Under the motto “Military Champions for Peace”, Switzerland hosted the 5th CISM Winter Military World Games from March 23 to 30, 2025.

While Lucerne served as the host city at the heart of the event, the competitions were held at renowned venues such as Engelberg, Andermatt, Goms, Emmen, and Wädenswil.

1,400 participants from 42 nations were registered, including Swiss athletes supported by the Armed Forces’ elite sports program. But the Games offered far more than top-level athletic performances — they promoted intercultural exchange and friendship among nations, in line with the CISM motto: “Friendship through Sport”.

The 5th Winter Games reflected Switzerland’s commitment to a sustainable future and demonstrated that major sporting events can be organized in an economically responsible, socially sustainable, and environmentally friendly way.

All competitions took place on existing infrastructure and were easily accessible by public transport. With its passion for sports and short, direct travel routes, Switzerland provided the perfect setting for athletes from all CISM nations.

#Lucerne2025 was a unique opportunity to experience breathtaking Swiss winter scenery, a deep passion for winter sports, and top-tier performance in military athletics up close.

The topic of inclusion is on the agenda
Promoting para-sports is one of the CISM's main concerns. The aim is to establish para-sports competitions more firmly and to offer worthy conditions to military personnel with physical disabilities. This commitment is visible at the 5th CISM Military World Winter Games: para-athletes compete together with athletes without disabilities to create a sense of belonging. The CISM delegation from Switzerland, the organizer of the games, is thus sending a strong signal in favor of integration and equality in sports.

CISM Switzerland and PluSport are joining forces
PluSport, the Swiss umbrella organization for sports for the disabled, supports people with disabilities in a range of activities from amateur to professional sports and is the ideal partner for the inclusive organization of the Winter Military World Games. With its expertise and support, the project will be successfully implemented in the spirit of integration and equality.

The marmot «Murmeli» – the official mascot of the Winter Games
The marmot, a symbol of the Alpine region, is a perfect match for the Winter Olympics and for Switzerland. It not only represents the country's close ties with the Swiss mountains, but also the cheerful and welcoming spirit that characterizes the Winter Games.