Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne has become Switzerland's first resort to introduce pickleball, as the trending sport continues its global ascent. Olivia Palamountain reports

The Bürgenstock Resort, situated above Lake Lucerne in the Swiss Alps, has partnered with LUX Tennis to launch a comprehensive pickleball programme at its Diamond Domes sporting facility, which is already ranked among the world's top 100 tennis venues.

The sport, which combines elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity, with participation increasing by nearly 40% between 2019 and 2021.

In the United States alone, pickleball has attracted 4.8 million enthusiasts, cementing its position as the world's fastest-growing sport heading into 2024.

Bürgenstock's new programme offers various entry points for both novices and experienced players. Guests can rent courts with equipment for up to four players at CHF 80 per hour (£71), while those seeking instruction can book private lessons with LUX Tennis professionals at CHF 160 per hour (£142) on weekdays and CHF 180 (£160) at weekends, with an additional charge of CHF 40 (£36) for extra players.

The resort has also introduced weekly "Pickleball Discovery Sessions" every Friday afternoon, open to both guests and locals. Looking ahead, the facility plans to organise tournaments featuring pickleball celebrities, building on its track record of hosting tennis stars such as David Ferrer, Timea Bacsinszky, Iva Majoli and Belinda Bencic.

Played on a court roughly half the size of its tennis equivalent, pickleball uses lightweight paddles and perforated plastic balls, with underhand serves making it accessible to players of all ages and abilities. The sport's growing popularity in Switzerland is attributed to its inclusive nature and health benefits, with communities forming across the country.

After their time on court, guests can recover in the resort's extensive 10,000-square-metre Alpine Spa, which features five pools and 15 treatment rooms. For something more extreme, the facility offers a bracing outdoor "Eco-Pool" and a cryotherapy Ice Lab.

The pickleball launch coincides with the spring reopening of the resort's Hammetschwand Lift, Europe's highest outdoor elevator, offering visitors a dramatic mountain ascent alongside other seasonal activities including hiking, e-biking and golf.