall and the Pända Freestyle Hall.
  • From here, we shape the next phase: a strong operational base that connects our guides, mountain leaders, and staff, creating space for innovation.
  • With this infrastructure, we continue to expand our position as the leading provider of authentic outdoor experiences in Switzerland, open to new ideas, new activities, and new generations of adventurers.