Wyssen Skyline Crane – A Key Technology for a Resilient Protection Forest of the Future

WSL Insights & Wyssen Cable Cranes

1. Background: Climate Change Requires Adapted Forest Management

Research from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) shows that Swiss forests are increasingly stressed by climate change. Rising temperatures, more frequent drought periods, and higher pressure from insects are causing mortality, reduced growth, and instability in many forest stands. Particularly spruce and beech at climate‑sensitive sites already show significant damage, as highlighted in the Swiss Forest Report 2025.

At the same time, WSL emphasizes that structurally rich, species‑diverse, and well‑maintained forests are far better adapted to climate change and will continue to provide critical protection functions in alpine regions. To achieve this, active and carefully planned forest management is essential — especially in steep and inaccessible mountain terrain. WSL states that around 70% of Swiss forests are managed to maintain protection functions, biodiversity, and long‑term timber production.

2. The Challenge in Steep Terrain: Maintaining Protection While Minimizing Damage

Mountain forests provide essential natural protection:

Rockfall and avalanche protection
Slope and soil stabilization
Regulation of water and drinking water filtration
Protection of settlements and critical infrastructure

Many of these protection forests are over‑aged, unstable, or stressed, requiring targeted interventions to restore resilience and promote young, future‑proof stands. WSL research shows that mountain forests are particularly sensitive — affected by wildlife browsing, climate stress, and natural hazards — while management is made difficult by terrain and limited accessibility

Examples of Wyssen “Skyline Corridors”

3. Cable Yarders: The Optimal Solution for Sustainable Mountain Forest Management

In steep and inaccessible terrain, cable yarders are widely recognized as the most environmentally friendly and least damaging timber extraction method. Their advantages align perfectly with the WSL’s recommendations for climate‑resilient, close‑to‑nature forest management.

Minimal Impact on Soil and Forest Structures

Because logs are transported aerially, cable yarding avoids:

skid trails
soil erosion
compaction from heavy machinery

This directly supports the gentle, soil‑protecting forest management that WSL recommends for protection forests and sensitive mountain regions.

Maintaining Forest Protection Functions

In protection forests, precision and low disturbance are crucial. Wyssen cable yarders allow:

targeted, selective interventions
protection of young regeneration
preservation of stand structure
continued full protection function of the forest

Effective in Extreme Terrain

WSL highlights the difficulty of managing mountain forests due to steep slopes, browsing, and long transport distances. Cable yarders overcome these challenges by:

spanning hundreds of meters
operating in slopes over 100%
transporting timber and materials safely and efficiently

Sustainable, Efficient, Future‑Secure

With Wyssen cable yarders:

forest management remains feasible long‑term
forests are stabilized for future generations
climate‑related risks are reduced
natural regeneration is protected
ecological balance in mountain forests is strengthened

These outcomes directly support WSL’s goal of developing resilient, structurally rich, climate‑stable forests.

4. Conclusion for Forest Owners, Services, and Authorities

The scientific findings are clear:

Only active, careful, and soil‑protecting management will create forests that remain stable, vital, and resilient 100 years from now

Wyssen cable yarders:

enable sustainable forest work in the most difficult terrain
protect soil, regeneration, and biodiversity
safeguard the protection functions of mountain forests
align with the latest scientific recommendations from WSL

They are a key technology for the future of mountain forest management.